Civic Education Through English Language | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Civic Education Through English Language

1. What is the "Civic Education Through English Language" grant opportunity?

It is a U.S. Department of State Public Affairs Section (PAS) program, managed through the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, offered as an open and competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for a cooperative agreement. The initiative is focused on strengthening English language instruction in Georgian primary and secondary schools, while also advancing broader civic and societal goals.

2. Who is running this program?

The program is run by the U.S. Department of State Public Affairs Section (PAS) through the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia.

3. What is the main goal of the project?

The central idea is to improve English teaching and learning in Georgia in ways that also support civic outcomes. The opportunity description links stronger English instruction to goals such as supporting Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration, promoting Western democratic values, improving readiness for higher and continuing education, and building job-related, marketable skills for Georgian youth.

4. How does civic education connect to English language instruction in this opportunity?

Based on the description provided, proposals are expected to connect English learning to civic themes and value-based content (for example, democratic participation and Western democratic values) in a manner appropriate for school settings and different age groups. The specific activity list is not included in the text provided, but the emphasis suggests that applicants should integrate civic education objectives into English instruction.

5. What type of funding instrument is used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity is a cooperative agreement. That generally means there is expected to be substantial involvement or coordination with the U.S. government during implementation compared to a standard grant, including collaboration on elements such as program direction, monitoring, and performance reporting.

6. How long is the project period?

The project is designed as a two-year effort, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

7. Who are the direct beneficiaries?

The direct beneficiaries are Georgian students and English teachers in grades 1 through 12. The work is therefore expected to reach both educators and learners across primary and secondary levels.

8. What is the activity area/category for this opportunity?

The activity category listed is Education.

9. How much funding is available?

The estimated total funding is $950,000, and the award ceiling is also $950,000.

10. How many awards are expected?

The opportunity anticipates making one award (expected awards: 1), up to the maximum amount.

11. Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement stated for this opportunity.

12. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S. and Georgian private, nonprofit, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. The eligible categories explicitly include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), along with other eligible entities as clarified in the full announcement.

13. Can organizations based in Georgia apply?

Yes. The eligibility language includes Georgian private, nonprofit, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions.

14. Can organizations based in the United States apply?

Yes. The eligibility language includes U.S. private, nonprofit, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions.

15. What kinds of organizations are most likely to be a good fit?

Based on the scope described, organizations with relevant experience in education, teacher training, curriculum development, English language instruction, and/or civic education (and the capacity to implement programming in schools) are the intended competitors.

16. What grades and school levels does the project target?

The target range is grades 1 through 12, covering both primary and secondary school levels.

17. Is this opportunity a competitive solicitation?

Yes. It is described as an open, competitive Request for Proposals.

18. What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is S-LMAQM-RFA-CA-11-EUR-004.

19. When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on February 25, 2011.

20. What is the application closing date?

The original and current closing date listed is March 31, 2011.

21. When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date listed is April 30, 2011.

22. Who should be contacted for technical or solicitation requirement questions?

Technical or solicitation requirements questions are directed to Nicole Martin, Grants Specialist at the U.S. Department of State: martinn@state.gov.

23. Who should be contacted for program requirement questions?

Program requirement questions are directed to the U.S. Embassy Tbilisi PAS team: Saul Hernandez, Cultural Affairs Officer (HernandezSA@state.gov) and Nino Gagua, Grants Officer Representative (GaguaN@state.gov).

24. What is the preferred method of communication?

Email is identified as the preferred method of communication.

25. Are phone contacts available?

Yes. Phone numbers are referenced as being provided for the embassy office, and an additional phone contact for the grants management specialist is noted for applicants who have difficulty accessing the announcement electronically.

26. What should applicants expect from a cooperative agreement in practical terms?

Because the instrument is a cooperative agreement, applicants should expect substantial involvement or coordination with the U.S. government during implementation, including coordination on key elements such as program direction, monitoring, and performance reporting.