Youth empowerment and teamwork through baseball - A Sports Diplomacy program for the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. | DOS MEX PD CJ 2017 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS MEX PD CJ 2017 01

The U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, through its Public Affairs Section, offered a competitive grant opportunity for a single organization to design and run a youth sports diplomacy program in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The program was meant to use baseball as a practical tool to build youth empowerment, teamwork, and respect across gender lines, while also strengthening people-to-people ties between Mexico and the United States. The project period could last up to twelve months during calendar years 2017 to 2018, with a maximum award amount of $30,000 and an expected total of one award.

The target participants were non-elite boys and girls ages 12 to 16, meaning the program was not intended only for highly trained athletes but for youth with interest and ability who could realistically stay engaged for the full duration. Activities had to be delivered in multiple locations across Chihuahua, with required programming in the cities of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juarez and a preference for extending to additional communities such as Parral, Delicias, Cuauhtemoc, Nuevo Casas Grandes, and Camargo. The opportunity strongly encouraged proposals that included coaching clinics and a culminating baseball tournament to bring participants together, reinforcing teamwork, sportsmanship, and a shared experience across communities.

The grant emphasized measurable youth development outcomes rather than sports participation alone. By the end of the program, participants were expected to show positive changes in their desire, confidence, and ability to stay in school, complete their education, and contribute to improving their communities. Another central expected result was a stronger appreciation for gender equality and inclusion, with youth showing intent to promote those values. In other words, baseball was the setting, but the core purpose was personal growth, community resilience, and inclusive norms, especially in areas affected by gangs, violence, and crime.

Applicants were required to explain clearly how they would recruit and retain participants, including how the selection process would prioritize youth from communities acutely impacted by insecurity and criminal activity. Proposals also had to lay out specific outcomes, explain how progress would be measured, and describe management controls that would keep the project on schedule and within budget. A key program feature was the incorporation of U.S. baseball coaches, players, and/or mentors, tying the sports component to the broader diplomacy objective of mutual understanding and connection between U.S. and Mexican communities.

Eligibility was limited to nonprofit entities organized under the laws of Mexico or the United States, with a principal place of business or operations in Mexico or the U.S., and with the capacity to implement programming in Mexico. The organization also needed majority beneficial ownership and governance by Mexican or U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Applications could be submitted by a single organization or through partnerships with local or international groups; partnerships with government entities were possible if they contributed expertise, staff, or resources, but the prime applicant still had to meet all eligibility rules. Cost sharing was not required, but it was strongly encouraged and considered as part of cost effectiveness. Individuals and for-profit organizations were explicitly ineligible.

The opportunity placed heavy weight on organizational capacity and past performance. Applicants needed to demonstrate they could organize sports and educational programming aligned with the grant goals and that they had relevant experience implementing similar programs in Mexico. They also had to show the ability to manage a large, multi-city effort, which implies logistics planning, safeguarding and supervision, staff coordination, budgeting discipline, and reliable monitoring and evaluation practices. Procedurally, each organization could submit only one proposal; submitting multiple proposals would disqualify all of them. Prior federal award recipients not current on required program and financial reporting were not eligible, and applicants were responsible for complying with applicable federal grant rules and Office of Management and Budget guidance (Uniform Guidance).

The grant’s legal authority came from the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (the Fulbright-Hays Act), which frames these programs as ways to build mutual understanding and more peaceful international relationships through educational and cultural exchange. The opportunity was listed as a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.040, administered by the U.S. Mission to Mexico, with an original application deadline of May 18, 2017 (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS MEX PD CJ 2017 01). All proposal narratives were required to be submitted in English, and applicants were directed to follow the full Notice of Funding Opportunity, proposal guidelines, and budget narrative instructions included in the related documents.

• The U.S. Mission to Mexico in the humanities sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Youth empowerment and teamwork through baseball - A Sports Diplomacy program for the state of Chihuahua, Mexico." 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 2017-03-28.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-05-18. (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 $30,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for DOS MEX PD CJ 2017 01

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: