Opportunity Information: Apply for SCAKAB 12 AW 007 SCA 05022012
Apply for SCAKAB 12 AW 007 SCA 05022012
- The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Advancing Womens Economic Opportunity (South and Central Asia)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.501 Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 7, 2012 and posted on May 2, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 8, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
- Preference will be given to local, rather than U.S., implementing organizations. Proposals with cost share or in kind arrangements will be given preference.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Advancing Womens Economic Opportunity (South and Central Asia) grant opportunity is a U.S. Department of State program administered through the U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section (PAS), under the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. It is a discretionary grant designed to support practical, results-driven projects that expand economic opportunities for women across South and Central Asia, with a clear emphasis on approaches that help women participate more fully in business, trade, and regional economic networks. The funding is tied to CFDA 19.501 (Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan), signaling that the effort is meant to advance U.S. public diplomacy objectives while producing tangible economic outcomes for women entrepreneurs and professionals.
Applicants are asked to build proposals around four main themes. First, improving the business environment for women, which can include removing barriers women face in starting and running businesses, strengthening enabling conditions, and addressing constraints that limit women entrepreneurs in formal and informal markets. Second, accessing finance, which points to expanding womens ability to secure capital and financial services, such as loans, savings tools, or investment readiness support, especially where traditional financial access is limited. Third, expanding markets through trade, meaning projects should help women-owned or women-led businesses reach customers beyond their immediate locality, including cross-border trade linkages and broader market integration. Fourth, building capacity through business associations, mentoring, and internships, which focuses on strengthening women entrepreneurs skills and networks by connecting them to associations, mentorship pipelines, and work-based learning opportunities that translate into better business performance and employability.
The opportunity description makes it clear that the Department of State is looking for implementation-focused programming rather than event-centered activities. While proposals can include exchanges or link-building components, the announcement explicitly notes that the Department is not likely to fund proposals that are primarily conferences or meetings. Instead, competitive proposals are expected to demonstrate how they will produce durable improvements such as stronger regional business linkages for women, cross-border partnerships, technical assistance that increases the use of technology, support that improves market readiness, or structured relationships between large and small firms so that smaller women-led businesses can compete more effectively. In practice, that means the strongest concepts would likely show a pathway from training or technical assistance to measurable outcomes like improved sales channels, stronger supplier relationships, expanded export readiness, or more women connected to finance and mentorship that continues after the grant ends.
Funding levels for individual awards range from a floor of $20,000 to a ceiling of $50,000, with no cost-sharing requirement. Even though matching funds are not mandatory, the opportunity states that proposals offering cost share or in-kind support will be viewed more favorably, which suggests the funder is prioritizing projects that can leverage additional resources and demonstrate local buy-in. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a broad range of organizations may apply, but the announcement also states that preference will be given to local implementing organizations rather than U.S.-based entities. This preference reinforces the intent to support locally grounded implementation capacity and regionally relevant programming that can operate effectively in the local context.
Key administrative details include the Funding Opportunity Number SCAKAB 12 AW 007 (SCA 05022012), a posted date of May 2, 2012, and a closing date of May 8, 2012, with the archive date listed as June 7, 2012. Questions or requests for help accessing the full announcement were directed to the grants manager in the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy Kabul (Cynthia Rafferty). Overall, this grant is best understood as a small, targeted funding opportunity intended to catalyze real economic linkages and capacity gains for women, particularly through practical technical support, market connections, and sustained mentorship or institutional strengthening rather than one-off events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the "Advancing Womens Economic Opportunity (South and Central Asia)" grant?
It is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, administered by the U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section (PAS) under the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. It supports practical, results-driven projects that expand economic opportunities for women across South and Central Asia, with an emphasis on helping women participate more fully in business, trade, and regional economic networks.
Which U.S. government office administers this opportunity?
The opportunity is administered through the U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section (PAS), under the U.S. Department of State Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
What CFDA number is associated with this grant, and what does it imply?
The funding is tied to CFDA 19.501 (Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan). This indicates the program is intended to advance U.S. public diplomacy objectives while also producing tangible economic outcomes for women entrepreneurs and professionals.
What kinds of projects is the Department of State looking to fund?
The announcement emphasizes implementation-focused programming that produces durable improvements for womens economic participation. Competitive projects are expected to be practical and results-driven, showing clear pathways to tangible outcomes (for example, stronger business linkages, improved market readiness, or increased access to finance and mentorship).
What are the four main themes proposals should be built around?
Applicants are asked to build proposals around four themes: (1) improving the business environment for women; (2) accessing finance; (3) expanding markets through trade; and (4) building capacity through business associations, mentoring, and internships.
What does "improving the business environment for women" mean in this grant context?
It can include efforts to remove barriers women face in starting and running businesses, strengthen enabling conditions, and address constraints that limit women entrepreneurs in both formal and informal markets.
What does the "accessing finance" theme focus on?
It focuses on expanding womens ability to secure capital and financial services. Examples referenced in the description include support related to loans, savings tools, or investment readiness, especially in contexts where traditional financial access is limited.
What does "expanding markets through trade" mean for proposed projects?
This theme points to helping women-owned or women-led businesses reach customers beyond their immediate locality, including by developing cross-border trade linkages and supporting broader market integration.
What does "building capacity through business associations, mentoring, and internships" include?
It focuses on strengthening womens skills and networks by connecting them to business associations, mentorship pipelines, and internship or work-based learning opportunities that translate into improved business performance and employability.
Are conferences, meetings, or event-based proposals competitive for this opportunity?
The announcement indicates the Department of State is not likely to fund proposals that are primarily conferences or meetings. While proposals may include exchanges or link-building elements, the emphasis is on implementation-focused work that leads to durable, measurable improvements.
What kinds of outcomes are described as competitive or desirable?
Examples of durable improvements mentioned include stronger regional business linkages for women, cross-border partnerships, technical assistance that increases the use of technology, support that improves market readiness, and structured relationships between large and small firms so smaller women-led businesses can compete more effectively.
Does the opportunity emphasize measurable results?
Yes. The description signals that strong proposals should show a pathway from training or technical assistance to measurable outcomes such as improved sales channels, stronger supplier relationships, expanded export readiness, or more women connected to finance and mentorship that continues after the grant ends.
What is the award size for individual grants?
Individual awards range from $20,000 (minimum) to $50,000 (maximum).
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. There is no cost-sharing requirement.
If cost sharing is not required, does it still matter?
Yes. The opportunity states that proposals offering cost share or in-kind support will be viewed more favorably, suggesting the funder values leveraged resources and local buy-in.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a broad range of organizations may apply.
Is there any applicant preference stated in the announcement?
Yes. The announcement states that preference will be given to local implementing organizations rather than U.S.-based entities, reinforcing the intent to support locally grounded implementation capacity and regionally relevant programming.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SCAKAB 12 AW 007 (SCA 05022012).
When was this opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?
It was posted on May 2, 2012. The closing date was May 8, 2012, and the archive date is listed as June 7, 2012.
Who was the point of contact for questions or for accessing the full announcement?
Questions or requests for help accessing the full announcement were directed to the grants manager in the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy Kabul, Cynthia Rafferty.
What is the overall purpose of this grant opportunity?
It is a small, targeted funding opportunity intended to catalyze real economic linkages and capacity gains for women across South and Central Asia, emphasizing practical technical support, market connections, and sustained mentorship or institutional strengthening rather than one-off events.
Browse more business programs for Women in Business
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Business and Commerce
Next opportunity: Eco Restoration at Death Valley NP
Previous opportunity: Summer Stipends
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SCAKAB 12 AW 007 SCA 05022012
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SCAKAB 12 AW 007 SCA 05022012) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Portable Assistance Program Apply for OSBDC 2012 05 Funding Number: OSBDC 2012 05 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| WOMENS LEADERSHIP IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (WLSME) PROGRAM Apply for RFA OAA 12 000013 Funding Number: RFA OAA 12 000013 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| MBDA Business Center American Indian and Alaska Native Program Apply for MBDA OBD 2012 2003391 Funding Number: MBDA OBD 2012 2003391 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Connecting Women and Markets Program Apply for SCAKAB 12 AW 010 SCA 05232012 Funding Number: SCAKAB 12 AW 010 SCA 05232012 Agency: Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Advancing Afghan Womens Economic Opportunity Apply for SCAKAB 12 AW 012 SCA 05232012 Funding Number: SCAKAB 12 AW 012 SCA 05232012 Agency: Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Growth for Women Owned Businesses Program Apply for SCAKAB 12 AW 013 SCA 05232012 Funding Number: SCAKAB 12 AW 013 SCA 05232012 Agency: Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) (CURRENT RECIPIENTS ONLY) Apply for DLA OPTION FY13 Funding Number: DLA OPTION FY13 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| US Small Business Administration Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (FAST) Apply for FAST 2012 R 0006 Funding Number: FAST 2012 R 0006 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Public Comment Analysis on the National Mall Plan Alternatives and Socioeconomic Impacts Analysis Apply for NPS NOI NCRO R2030120067 Funding Number: NPS NOI NCRO R2030120067 Agency: National Park Service Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Small Business Development Centers Program Announcement for the State of Connecticut (CT) Apply for OSBDC 2013 04A Funding Number: OSBDC 2013 04A Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Pakistan Private Investment Initiative PPII Apply for APS 391 12 000001 Funding Number: APS 391 12 000001 Agency: Pakistan USAID Islamabad Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $24,000,000 |
| Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) Apply for DLA AMD006 20121015 Funding Number: DLA AMD006 20121015 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities Program Apply for EBV 2013 01 Funding Number: EBV 2013 01 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Portable Assistance Program Apply for OSBDC 2013 03 Funding Number: OSBDC 2013 03 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) Apply for DLA AMD002 20121220 Funding Number: DLA AMD002 20121220 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Strengthening Economic Advocacy throughout the MENA Region Apply for MEPI MEPICA 13 003 Funding Number: MEPI MEPICA 13 003 Agency: Middle East Partnership Initiative Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Womens Business Center Renewal Grant Apply for OWBO 2013 02 Funding Number: OWBO 2013 02 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $115,262 |
| Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) Apply for DLA AMD007 20130304 Funding Number: DLA AMD007 20130304 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) Apply for DLA 20130412A Funding Number: DLA 20130412A Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Small Business Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Apply for OED 2013 002 Funding Number: OED 2013 002 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $6,191,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SCAKAB 12 AW 007 SCA 05022012", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.