Description
U.S. Mission Turkey of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for non-profit organizations, higher education institutions and individuals to submit applications to carry out projects on one or more of the following key bilateral themes. Support Shared Security: Projects for consideration in this category should support and advance cooperation between the United States and Turkey in efforts to counter terrorism, address transnational crime, promote the role of women in peace and security, and increase cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean. Strengthen Economic Prosperity, Promote Innovation, Foster Entrepreneurship, and Improve the Digital Economy: Proposals in this category may include, but are not limited to, entrepreneurship training; small-and-medium enterprise (SME) planning; teaching marketing and outreach techniques; fostering research and development/innovation; and advancing awareness of and adherence to labor rights and laws. Proposals are welcome that strengthen the open and dynamic digital economy and that highlight sectors with growth potential such as local tourism/hospitality, value-added agrobusiness, innovative agricultural technology/practices, and inclusive financial services. These projects could include the utilization of cloud-based technology to meet local needs, training on the importance of the free flow of data, and improving the data literacy of citizens to take advantage of publicly-available information. Proposals are welcome to increase cooperation between U.S. and Turkish scientists and industry, particularly in the fields of agricultural technology innovation, green technology applications, combatting climate change, developing the blue economy, and efforts to address Covid-19. Proposals that partner with U.S. private sector firms to strengthen business-to-business relationships and those that harness the Turkish-American diaspora’s knowledge, experience, and investment resources to spur growth in economically disadvantaged regions across Turkey are welcome. Reinforce Democratic Values: Proposals in this area should reinforce respect for international human rights norms within Turkey, counter gender-based violence, support LGBTQI rights, promote the rule of law and freedom of expression, and/or strengthen the capacity of Turkish media and civil society in order to advocate for human rights and freedoms. Programs here may also aim to assist Turkish media as well as media consumers in identifying and responding to misinformation and disinformation. Foster Turkish and U.S. Ties: Proposals for this category should include programs to develop English language teaching/learning that also promote diversity, inclusion, and/or the representation of specific marginalized communities. Proposals are also welcome that promote STEAM education, develop networks between U.S. and Turkish STEAM educators and organizations, and encourage study in the United States. Activities would seek to build personal, educational, and commercial ties between the Turkish and American people and promote a positive understanding of the value of the relationship between the two countries. Proposals aiming to protect and/or restore important cultural and historical sites are also welcome.