Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0009618
The FY 2023 Digital Connections Program is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) grant opportunity run through the Office of Citizen Exchanges. It funds an international exchange and rapid response programming model aimed at pushing back on modern digital threats tied to authoritarian influence, the weaponization of information, and efforts by malign actors to weaken democratic values. The program is designed to strengthen information integrity and societal resilience by connecting and supporting people who shape online spaces and public narratives, including digital activists, entrepreneurs, educators, media professionals, and influencers. Programming is expected to operate across multiple world regions, specifically Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
At its core, Digital Connections is built around fast-moving, "on-demand" projects that can be launched in response to emerging needs. ECA anticipates funding four to six distinct rapid response projects under a single cooperative agreement, and at least one of those efforts must include a U.S.-based exchange component. Activities can be virtual, in-person, or blended, and may include international exchanges, creation or activation of networks, and global collaborative initiatives. The focus of these activities is practical and problem-driven: countering disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation that can destabilize economic, environmental, political, and social systems, while also addressing online hate and harassment and promoting healthier, more inclusive information ecosystems.
A major piece of this opportunity is direct support for the Digital Communication Network (DCN). Digital Connections is positioned as ECA's primary vehicle for engaging and sustaining the DCN, which is described as a cross-border network of communication professionals and other digital ecosystem actors such as educators, civil society leaders, content creators, designers, developers, journalists, gamers, opinion leaders, and technology specialists. The intent is not just to convene people, but to help them translate ideas into usable digital platforms, collaborate across borders, address root causes of malign information, and influence the broader information landscape through shared tools, strategies, and coordinated action. Out of the total funding available, a large portion is reserved specifically for this purpose, signaling that DCN continuity and regional activity support are central outcomes of the award.
The award structure is a cooperative agreement, which typically means the State Department expects substantial involvement during implementation rather than a hands-off grant relationship. The total funding ceiling for the single expected award is $2,575,000, and the opportunity notes that $1,575,000 of that total is intended to directly support ECA engagement with the DCN and DCN activities. The assistance listing is under CFDA 19.415, and the opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.
Eligibility is geared toward U.S. organizations with the capacity to run complex international exchange and network programs. Eligible applicants include U.S. public and private non-profit organizations that meet the 501(c)(3) requirements, as well as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education; the notice also references an "Others" category with additional eligibility details in the full NOFO. The geographic reach is global across multiple State Department regions, but the applicant organization must be U.S.-based and eligible under the program rules.
Operationally, the solicitation emphasizes coordination and partnership. Digital Connections is intended to advance U.S. foreign policy goals by leveraging networks in partnership with U.S. embassies and consulates and across the State Department. The model relies on sharing expertise and resources, building durable cross-border relationships, and crowdsourcing solutions that can be deployed quickly when new information threats emerge. In other words, the program is not only about training or one-off exchanges; it is also about building an active, responsive community that can collaborate in real time and sustain efforts beyond a single event.
Key administrative details include the opportunity number (SFOP0009618), the posting timeframe (created March 31, 2023), and the original closing date (May 30, 2023). Applicants are limited to one proposal per organization. If an organization submits more than one application package in Grants.gov, ECA will only review the submission that is closest in time to the NOFO deadline, and that most recent submission will be treated as the sole application for that organization. This makes version control and final submission timing especially important for applicants that might otherwise upload multiple drafts.Apply for SFOP0009618
- The Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural 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 "FY 2023 Digital Connections Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.415.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 31, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 30, 2023. (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 $2,575,000.00 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, Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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