Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0008919
The U.S. Department of State, through the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), issued a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) for a cooperative agreement program of roughly $1.5 million focused on strengthening the economic empowerment of Afghan women. The core idea is to back a practical, sustained approach to improving Afghan women s economic security and resilience, both inside Afghanistan and, if proposed, among Afghan women living elsewhere in South and Central Asia. Rather than funding a single stand-alone project, the opportunity emphasizes building an ongoing platform that can connect Afghan women leaders and women-led businesses and nonprofits with outside partners who can help expand economic opportunities over time.
The program concept centers on leveraging private sector engagement as the engine for durable results. Applicants are expected to propose how they would create or operate a platform that allows businesses, nonprofits, and international government leaders in the United States and other countries to partner with Afghan women leaders and Afghan women-led organizations. The expectation is that these partnerships are not symbolic; they should be structured to co-create initiatives that produce real income, market access, skills development, and business growth for women. The opportunity highlights several priority economic pathways, including women s entrepreneurship and enterprise development, participation in agricultural value chains (for example, linking women producers to processing, logistics, and buyers), engagement in e-commerce and the digital economy, and improved connectivity between women artisans and global markets.
SCA signals that it will favor applicants that can bring cost-share and can demonstrate a track record of building partnerships with the private sector. In practice, that means the Department is looking for implementers who can mobilize companies and other actors to contribute resources, expertise, market channels, or co-investment, rather than relying entirely on U.S. government funds. The emphasis on partnership experience suggests that strong applicants would be able to show they have previously convened cross-sector coalitions, negotiated and managed private sector collaborations, and translated those relationships into measurable economic outcomes.
The opportunity also recognizes that economic empowerment cannot be separated from the broader realities Afghan women face after the Taliban takeover. As a result, proposals are encouraged to build connectivity with, or create pathways to connect participants to, complementary efforts that address critical enabling needs such as mental health access, safety support, and other essential services. The grant is therefore framed as an economic program that should be designed in a way that does not ignore protection and wellbeing concerns, and that can link women to support systems that make sustained participation possible.
From an application standpoint, this announcement is explicitly a first-step solicitation rather than a request for full proposals. Interested organizations must submit a concise Statement of Interest and Capacity, limited to four pages, outlining the program concept and objectives. The SOI is meant to communicate the basic idea clearly and demonstrate the applicant s ability to carry it out; it initiates a multi-phase, collaborative program development process with SCA rather than serving as a complete implementation plan. The funding opportunity is listed as discretionary, uses a cooperative agreement instrument (implying substantial involvement by the Department during implementation), and is open to for-profit organizations other than small businesses. The opportunity is identified as SFOP0008919 under CFDA 19.108, with an award ceiling listed at $1,481,481 and an original closing date of June 20, 2022.Apply for SFOP0008919
- The Department of State, 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 "Afghan Women Economic Empowerment Through Leveraging the Private Sector" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.108.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 26, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 20, 2022. (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 $1,481,481.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: For profit organizations other than small businesses.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity about?
This opportunity is a U.S. Department of State program, issued through the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), focused on strengthening the economic empowerment of Afghan women. The aim is to improve Afghan women's economic security and resilience through practical, sustained approaches rather than one-off activities.
What type of funding instrument is being used?
The program is expected to be supported through a cooperative agreement. This typically indicates substantial involvement by the Department of State during implementation compared to a standard grant.
What is the approximate funding amount available?
The program is described as roughly $1.5 million. The listed award ceiling is $1,481,481.
Which agency and bureau are issuing the opportunity?
The opportunity is issued by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA).
What is the core program concept SCA is looking for?
SCA emphasizes building an ongoing platform that connects Afghan women leaders and Afghan women-led businesses and nonprofits with outside partners. The platform is intended to enable partnerships that can expand economic opportunities over time, rather than funding a single stand-alone project.
Is the focus only on Afghan women inside Afghanistan?
No. The opportunity focuses on Afghan women inside Afghanistan and also allows, if proposed, support for Afghan women living elsewhere in South and Central Asia.
What does SCA mean by an "ongoing platform"?
Based on the description, the platform is meant to be a sustained mechanism for convening and connecting Afghan women leaders and women-led organizations with private sector actors, nonprofits, and international government leaders in the U.S. and other countries. The intention is to keep partnerships active and productive over time rather than running a single, isolated project.
Why is private sector engagement emphasized so strongly?
The announcement positions private sector engagement as the engine for durable results. Applicants are expected to describe how businesses and other partners will contribute to initiatives that produce real economic outcomes, such as income generation, market access, skills development, and business growth for Afghan women.
What kinds of partners are expected to participate in the platform?
The platform is expected to enable partnerships among businesses, nonprofits, and international government leaders in the United States and other countries, working alongside Afghan women leaders and Afghan women-led businesses and nonprofits.
Are partnerships expected to be symbolic or deliver concrete outcomes?
They are expected to deliver concrete outcomes. The opportunity states that partnerships should be structured to co-create initiatives that lead to tangible results like income, market access, skill building, and enterprise growth.
What priority economic pathways are highlighted in the opportunity?
The opportunity highlights several pathways, including:
- Women's entrepreneurship and enterprise development
- Participation in agricultural value chains (e.g., linking women producers to processing, logistics, and buyers)
- Engagement in e-commerce and the digital economy
- Improved connectivity between women artisans and global markets
Does the opportunity address non-economic needs like safety or mental health?
Yes. The opportunity notes that economic empowerment cannot be separated from post-takeover realities and encourages proposals to build connectivity with, or create pathways to connect participants to, complementary support efforts such as mental health access, safety support, and other essential services.
Does this announcement request a full proposal right away?
No. This is explicitly a first-step solicitation. Organizations are asked to submit a concise Statement of Interest and Capacity rather than a full proposal.
What is the required submission at this stage?
Organizations must submit a Statement of Interest and Capacity (SOI) that outlines the program concept and objectives and demonstrates the applicant's ability to carry it out.
How long can the Statement of Interest and Capacity be?
The SOI is limited to four pages.
What is the purpose of the SOI?
The SOI is meant to clearly communicate the basic idea and show capability. It is intended to initiate a multi-phase, collaborative program development process with SCA rather than serve as a complete implementation plan.
What factors does SCA indicate it will favor when reviewing applicants?
SCA signals it will favor applicants that can bring cost-share and can demonstrate a track record of building partnerships with the private sector.
What does "cost-share" mean in the context of this opportunity?
The announcement indicates a preference for applicants that can bring cost-share, meaning the implementer can contribute additional resources beyond U.S. government funding (for example, by mobilizing partner contributions). The specific acceptable forms are not detailed in the provided information.
What kind of experience is implied by "track record of building partnerships with the private sector"?
The description suggests SCA is looking for implementers that have previously convened cross-sector coalitions, negotiated and managed private sector collaborations, and translated those relationships into measurable economic outcomes.
Is this opportunity described as discretionary funding?
Yes. The opportunity is listed as discretionary.
Who is eligible to apply based on the information provided?
The opportunity is open to for-profit organizations other than small businesses.
What is the opportunity identifier and program reference?
The opportunity is identified as SFOP0008919 under CFDA 19.108.
What was the original closing date listed for this opportunity?
The original closing date is listed as June 20, 2022.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Support Program 2022
Previous opportunity: Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - Region 5
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 SFOP0008919
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0008919) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Transforming the International Humanitarian Data Ecosystem Apply for 720BHA22APS00001 Funding Number: 720BHA22APS00001 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Issue Formula Grant Administrative and Legal Requirements (ALRD) Announcement No. DE – FOA-0002736 Apply for DE FOA 0002764 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002764 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DRL FY21 IRF Promoting Interfaith Respect and Social Inclusion in Bulgaria and Romania Apply for SFOP0008788 Funding Number: SFOP0008788 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $987,654 |
| TEC Inc Pre-Award Notice - PLSO Apply for PLSO00001 Funding Number: PLSO00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Ethiopia USAID-Addis Ababa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,665,269 |
| Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Apply for AF RW600 FY22 002 Funding Number: AF RW600 FY22 002 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Rwanda Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $41,000 |
| Tax Counseling for the Elderly Apply for TCE 2023 Funding Number: TCE 2023 Agency: US Department of the Treasury, Tax Counseling for the Elderly Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Matching Grant Apply for VITA 2023 001 Funding Number: VITA 2023 001 Agency: US Department of the Treasury, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) - Region 9 Apply for DHS 22 MT 082 09 01 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 082 09 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $765,352 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) - Region 10 Apply for DHS 22 MT 082 10 01 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 082 10 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $178,528 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Multi-State and National Earthquake Assistance Apply for DHS 22 MT 082 00 01 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 082 00 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) - Region 7 Apply for DHS 22 MT 082 07 01 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 082 07 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $66,024 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) - Region 6 Apply for DHS 22 MT 082 06 01 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 082 06 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $59,772 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) - Region 4 Apply for DHS 22 MT 082 04 01 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 082 04 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $77,208 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) - Region 2 Apply for DHS 22 MT 082 02 01 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 082 02 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $98,385 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) - Region 8 Apply for DHS 22 MT 082 08 01 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 082 08 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $73,845 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) - Region 5 Apply for DHS 22 MT 082 05 01 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 082 05 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $64,047 |
| DRL and INL FY21 Corruption Accountability Reporting and Advocacy Program Apply for SFOP0008934 Funding Number: SFOP0008934 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $987,654 |
| Counterterrorism Financing Communications Initiative Apply for SFOP0008920 Funding Number: SFOP0008920 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $484,607 |
| FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and RSC Turkey and Middle East (TuME) Apply for SFOP0008932 Funding Number: SFOP0008932 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Community Radio technicians skill reinforcement and capacity building Apply for AFNER 22 03 Funding Number: AFNER 22 03 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Niger Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $40,000 |
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
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
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.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SFOP0008919", 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.