Opportunity Information: Apply for SCAKAB 12 AW 014 SCA 05232012
Apply for SCAKAB 12 AW 014 SCA 05232012
- The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Linking Afghan Professionals Program" 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 23, 2012 and posted on May 23, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 30, 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: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- The U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section encourages applications from all sectors committed and organized civil society organizations, private sector companies, local representatives of civil society, think tanks, non governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals. U.S. NGOs may apply but preference is given to local NGOs or to partnerships that develop capacity with Afghan NGOs or employees and include plans to transfer programs to sustainable local management.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Linking Afghan Professionals Program (Funding Opportunity Number SCAKAB 12 AW 014 / SCA 05232012) is a discretionary U.S. government grant opportunity administered through the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, with implementation interest and outreach led by the U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section. The purpose of the program is to strengthen professional networks and build or expand associations in Afghanistan across a wide range of sectors, including public service, academia, private industry, and civil society. At its core, the opportunity is aimed at helping Afghan professionals connect with each other in organized, sustainable ways that improve coordination, knowledge sharing, and collective action.
Projects funded under this program are expected to focus on practical networking and association-building activities. The announcement allows a broad menu of eligible activities, such as networking receptions, professional working groups, conferences, symposia, media outreach, and the use of communications technologies to keep members connected across distance and time. It also supports mentorship projects, targeted trainings, and research, including market research that could help business associations understand member needs and grow. Applicants can propose one activity or a combination, but the central expectation is that the work will clearly empower groups and associations to function more effectively in roles such as advocacy, information sharing, and collaboration with similar organizations.
A key requirement is demonstrated capacity. Applicants need to show they already have the ability to carry out the proposed activities or that they can credibly build that capacity as part of the project. For proposals that aim to establish new associations, the program places special emphasis on demonstrating a clear link between the planned activities and measurable growth in membership. In other words, it is not enough to simply create an organization in name; proposals should show how outreach, programming, and engagement will lead to a real, active membership base.
The funding parameters are relatively small but flexible: awards range from a floor of $2,500 up to a ceiling of $50,000, and there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. While project expenses can include reasonable costs for equipment, technical support, and staff needed to run the activities, the program explicitly discourages heavy administrative overhead. Administrative costs, particularly salaries, are expected to be minimal, signaling that funds should primarily support direct program activities rather than long-term payroll or large management structures.
Partnership-building is strongly encouraged. Applicants are urged to pursue relationships with national and international organizations that can help newer or growing associations develop skills, systems, and credibility. The announcement specifically asks that letters of support from these potential partners be included with the application, which implies that reviewers will look for evidence of real cooperation rather than informal or speculative connections.
Sustainability is treated as a central evaluation theme. Applications must include a clearly outlined sustainability plan that demonstrates commitment to private sector fundraising and the establishment of membership fees. This reflects the program’s intent to seed associations that can eventually stand on their own financially and operationally, rather than groups that remain dependent on grant funding to function.
Women’s inclusion is not optional under this opportunity, and it is one of the strongest program priorities. Proposals that specifically support the development of women’s networks receive a strong funding preference, and any association that does not include women will not be considered at all. This makes gender inclusion a threshold requirement as well as a competitive advantage, and applicants should be prepared to show meaningful, not token, participation and leadership opportunities for women.
Eligibility is broad, with the U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section encouraging applications from organized civil society organizations, private sector companies, local representatives of civil society, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals. U.S.-based NGOs may apply, but preference is given to local Afghan NGOs or partnerships that build Afghan organizational capacity and include credible plans to transition programs to sustainable local management. The grant falls under CFDA 19.501 (Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan), indicating a public diplomacy orientation that often emphasizes relationship-building, civic engagement, and community-driven institution strengthening.
The opportunity was posted on May 23, 2012, with an application deadline of July 30, 2012, and an archive date of August 29, 2012. For access issues or submission questions, the point of contact listed is Cynthia Rafferty, Grants Manager, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Linking Afghan Professionals Program
What is the Linking Afghan Professionals Program?
The Linking Afghan Professionals Program is a discretionary U.S. government grant opportunity administered through the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, with implementation interest and outreach led by the U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section. It is designed to strengthen professional networks and support the creation or expansion of professional associations in Afghanistan across multiple sectors.
What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SCAKAB 12 AW 014 / SCA 05232012.
What is the main purpose of the program?
The program aims to help Afghan professionals connect with each other in organized, sustainable ways. The overall goal is stronger coordination, better knowledge sharing, and more effective collective action through professional networks and associations.
Which sectors are targeted by this opportunity?
The opportunity supports networking and association-building across a wide range of sectors, including public service, academia, private industry, and civil society.
What kinds of projects are expected to be funded?
Funded projects are expected to focus on practical networking and association-building activities that help groups function more effectively for advocacy, information sharing, and collaboration with similar organizations.
What are examples of eligible activities under this program?
Eligible activities may include networking receptions, professional working groups, conferences, symposia, media outreach, and the use of communications technologies to keep members connected across distance and time. The program also supports mentorship projects, targeted trainings, and research, including market research to help business associations understand member needs and grow.
Can an applicant propose just one activity, or must it be a multi-part program?
Applicants may propose one activity or a combination of activities. The key expectation is that the proposed work clearly advances networking and association-building in a practical and sustainable way.
Is capacity a requirement for applicants?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate they already have the ability to carry out the proposed activities, or they must credibly show they can build that capacity as part of the project.
What is required if the proposal is creating a new association?
For proposals seeking to establish new associations, the program places special emphasis on demonstrating a clear link between planned activities and measurable membership growth. Proposals should show how outreach, programming, and engagement will build an active membership base, not just create an organization in name.
What are the award amounts available through this program?
Awards range from a minimum (floor) of $2,500 to a maximum (ceiling) of $50,000.
Is cost-sharing or matching funding required?
No. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement stated for this opportunity.
What types of expenses can grant funds cover?
Project expenses may include reasonable costs for equipment, technical support, and staff needed to run the activities, as long as the budget supports the core program purpose of networking and association-building.
Are there restrictions or concerns about administrative overhead?
Yes. The program explicitly discourages heavy administrative overhead. Administrative costs, particularly salaries, are expected to be minimal, reflecting an expectation that funds will primarily support direct program activities rather than long-term payroll or large management structures.
Does the program encourage partnerships?
Yes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to pursue partnerships with national and international organizations that can help newer or growing associations develop skills, systems, and credibility.
Are letters of support required?
The announcement specifically asks for letters of support from potential national or international partners to be included with the application. This indicates reviewers will look for evidence of real cooperation rather than informal or speculative connections.
What does the program require regarding sustainability?
Sustainability is a central evaluation theme. Applications must include a clearly outlined sustainability plan that shows commitment to private sector fundraising and the establishment of membership fees, consistent with the intent to seed associations that can eventually operate independently.
How important is womens inclusion in this opportunity?
Womens inclusion is a core priority and a requirement. Any association that does not include women will not be considered. Proposals that specifically support the development of womens networks receive a strong funding preference, and applicants should be prepared to show meaningful participation and leadership opportunities for women.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. The U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section encourages applications from organized civil society organizations, private sector companies, local representatives of civil society, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals.
Can U.S.-based NGOs apply?
Yes. U.S.-based NGOs may apply, but preference is given to local Afghan NGOs or partnerships that build Afghan organizational capacity and include credible plans to transition programs to sustainable local management.
What CFDA number is associated with this program?
This grant falls under CFDA 19.501, Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
When was this opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?
The opportunity was posted on May 23, 2012. The application deadline was July 30, 2012. The archive date was August 29, 2012.
Who is the point of contact for access issues or submission questions?
The listed point of contact is Cynthia Rafferty, Grants Manager, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan.
What is the role of the U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section in this program?
Implementation interest and outreach are led by the U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Affairs Section, while the opportunity is administered through the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
What is the program trying to achieve beyond hosting events?
While events and convenings are part of the eligible activity menu, the program is focused on building organized, durable professional networks and associations that improve coordination, knowledge sharing, advocacy capacity, and collaboration over time.
Does the program support technology-based approaches for networking?
Yes. The announcement explicitly includes the use of communications technologies as an eligible approach to keep members connected across distance and time.
Does the opportunity support research activities?
Yes. Research is an eligible activity area, including market research that could help business associations better understand member needs and grow.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Vegetation Management
Previous opportunity: Growth for Women Owned Businesses Program
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 014 SCA 05232012
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SCAKAB 12 AW 014 SCA 05232012) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Vegetation Management Apply for P12AC10508 Funding Number: P12AC10508 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Developing Historical Sites Apply for P12AC30538 Funding Number: P12AC30538 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Archeology Intern Apply for P12AC10513 Funding Number: P12AC10513 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Burn Area Restoration Apply for P12AC10436 Funding Number: P12AC10436 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program Apply for ECA PE C PY 13 02 Funding Number: ECA PE C PY 13 02 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,700,000 |
| EducationUSA Advising Program Apply for ECA A S A 13 01 OY B Funding Number: ECA A S A 13 01 OY B Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,600,000 |
| Resources for NICs Website on Data Collection and Analysis in Corrections Apply for 12JA04 Funding Number: 12JA04 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $135,000 |
| FY 2012 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO Programs Benefiting Malian Refugees in Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Niger Apply for PRM AFR 12 CA AF 060412 SAHEL Funding Number: PRM AFR 12 CA AF 060412 SAHEL Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| FY 2012 National Urban Search Rescue (USR) Response System Readiness Cooperative Agreement Apply for DHS 12 DOD 025 000 01 Funding Number: DHS 12 DOD 025 000 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2012 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO Programs Benefiting Burmese Refugees in Thailand, Malaysia and the East Asia Region. Apply for PRM PRMOAPEA 12 003 Funding Number: PRM PRMOAPEA 12 003 Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Western Hemisphere Regional Marginalized Communities Business Human Rights Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 12 064 Funding Number: DRLA DRLAQM 12 064 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Apply for DHS 12 GPD 004 000 99 Funding Number: DHS 12 GPD 004 000 99 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,750,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Beirut Small Grants Program for Civil Society Apply for NEALE 12 GR 001 NEA 061312 Funding Number: NEALE 12 GR 001 NEA 061312 Agency: U.S. Mission to Lebanon Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Assessment of ecological roles of gravel bar features restored by gravel augmentation and channel rehabilitation activities below Lewiston Dam Apply for R12AS20022 Funding Number: R12AS20022 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Mid Pacific Region Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| Expanding Civic Participation and Defending Human Rights in Cuba Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 12 066 Funding Number: DRLA DRLAQM 12 066 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,050,000 |
| Vegetation Interns Apply for P12AC10548 Funding Number: P12AC10548 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $56,000 |
| Electronic Device Distraction Mitigation Peer to Peer Coaching Grant Apply for FR RSR 12 001 015329 Funding Number: FR RSR 12 001 015329 Agency: DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Western Kazakhstan Community Dialogue Program Apply for RFA 176 12 000010 Funding Number: RFA 176 12 000010 Agency: Kazakhstan USAID Almaty Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $290,000 |
| Ukraine Media Partnership Program Apply for AEECA 1972 12 0306 Funding Number: AEECA 1972 12 0306 Agency: U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award Youth Project Rehabilitation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Vermont, Route 140 to Clarendon Shelter, Crew 1 and Crew 2 Apply for NPS 12 NERO 0039 Funding Number: NPS 12 NERO 0039 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
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 014 SCA 05232012", 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.