Abyei Leadership Development for Ngok Dinka and Misseriya Women | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Abyei Leadership Development for Ngok Dinka and Misseriya Women."

2) Which U.S. government office is offering this funding?

This funding announcement is from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs.

3) What is the main purpose of the project?

The project aims to strengthen peace and stability in the Abyei area by elevating women as central leaders in reconciliation and community cooperation, specifically across the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.

4) What core approach does the opportunity emphasize?

The opportunity is built around the idea that trusted women leaders, working within and across both communities, can reduce tensions, keep communication open during periods of strain, and guide local actors toward practical collaboration that supports longer-term stability.

5) Does this project start new dialogue efforts, or build on existing ones?

It is meant to build directly on existing and ongoing dialogue initiatives between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities, rather than starting from scratch.

6) Who are the primary participants or beneficiaries of the activities?

The primary focus is on women leaders from the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities, organized to play central roles in reconciliation, dialogue, and cooperation.

7) What kind of group is expected to be created or strengthened under this award?

The opportunity emphasizes creating or strengthening a structured group of women leaders, described as a cadre or taskforce, drawn from both communities.

8) What is the expected role of the women leaders cadre/taskforce?

The cadre/taskforce is expected to serve as a driver for community reconciliation, dialogue, and cooperation, including maintaining communication during tense periods and helping move communities toward practical collaboration.

9) What activities does the funding support?

The funding is designed to support capacity building and training for women leaders, and to facilitate meetings held within each community and between the two communities.

10) Are meetings and dialogue the only intended outputs?

No. The intent is not just to convene discussions, but to help participants produce actionable plans and recommendations that can steer local decision-making toward cooperation, reduce conflict triggers, and encourage community-level problem solving.

11) What type of award is this?

The award was offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement.

12) What does "discretionary cooperative agreement" imply for implementation?

Based on the description provided, it typically means the U.S. government expects a higher level of involvement in shaping or overseeing implementation than in a standard grant.

13) What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is listed as regional development, reflecting a focus on community stability and cross-community collaboration in a sensitive area.

14) What are the funding opportunity and CFDA numbers?

The funding opportunity number is AFPG AFUSSES 15 004. The CFDA number is 19.700 (general Department of State assistance).

15) Is there a cost-sharing or matching requirement?

No. There was no cost-sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants were not required to provide their own funds as a condition of eligibility.

16) What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) was $495,000.

17) Is there a minimum award amount?

An award floor of $0 was listed, indicating no minimum award size was specified in the posted details.

18) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

It was posted on July 6, 2015, and closed on August 7, 2015.

19) What does the archive date mean for this opportunity?

The archive date listed was September 6, 2015, indicating the opportunity was archived after it closed.

20) Who was eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants included U.S.-based nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) organizations), public and private institutions of higher education, and foreign public entities such as public international organizations.

21) Do international or non-U.S. public organizations appear eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list included foreign public entities such as public international organizations, which broadens the pool to international implementers with relevant peacebuilding and community engagement experience.

22) What geographic area is the project focused on?

The focus is the Abyei area, with activities centered on the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.

23) What kind of results is the program trying to achieve at the community level?

The opportunity is centered on translating women-led dialogue into concrete community action in Abyei by investing in leadership development, structured engagement, and facilitated coordination between the two communities to support sustained cooperation and reduce tension.

24) Where can applicants get help if they have trouble accessing the full announcement?

For access issues related to the full announcement, the listed support channel was the Grants.gov Contact Center.

25) How can the Grants.gov Contact Center be reached?

The Contact Center can be reached by phone at 1-800-518-4726 and by email at support@grants.gov. It operates 24/7 except federal holidays.