Ambassador's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (AWASH) in Schools Initiative

The Office of International Health and Biodefense of the Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science (OES) at the Department of State announces a Request for Applications for management of the Ambassador’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (AWASH) in Schools Initiative. The Initiative aims to catalyze action at the local, national, and international levels to address water and sanitation challenges by supporting model activities designed to provide sustainable access to improved water and sanitation services for children in targeted schools; increase local, national, and global awareness of the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools; and increase the political will at the local and national level to address the basic sanitation and hygiene needs of their people. The grantee and its partners (if any) will work collaboratively with OES and U.S. Embassies to transform targeted schools into “WASH-friendly” schools that provide sustainable access to improved water and sanitation services, and include a hand washing station, latrines for girls and boys, trained teachers, and a comprehensive hygiene education curriculum. The grantee and its partners will also work with OES and U.S. Embassies to convene high-level public events and media outreach that highlight the importance of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Total U.S. Department of State funding for this grant is $148,500. We anticipate that support from U.S. Embassies in the host countries where these activities will take place will match or exceed this amount – so total U.S. Government (USG) support for these activities should approach $297,000 or more. The grantee is expected to do cost sharing to match or exceed the USG contribution up to $297,000. The total funding should enable the Initiative to support at least one target school in each of 15 to 20 target countries. Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) with experience in coordinating international water projects are encouraged to submit proposals.