Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS PTA 201906
The grant opportunity titled Promoting Volunteerism and Community Engagement is a competitive funding announcement from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa (Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in South Africa). It supports a program designed to make it easier for people across South Africa to find meaningful volunteer and internship placements with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and private-sector companies, while also helping those host organizations meet real workforce and project needs. The overall concept mirrors a model that has worked well in the United States, and applicants are expected to build in support from a U.S.-based expert who can help shape and strengthen the program design.
At the center of the project is a structured pipeline that starts with nationwide recruitment and moves into practical skills training and then placement. The grantee is expected to recruit at least 100 volunteers and interns from across South Africa and provide training focused on basic workplace and professional readiness skills. The training topics specifically mentioned include time management, project coordination, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills, with the broader intent of preparing participants to contribute effectively in professional environments. After training, participants would be connected to volunteer or internship opportunities that match their interests and capabilities, creating a clearer bridge between community service, skills development, and potential longer-term employment pathways.
A major deliverable is the creation of a website and searchable database that functions as a matching platform. Volunteers and interns should be able to upload profiles highlighting their skills and qualifications, while NGOs and corporations should be able to post available volunteer and internship opportunities. The database is meant to support practical recruitment by host organizations, including the ability to select individuals or even groups of volunteers and interns either for short-term, defined projects or for ongoing support. To ensure the platform is grounded in real demand, the program must partner with at least three corporations and at least three NGOs as part of building and populating the opportunity listings.
The program also places strong emphasis on U.S.-South Africa collaboration and networks. Beyond incorporating a U.S.-based expert, the announcement encourages engagement with U.S. government alumni and related programs, including the Fulbright Senior Specialist program, as well as collaboration with American Spaces located in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Another explicit objective is to create collaborative links between a U.S.-based NGO and a South African NGO, reinforcing the exchange of models, practices, and institutional partnerships.
Monitoring and evaluation is treated as a core responsibility rather than an afterthought. The selected grantee must track and assess both outputs and longer-term impacts. Outputs include things like the quality and intensity of implementation efforts (for example, how effectively recruitment, training, and placements are carried out). Impacts include longer-horizon outcomes such as skills development and long-term job placement, indicating the program is expected to demonstrate benefits beyond immediate volunteer hours or short-term internships.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant with an anticipated single award. The funding opportunity number is DOS PTA 201906, and the CFDA number listed is 19.040. The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $115,000. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status (as specified in the notice). The opportunity was created on March 27, 2019, with an original application closing date of May 31, 2019. Applicants are directed to follow the full notice instructions when preparing and submitting proposals.Apply for DOS PTA 201906
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Promoting Volunteerism and Community Engagement" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 27, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 31, 2019. (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 $115,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Promoting Volunteerism and Community Engagement
1. What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The grant opportunity is titled Promoting Volunteerism and Community Engagement.
2. Which U.S. government entity is offering this funding?
This is a competitive funding announcement from the U.S. Department of State, specifically the U.S. Mission to South Africa through the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in South Africa.
3. What is the main purpose of the program being funded?
The program is designed to make it easier for people across South Africa to find meaningful volunteer and internship placements with NGOs and private-sector companies, while also helping host organizations meet real workforce and project needs.
4. What kind of model is this program based on?
The overall concept mirrors a model that has worked well in the United States, and applicants are expected to incorporate support from a U.S.-based expert to help shape and strengthen the program design.
5. What are the core components of the program pipeline?
The project centers on a structured pipeline that includes:
- Nationwide recruitment across South Africa
- Practical skills training focused on workplace readiness
- Placement into volunteer or internship opportunities aligned with participant interests and capabilities
6. How many volunteers and interns must be recruited?
The grantee is expected to recruit at least 100 volunteers and interns from across South Africa.
7. What training is required for recruited participants?
The program must provide training focused on basic workplace and professional readiness skills. Training topics specifically mentioned include:
- Time management
- Project coordination
- Organizational skills
- Interpersonal skills
The broader intent is to prepare participants to contribute effectively in professional environments.
8. What happens after the training?
After training, participants are connected to volunteer or internship opportunities that match their interests and capabilities, creating a clearer bridge between community service, skills development, and potential longer-term employment pathways.
9. What technology deliverable is required under this grant?
A major deliverable is the creation of a website and a searchable database that functions as a matching platform between volunteers/interns and host organizations.
10. What should volunteers and interns be able to do on the platform?
Volunteers and interns should be able to upload profiles that highlight their skills and qualifications.
11. What should NGOs and corporations be able to do on the platform?
NGOs and corporations should be able to post available volunteer and internship opportunities to support practical recruitment.
12. Does the database need to support group placements as well as individuals?
Yes. The database is intended to allow host organizations to select individuals or groups for short-term, defined projects or for ongoing support.
13. Are partnerships required to populate and validate real opportunities?
Yes. To ensure the platform is grounded in real demand, the program must partner with at least:
- Three corporations
- Three NGOs
14. What is the role of a U.S.-based expert in the program?
Applicants are expected to build in support from a U.S.-based expert who can help shape and strengthen the program design, aligning it with a U.S.-tested model.
15. What kinds of U.S.-South Africa collaboration does the announcement encourage?
The announcement emphasizes networks and collaboration, including engagement with:
- U.S. government alumni and related programs
- The Fulbright Senior Specialist program
- American Spaces in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town
16. Is there an objective related to NGO-to-NGO partnerships between the U.S. and South Africa?
Yes. An explicit objective is to create collaborative links between a U.S.-based NGO and a South African NGO, reinforcing the exchange of models, practices, and institutional partnerships.
17. What are the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) expectations?
Monitoring and evaluation is described as a core responsibility. The selected grantee must track and assess both:
- Outputs (for example, the quality and intensity of implementation such as recruitment effectiveness, training delivery, and placements)
- Impacts (for example, longer-horizon outcomes such as skills development and long-term job placement)
18. What type of grant is this and how many awards are anticipated?
This is a discretionary grant with an anticipated single award.
19. What is the maximum funding amount available?
The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $115,000.
20. What is the funding opportunity number (FON)?
The funding opportunity number is DOS PTA 201906.
21. What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 19.040.
22. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
- Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status (as specified in the notice)
23. When was the opportunity created and what was the original closing date?
The opportunity was created on March 27, 2019, with an original application closing date of May 31, 2019.
24. Where should applicants look for submission instructions and full requirements?
Applicants are directed to follow the full notice instructions when preparing and submitting proposals.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: NIST Summer Institute for Middle School Science Teachers (NIST Summer Institute) Program
Previous opportunity: Fiscal Year 2019 Candidate Conservation Action Funds
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 DOS PTA 201906
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DOS PTA 201906) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Go green on campuses and in surrounding communities Apply for DOS PTA 201907 Funding Number: DOS PTA 201907 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| Hackathons for SA: Digital Solutions for Real-World Challenges Apply for DOS CT 201901 Funding Number: DOS CT 201901 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $70,000 |
| FY 2019 Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program Apply for SFOP0005690 Funding Number: SFOP0005690 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| FY 2019 U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Conservation Apply for SFOP0005691 Funding Number: SFOP0005691 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| DRL FY18/19 IRF Burma Apply for SFOP0005688 Funding Number: SFOP0005688 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: $1,000,000 |
| ECA/AEECA -English Access Microscholarship Program Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2019 008 Funding Number: PAS UKRAINE 2019 008 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $285,000 |
| Renovation of Badinan Gate Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 012 Funding Number: DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 012 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Iraq Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| English for Journalists and Export-Oriented Business Professionals Apply for SCAKAB 19 CA 007 SCA 03282019 Funding Number: SCAKAB 19 CA 007 SCA 03282019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $360,000 |
| DRL Promoting Civil Society, Rule of Law, and Transparent and Accountable Government in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Apply for SFOP0005648 Funding Number: SFOP0005648 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: $1,000,000 |
| Promoting Freedom of Expression in Malaysia Apply for SFOP0005656 Funding Number: SFOP0005656 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: $500,000 |
| 2019 Jordan Local Grants Program Apply for JORDANLG2019 Funding Number: JORDANLG2019 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Media Training & Development Apply for SRB10019FO0002 Funding Number: SRB10019FO0002 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Serbia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $24,000 |
| Building Cooperation to Combat Wildlife Trafficking Between Africa and Asia Apply for SFOP0005697 Funding Number: SFOP0005697 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| 2019 refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia Apply for SFOP0005698 Funding Number: SFOP0005698 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: $600,000 |
| FY 2020 Fulbright Student Program Apply for SFOP0005700 Funding Number: SFOP0005700 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $19,000,000 |
| FY 2019 Arts Envoy Program Apply for SFOP0005701 Funding Number: SFOP0005701 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,545,000 |
| Afghan Young Leaders Exchange Program (AYLEP) Apply for SCAKAB 19 AW 008 SCA 04012019 Funding Number: SCAKAB 19 AW 008 SCA 04012019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| FY 2019 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program Placement Components Apply for SFOP0005704 Funding Number: SFOP0005704 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $9,300,581 |
| Promoting Innovative Entrepreneurship (PIE) Apply for SFOP0005685 Funding Number: SFOP0005685 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Solicitation of Proposals for Economic Development Feasibility Study Funding from the Native American Business Development Institute Apply for BIA NABDI 2019 0001 Funding Number: BIA NABDI 2019 0001 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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 "DOS PTA 201906", 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.