Job Creation and Alternative Activities for At-Risk Youth | BH200 16 GR 200 WHA 031716

Opportunity Information: Apply for BH200 16 GR 200 WHA 031716

The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Job Creation and Alternative Activities for At-Risk Youth" (Funding Opportunity Number: BH200 16 GR 200 WHA 031716; CFDA 19.750). The purpose of the notice of funding opportunity is to strengthen citizen security in Belize by reducing the drivers of crime and violence among young people who are considered at higher risk of gang involvement or participation in criminal activity. Projects are expected to go beyond short-term services and instead address underlying risk factors by expanding real educational and economic pathways for youth and other marginalized groups.

Proposals must align with at least one of three core objectives. The first is job creation: programs that create employment opportunities or improve employability for youth and marginalized communities as a practical alternative to crime and violence. The second is the provision of productive alternative activities that build education and leadership, such as structured youth development programs, after-school or community-based initiatives, mentorship, skills-building, and other constructive engagements that steer participants toward positive social networks and life choices. The third objective focuses on improving the quality of education for Belizean high school students, particularly in underserved communities, with an explicit aim of lowering dropout rates. This can include efforts to strengthen curriculum, teaching quality, student support systems, or other interventions that keep students engaged and progressing toward completion.

The funding instrument is a grant, with an award ceiling of USD 400,000 and an anticipated total of four awards. The opportunity was created on March 17, 2016, and the original closing date for submissions was May 6, 2016, with the complete application package and all supporting documentation due before midnight on that date.

Applications were intended to be submitted through Grants.gov, but the Embassy issued an update recognizing that some applicants encountered technical problems uploading their packages. If an applicant can document the technical issues (for example, providing Grants.gov ticket numbers) and can show they made reasonable attempts to submit online but were unable to do so through no fault of their own, the Embassy indicated it would consider accepting applications by email. This flexibility does not change the deadline; the full package still had to be received before midnight on May 6, 2016.

Eligibility information in the posting indicates the program is open to certain nonprofit organizations (including those with 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education, as listed under Eligible Applicants), and the narrative also notes that overseas-based NGOs, institutions of higher education, and public international organizations may apply. Belizean NGOs are strongly encouraged to submit proposals, reflecting the Embassy's interest in locally grounded approaches and partnerships. Interested applicants were advised to read the full NOFO carefully to understand the project expectations, required application components, submission steps, and how proposals would be evaluated.

For questions or assistance, the point of contact listed is the U.S. Embassy Belmopan via email at CARSIESF@state.gov, with telephone contact at 501.822.4011 x4306.

• The U.S. Mission to Belize in the community development, education, employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Job Creation and Alternative Activities for At-Risk Youth" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.750.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-03-17.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-05-06. (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 $400,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Others.

Apply for BH200 16 GR 200 WHA 031716

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