Dialogues on Democracy between American and Indian Youth | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the "Dialogues on Democracy between American and Indian Youth" grant opportunity?

It was a U.S. Mission to India public diplomacy and education initiative designed to connect American high school students with high school students in South India through a structured series of online conversations. The program was built around moderated debates and guided discussions using low-cost digital tools over a four-month period.

2) What was the main goal of the program?

The main goal was to help students explore democratic values and understand how diverse societies handle disagreement, pluralism, and civic responsibility through recurring, organized cross-cultural dialogue rather than one-time exchanges.

3) What inspired this initiative?

The initiative drew inspiration from remarks President Barack Obama made during his January 2015 visit to India, highlighting the global importance of the United States and India showing that large, diverse democracies can live together and work toward shared goals.

4) Who were the intended participants?

The intended participants were U.S. high school students and high school students in South India. The design also anticipated involvement from Indian teachers and administrators to support implementation and long-term continuity.

5) What geographic area in India did the opportunity focus on?

The program focused on South India, with a notable emphasis on reaching Indian youth in rural areas and expanding their exposure to American values and shared democratic ideals through sustained engagement.

6) What types of activities were expected under this grant?

Applicants were expected to facilitate recurring, organized dialogues (debates and guided discussions) over approximately four months, using innovative communication approaches and practical online platforms to connect Indian schools with U.S. classrooms.

7) Were the dialogues meant to be informal student chats?

No. The opportunity specifically emphasized moderated and intentional sessions that could address sensitive or controversial topics in a productive way, rather than casual or unstructured exchanges.

8) What discussion themes were suggested?

Suggested themes included gender-based violence, free trade, foreign policy, freedom of expression and/or religion, governance and judicial independence, and the responsibilities that come with being a global power. Proposals needed to address topics that mattered to the U.S. Government's Mission in India.

9) How long was the dialogue series expected to run?

The dialogues were described as a structured series over a four-month period, with recurring sessions rather than a single event.

10) Where would the dialogues take place?

The dialogues could happen in-person at the American Library hosted by U.S. Consulate General Chennai (for Indian students and teachers) or virtually by linking Indian schools to U.S. classrooms through online communication tools.

11) What role did U.S. Consulate General Chennai play in the project?

The Consulate planned to coordinate with the selected awardee to identify and work with appropriate Indian partner institutions at the local or regional level. The Consulate also expected to be involved in coordination and implementation because the award mechanism was a cooperative agreement.

12) What is a cooperative agreement in this context?

This opportunity was offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning U.S. Consulate General Chennai expected to be actively involved in coordination and implementation of the project rather than simply providing funds with minimal involvement.

13) Was the program required to include capacity building for schools?

Yes. The awardee was responsible for ensuring Indian teachers and administrators were comfortable using the program technology so participating schools could continue similar student-to-student exchanges after the grant-funded period ended.

14) What did "sustainability" mean for this program?

Sustainability meant leaving behind skills, confidence, and basic infrastructure so the participating schools could continue international civic discussions beyond the grant period, rather than relying on a one-time, grant-only activity.

15) Was there a required deliverable beyond the dialogue sessions?

Yes. The awardee had to produce an interactive digital product capturing major themes and outcomes from the exchanges. The announcement suggested an online video as an example, but allowed other interactive formats.

16) Who was the interactive digital product intended for?

It was intended to be shared with U.S. and Indian students and schools and also to support Consulate events and serve as a reference for future programs by documenting impact and providing a model that could be repeated or scaled.

17) How many awards were expected?

Only one award was expected under this opportunity.

18) How much funding was available?

The total estimated funding was $75,000. The award ceiling was $75,000 and the award floor was $25,000.

19) Was cost-sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity stated there was no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

20) What types of organizations were eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants included public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions).

21) Who reviewed proposals?

Proposals were reviewed by a panel of staff from U.S. Consulate General Chennai.

22) What administrative steps were required after selection?

Any selected applicant had to complete additional forms and registration documents within 30 days of notification in order to finalize funding.

23) What was the CFDA number for this program?

The CFDA number listed was 19.040, Public Diplomacy Programs.

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

The opportunity was posted on March 11, 2015. The closing date was extended to May 11, 2015. It was later archived on June 10, 2015.

25) Who was the point of contact for questions or access to the full announcement?

The point of contact was the Public Affairs Section at U.S. Consulate General Chennai, specifically the Grant Applications Manager, for help accessing the full announcement or navigating submission requirements.