Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0002211
The Support for the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) Young Scientist Exchange Program is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity run through the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP) to fund a regional education and research exchange project in Southeast Asia. The program is designed to strengthen institutional linkages and cooperation among Lower Mekong countries under the LMI Education Pillar, with activities guided by the LMI 2016-2020 Master Plan of Action. The core idea is to create a structured Young Scientist Exchange Program that gives young scientists and young professionals practical research opportunities, cross-border exchanges, and shared learning experiences focused on environmental and development challenges that affect the Mekong region.
The project focus is on building scientific knowledge, technology, and innovation capacity among emerging researchers ages 18 to 35. The opportunity is framed around the belief that stronger scientific skills and collaborative research networks can support long-term regional prosperity by helping close development gaps, reduce poverty, and expand sustainable development pathways. In practical terms, the program is expected to connect young scientists from LMI partner countries with participating institutes or research centers, enabling them to work on regionally relevant issues while also building professional networks, technical skills, and experience collaborating across borders. Activities may include exchanges hosted by partner institutions, joint research projects, and convenings such as workshops or symposiums where participants present findings, share methods, and develop relationships that can continue beyond the grant period.
A key requirement is that proposed activities must involve all five specified countries: Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Burma (Myanmar). This means the program cannot be limited to a subset of countries or a single-country effort; it must be genuinely regional, incorporating participation and benefits across the full set of LMI countries listed in the announcement. The grant is structured as a discretionary award, issued as a grant, with an award ceiling of $395,000 and an expectation of one award being made under this competition.
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations, including nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education. The funding opportunity is identified as SFOP0002211, with the associated CFDA number 19.124, and it was originally posted on June 20, 2017 with an original closing date of August 4, 2017. Overall, the opportunity aims to invest in the next generation of regional scientists by giving them real research exposure and structured exchanges that promote collaboration, innovation, and shared problem-solving on challenges that matter across the Lower Mekong region.Apply for SFOP0002211
- The Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Support for the Lower Mekong Initiative Young Scientist Exchange Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.124.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-06-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-08-04. (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 $395,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Support for the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) Young Scientist Exchange Program?
It is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity run through the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP) to fund a regional education and research exchange project in Southeast Asia. The program’s core purpose is to create a structured Young Scientist Exchange Program that gives young scientists and young professionals practical research opportunities, cross-border exchanges, and shared learning experiences focused on environmental and development challenges affecting the Mekong region.
Which U.S. government office is offering this grant?
The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State, administered through the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP).
What is the main goal of the funded project?
The project is meant to strengthen institutional linkages and cooperation among Lower Mekong countries under the LMI Education Pillar. It focuses on building scientific knowledge, technology, and innovation capacity among emerging researchers, while also supporting cross-border collaboration and lasting professional networks.
What types of activities are expected under this program?
Expected activities may include exchanges hosted by partner institutions, joint research projects, and convenings such as workshops or symposiums where participants present findings, share methods, and develop relationships that can continue beyond the grant period.
Who is the program designed to serve?
The program is designed for young scientists and young professionals, specifically emerging researchers ages 18 to 35, who will gain practical research exposure and structured exchange experiences.
What themes or issues should the exchanges and research focus on?
The exchange program is focused on environmental and development challenges that affect the Mekong region, with an emphasis on regionally relevant issues that support sustainable development and long-term regional prosperity.
What is meant by a “regional” program requirement?
The announcement requires that proposed activities involve all five specified Lower Mekong countries. The program cannot be limited to a single country or only a subset of countries; it must incorporate participation and benefits across the full set of countries listed in the opportunity.
Which countries must be included in the project?
All five of the following countries must be involved: Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Burma (Myanmar).
What is the guiding framework for the program activities?
Activities are guided by the LMI 2016-2020 Master Plan of Action and align with the LMI Education Pillar.
How does the program intend to create long-term impact?
The opportunity is framed around the belief that stronger scientific skills and collaborative research networks can support long-term regional prosperity by helping close development gaps, reduce poverty, and expand sustainable development pathways. It also aims to build relationships and cooperation that last beyond the grant period.
What is the award type and how is it described in the announcement?
The award is described as a discretionary award and will be issued as a grant.
What is the maximum amount of funding available (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $395,000.
How many awards are expected to be made under this competition?
The announcement states there is an expectation of one award being made.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations, including nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education.
Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?
No. The eligibility statement specifies that eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations that are not institutions of higher education.
What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?
The funding opportunity is identified as SFOP0002211.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The associated CFDA number is 19.124.
When was this opportunity originally posted and when was it originally due?
It was originally posted on June 20, 2017, with an original closing date of August 4, 2017.
What kinds of benefits are participants expected to gain?
Participants are expected to gain practical research opportunities, technical skill development, experience collaborating across borders, professional networking, and shared learning experiences through regional exchanges and convenings.
What is the intended role of participating institutes or research centers?
Participating institutes or research centers are expected to host or otherwise engage young scientists from LMI partner countries, enabling them to work on regionally relevant issues while building skills and cross-border professional relationships.
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