Bridging Basketball with English Language Learning and U.S. Education Opportunities | SCAISB 24 AW 001 01282024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The project is titled "Bridging Basketball with English Language Learning and U.S. Education Opportunities."

2) Who is offering this grant?

The U.S. Consulate General Karachi is offering this opportunity through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Karachi) under the Public Diplomacy Grants Program.

3) What type of award is being offered?

This is a single cooperative agreement award under a discretionary grant opportunity.

4) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number is 19.501.

5) What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is SCAISB 24 AW 001 01282024.

6) How many awards does the agency expect to make?

The agency expects to make one award.

7) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is $100,000, subject to funding availability.

8) What is the main purpose of the funded project?

The project is designed to fund an after-school basketball camp for high school students in Karachi that uses basketball as the core activity while intentionally integrating English language learning and programming about U.S. education opportunities.

9) Where will the program take place?

The program is intended to take place in Karachi. Proposals are expected to place activities in secure and easily reachable areas across Karachi to support access for students from different neighborhoods.

10) Who is the target audience for the camp?

The target participants are high school students in Karachi.

11) How long is the project expected to run?

The program is expected to run for about 12 months, essentially covering an academic year.

12) Is the funder looking for a short event or a sustained program?

The funder expects a program structured to consistently serve students over the full academic-year cycle, rather than a short, one-off event.

13) What does the grant mean by "bridging" basketball with education?

The concept is to use basketball as an engaging extracurricular entry point and then layer in English language learning and education-focused programming so participants build athletic skills alongside academic and future-study pathways.

14) What priorities does the Consulate emphasize beyond sports training?

Beyond basketball, the opportunity emphasizes English language promotion and credible education-focused engagement related to U.S. higher education opportunities.

15) How should English language learning be included?

Applicants are encouraged to integrate English language promotion directly into the camp experience as part of the program design (not as a separate or unrelated add-on).

16) Are there specific U.S. government education resources the project should use?

Proposals that make smart use of existing U.S. government education resources are likely to be more competitive.

17) What is RELO and how does it relate to this opportunity?

The opportunity notes a preference for projects that leverage support or materials from the U.S. Department of State's Regional English Language Office (RELO), which typically provides English teaching resources and programming expertise.

18) What is EducationUSA and what is expected here?

Strong proposals should incorporate EducationUSA components, meaning structured engagement that helps students learn about U.S. higher education options, application processes, and related advising resources, adapted appropriately for a high school audience.

19) What does inclusivity mean for this program?

A major priority is inclusivity, with the camp expected to bring together students from both privileged and disadvantaged backgrounds to build social connections across communities.

20) What outcomes or benefits is the program trying to encourage for students?

The program aims to encourage teamwork and leadership, strengthen social connections across communities, and improve participants' overall academic experience through English exposure and education-oriented programming.

21) Why does location and access matter in the proposal?

The funder emphasizes secure and easily reachable locations across Karachi to make participation realistic for students coming from different neighborhoods.

22) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to non-profit, non-governmental entities, including not-for-profit organizations and civil society or non-governmental organizations.

23) Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?

No. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply, even if they otherwise resemble organizations in eligible categories.

24) Can government entities apply?

No. The opportunity is limited to non-profit, non-governmental entities.

25) Does the application need a single lead organization?

Yes. The prime recipient must be a single non-profit, non-governmental organization.

26) Is sub-contracting or partnering allowed?

Yes. The prime recipient may sub-contract parts of the work to other entities as needed.

27) If sub-contracting is included, what must be explained in the application?

If sub-contracting is proposed, the application must clearly describe what each partner will do, how responsibilities are divided, and how those contributions fit into the overall implementation plan.

28) When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on January 28, 2024.

29) What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date listed for the competition is April 2, 2024.

30) What is the funder ultimately looking for in a proposal?

The Consulate is looking for a well-organized, safe, accessible, year-long basketball-based after-school program in Karachi that produces clear educational value through English language exposure and credible U.S. education engagement, while intentionally mixing students across socioeconomic backgrounds to strengthen community ties.