Reimagining the Transatlantic Relationship | BER NOFO FY21 002B

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Who is offering this funding opportunity?

The U.S. Embassy Berlin, through its Public Affairs Section, is offering cooperative agreement funding for eligible projects.

2) What is the main goal of the program?

The program aims to support projects that help young people in Germany take a fresh look at the transatlantic relationship with the United States, test assumptions about it, and propose how the partnership should evolve in the future.

3) What problem is this opportunity trying to address?

The opportunity is based on the idea that many teenagers and young adults today do not have direct lived experience with the historical conditions that shaped the U.S.-German relationship. At the same time, younger generations often judge international partnerships by whether they feel relevant to issues affecting their daily lives and future prospects (for example climate change, environmental justice, diversity and inclusion, jobs, and quality of life).

4) What types of activities are encouraged?

The Embassy is looking for inclusive, interactive, youth-centered programming that goes beyond lectures. Example formats mentioned include workshops, virtual or in-person speaker events and panel discussions, conferences, and people-to-people exchanges. The key requirement is that activities are engaging and participatory.

5) Who are the intended participants?

The target age range is 13 to 26. Applicants can define a specific sub-audience within that range, as long as the choice is supported by a sensible program rationale.

6) Does the program focus on German youth specifically?

Yes. The funded projects are intended to engage young people in Germany in rethinking the transatlantic relationship and making it feel real and relevant to their lives.

7) Is it important to include participants from diverse backgrounds?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes inclusive programming, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds.

8) Are applicants expected to reach youth who are not already involved in transatlantic or political networks?

Ideally, yes. The Embassy notes a preference for including young people (including teenagers) who have not previously been involved with the United States, transatlantic networks, or political youth organizations.

9) What should participants be able to do by the end of the project?

The opportunity describes a three-part learning arc: (1) participants learn about and reflect on shared values and ties between Germany and the U.S.; (2) they critically assess the current state of the relationship in today’s political and geopolitical context; and (3) they articulate their own vision and expectations for where the partnership should go, grounded in issues they personally care about.

10) Can projects include direct exposure to diplomats or Embassy programs?

When possible and requested, the Embassy may support hands-on exposure such as briefings with diplomats or participation in Public Affairs programs, to provide a window into how the relationship is managed in practice.

11) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This generally implies closer collaboration and oversight by the funding agency than a standard grant.

12) What is the CFDA number and category listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.040 and categorized under Humanities/Cultural Affairs.

13) How many awards does the Embassy anticipate making?

The Embassy anticipated making around three awards.

14) How much funding is available per award?

The opportunity summary states an award ceiling of USD 15,000 for projects lasting one year or less.

15) How much total funding is available across the opportunity?

The information provided notes USD 30,000 total funding available across the opportunity, and indicates that applicants should request what they need up to the total funding available.

16) How long can projects last?

The award ceiling noted applies to projects lasting one year or less, indicating projects are expected to be within that timeframe.

17) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; and individuals.

18) What role is the applicant expected to play if funded?

Applicants are expected to function as the project implementer. This includes designing the program and curriculum, recruiting and selecting participants, organizing and leading sessions, and building evaluation into the project from the start.

19) What does the Embassy expect in terms of program design and rationale?

A strong proposal is expected to include a clear theory of change (how activities lead to desired outcomes), thoughtful decisions about which youth sub-audiences and locations to target, and a plan for sustainability so the impact continues beyond the grant period.

20) How important are evaluation and measurable results?

Evaluation and learning are emphasized. Projects should generate actionable insights about who participated (including demographics and attitudinal profiles) and provide evidence about what worked, how well it worked, and what could be improved. Success is framed as more than delivering events; it includes demonstrating results and lessons learned.

21) Can a budget be adjusted after an award is made?

Budget flexibility may be possible if circumstances change, but reallocations must be reasonable, justified, and communicated in advance to the grants officer.

22) What happens if an application includes costs that are not permissible?

The Embassy indicates it may identify and remove non-permissible costs during review rather than automatically penalizing applications, as long as questionable items do not make up most of the request.

23) What indirect cost rate can an applicant use if they do not have a NICRA?

If the applicant does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), they may use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate applied to modified total direct costs, with the noted exclusions (such as equipment, capital expenditures, certain rental costs, scholarships/fellowships, and the portion of subawards above USD 25,000).

24) How should applicants handle currency conversion to USD?

Applicants may use a reasonable, near-market currency conversion rate when converting local costs to USD.

25) Does the U.S. government fiscal year end create extra spending or reporting requirements?

No. The information provided states that the U.S. government fiscal year end does not impose extra spending or reporting constraints beyond the grant’s normal period of performance.

26) Are late applications accepted?

No. Applications cannot be submitted late.

27) Is SAM.gov registration required at the time of application?

SAM.gov registration may be completed after the application deadline, but an active registration is required before funds can be legally obligated and the award issued.

28) What are the key identifiers and dates listed for this notice?

The opportunity number is BER NOFO FY21 002B. The notice was created February 12, 2021, with an original closing date of April 13, 2021.

29) What should applicants consult for full submission requirements?

Applicants are expected to follow the full NOFO instructions and required attachments for complete application requirements.

30) What kind of overall approach is the Embassy seeking?

At a high level, the Embassy is seeking creative, youth-driven programming that helps German youth explore what the transatlantic relationship has been, debate what it is now, and define what it should become, while producing measurable evidence of impact and insights that can inform future engagement.