Opportunity Information: Apply for S DR860 17 NOFO 002
Building English Teaching Capacity is a U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo grant competition aimed at improving the quality and reach of English language instruction in the Dominican Republic by investing in structured teacher training. The program focuses on building local capacity through practical, skills-based professional development for English educators and trainers, with an emphasis on modern classroom methods aligned to national reforms. Projects are expected to operate within the Dominican Republic, including the northern, eastern, southern, and/or capital regions, and should be designed and delivered by eligible organizations such as public or private institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities).
At the center of the opportunity are clear training and capacity targets. Applicants are expected to (1) license at least five teachers or teacher trainers as TESOL Trainers, creating a multiplier effect so future training can be sustained locally; (2) train at least 80 pre-service and/or in-service English teachers in the communicative approach, directly supporting the Ministry of Education's newer English curriculum; (3) train 40 teachers and/or supervisors drawn from the Ministry of Higher Education's English Immersion Program and the two binational centers (Instituto Cultural Dominico-Americano and Centro Cultural Dominico-Americano), with a focus on the communicative approach plus evaluation and assessment practices; and (4) raise the English proficiency of at least 30 in-service public sector teachers so they can deliver higher-quality instruction nationwide. In addition to delivering the training itself, proposals are expected to explain how participants will be interviewed and selected and how learning outcomes will be assessed, signaling that the Embassy is looking for programs with credible recruitment, screening, and measurement plans rather than one-off workshops.
The grant is designed to serve several educator groups and institutions that are important to the Dominican English education pipeline. The TESOL Trainer licensing component is geared toward teachers or supervisors/teacher trainers connected to the Instituto Cultural Dominico-Americano's teacher training center and/or English school. The larger pre-service and in-service training component targets future teachers enrolled at local universities such as UASD and ISFODOSU as well as current Ministry of Education teachers, reflecting an intent to strengthen both new entrants and the existing workforce. The assessment and communicative-methodology training is specifically tailored to teachers and supervisors from the Ministry of Higher Education's English Immersion Program and staff from both binational centers, while the English-proficiency improvement element prioritizes in-service public sector teachers who need language upskilling to teach more effectively.
A required feature of all proposals is meaningful U.S. content that advances the broader public diplomacy purpose of the grants program: improving relationships between Dominicans and U.S. organizations and people, and helping Dominican audiences better understand the United States, including its culture, society, government, language, and values. The solicitation gives examples of acceptable U.S. content, such as using U.S. training models or materials, incorporating U.S. citizen speakers, building exchanges with U.S. institutions, or including elements that promote U.S. culture and arts. In practice, that means applications should not treat U.S. content as an add-on, but as an integrated component that strengthens the training design and supports mutual understanding.
The types of activities the Embassy typically funds under this opportunity include academic and professional lectures, public seminars, professional development workshops and training for youth and teachers, cultural and academic exchanges, and artistic or cultural workshops and joint events. At the same time, the notice makes clear what is generally not supported: grants to individuals, scientific research, using funds to finish activities already started with other funding, political or partisan projects, and speakers who are not U.S. citizens (a restriction that matters for proposals relying on external presenters). Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic, under CFDA 19.040, with an award ceiling of $150,000 and an expectation of two awards under this announcement (originally posted July 13, 2017, with an original closing date of August 14, 2017).Apply for S DR860 17 NOFO 002
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Building English Teaching Capacity" 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 Jul 13, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 14, 2017. (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 $150,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 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): Building English Teaching Capacity (U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo)
1) What is the "Building English Teaching Capacity" grant opportunity?
Building English Teaching Capacity is a U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo grant competition focused on improving the quality and reach of English language instruction in the Dominican Republic by investing in structured, practical teacher training and local training capacity.
2) What is the main goal of this program?
The main goal is to strengthen Dominican English teaching capacity through skills-based professional development for English educators and trainers, emphasizing modern classroom methods aligned with national education reforms and supporting sustained, locally delivered training over time.
3) Where must funded projects operate?
Projects are expected to operate within the Dominican Republic. The opportunity references work in the northern, eastern, southern, and/or capital regions.
4) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include public or private institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations, including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities.
5) What are the required training and capacity-building targets?
Applicants are expected to meet specific targets, including:
- Licensing at least five teachers or teacher trainers as TESOL Trainers.
- Training at least 80 pre-service and/or in-service English teachers in the communicative approach.
- Training 40 teachers and/or supervisors from the Ministry of Higher Education's English Immersion Program and the two binational centers, focusing on the communicative approach plus evaluation and assessment practices.
- Raising the English proficiency of at least 30 in-service public sector teachers.
6) What does "TESOL Trainer licensing" mean in the context of this grant?
The grant expects projects to license at least five teachers or teacher trainers as TESOL Trainers. The stated intent is to create a multiplier effect so future teacher training can be sustained locally after the grant-supported activities.
7) What teaching method is emphasized for training participants?
The solicitation emphasizes the communicative approach, describing it as aligned with the Ministry of Education's newer English curriculum.
8) Who are the main educator groups this grant is meant to serve?
The opportunity highlights multiple target groups, including pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, teacher trainers, supervisors, and educators connected to specific national programs and institutions involved in English teaching and training.
9) Which institutions or programs are specifically referenced as key partners or participant sources?
The notice references:
- The Instituto Cultural Dominico-Americano (including its teacher training center and/or English school) for the TESOL Trainer licensing component.
- Local universities such as UASD and ISFODOSU for pre-service teacher participation.
- The Ministry of Education as a source of in-service teachers.
- The Ministry of Higher Education's English Immersion Program for a specialized training cohort.
- Two binational centers: Instituto Cultural Dominico-Americano and Centro Cultural Dominico-Americano.
10) What is the required cohort for the Ministry of Higher Education English Immersion Program and binational centers?
Projects are expected to train 40 teachers and/or supervisors drawn from the Ministry of Higher Education's English Immersion Program and the two binational centers, with training focused on the communicative approach plus evaluation and assessment practices.
11) Who is prioritized for English proficiency improvement activities?
The opportunity prioritizes in-service public sector teachers for the English proficiency improvement component, with a target of improving proficiency for at least 30 teachers so they can deliver higher-quality instruction nationwide.
12) Are applicants expected to explain how participants will be recruited and selected?
Yes. Proposals are expected to explain how participants will be interviewed and selected, indicating the Embassy is looking for credible recruitment and screening plans rather than one-off workshops.
13) Are applicants expected to measure results?
Yes. Proposals are expected to explain how learning outcomes will be assessed, signaling that the program values measurable outcomes and credible evaluation approaches.
14) What is meant by "meaningful U.S. content," and is it required?
Meaningful U.S. content is required. It should support the public diplomacy purpose of improving relationships between Dominicans and U.S. organizations/people and helping Dominican audiences better understand the United States, including its culture, society, government, language, and values. The notice indicates U.S. content should be integrated into the project design rather than treated as an add-on.
15) What are examples of acceptable U.S. content mentioned in the notice?
Examples provided include using U.S. training models or materials, incorporating U.S. citizen speakers, building exchanges with U.S. institutions, and including elements that promote U.S. culture and arts.
16) What types of activities does the Embassy typically fund under this opportunity?
The notice lists typical funded activities such as academic and professional lectures, public seminars, professional development workshops and training for youth and teachers, cultural and academic exchanges, and artistic or cultural workshops and joint events.
17) What types of activities are generally not supported?
The notice states that the program generally does not support:
- Grants to individuals
- Scientific research
- Using funds to finish activities already started with other funding
- Political or partisan projects
- Speakers who are not U.S. citizens (important for proposals relying on external presenters)
18) Can an individual apply for this grant?
No. The notice indicates grants to individuals are generally not supported.
19) Does the opportunity allow scientific research projects?
No. Scientific research is listed among the activities generally not supported.
20) Can the grant be used to complete an activity that has already started with other funding?
No. The notice indicates it generally does not support using funds to finish activities already started with other funding.
21) Are political or partisan projects eligible?
No. Political or partisan projects are listed as generally not supported.
22) Are there restrictions on who can be a speaker or presenter?
Yes. The notice specifies that speakers who are not U.S. citizens are generally not supported, which matters for project designs that depend on external presenters.
23) Which U.S. government entity is providing the funding?
Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic (U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo).
24) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 19.040.
25) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $150,000.
26) How many awards are expected under this announcement?
The notice indicates an expectation of two awards under this announcement.
27) When was the announcement originally posted, and what was the original closing date?
The notice states it was originally posted on July 13, 2017, with an original closing date of August 14, 2017.
28) Does the opportunity specify that trainings should align with Dominican national reforms?
Yes. The opportunity emphasizes modern classroom methods aligned with national reforms and specifically ties the communicative approach training to the Ministry of Education's newer English curriculum.
29) Is the program intended to create long-term local training capacity?
Yes. The TESOL Trainer licensing requirement is described as creating a multiplier effect so future training can be sustained locally.
30) Does the grant focus only on teacher training, or also on educator English proficiency?
It includes both. In addition to training on methodology and assessment, the opportunity includes a specific target to raise the English proficiency of at least 30 in-service public sector teachers.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: To promote public awareness of and appreciation for the Oregon and California Trails
Previous opportunity: Limited Competition: Research Resource for Systematic Reviews of Complementary and Integrative Health (R24)
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 S DR860 17 NOFO 002
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (S DR860 17 NOFO 002) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP) Graduate Fellowship Apply for 693JJ317NF0007 Funding Number: 693JJ317NF0007 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Education Funding Amount: $35,500 |
| Administration of the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP) Local Competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Community Colleges Apply for 693JJ317NF0008 Funding Number: 693JJ317NF0008 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Education Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Independence Visitor Center - Operation, Use and Maintenance Apply for NPS 17 NERO 0061 Funding Number: NPS 17 NERO 0061 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $360,400 |
| Tsongas Industrial History Center Partnership Park Unit: Lowell National Historical Park Apply for NPS 17 NERO 0075 Funding Number: NPS 17 NERO 0075 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $512,021 |
| Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site - Operations and Management Apply for NPS 17 NERO 0085 Funding Number: NPS 17 NERO 0085 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $121,300 |
| Conservation Crew for Corp Team Hitch at Denali National Park & Preserve Apply for NPS DOIP17AC00707 Funding Number: NPS DOIP17AC00707 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $27,000 |
| Preservation Technology and Training Dissemination Apply for P17AS00521 Funding Number: P17AS00521 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $45,001 |
| xchange program in the U.S. for Brazilian Awarded Public School Principals Apply for SBR25017CA0003 Funding Number: SBR25017CA0003 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Brazil Category: Education Funding Amount: $180,400 |
| FY 2017 Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction Apply for DHS 17 CIS 010 001 Funding Number: DHS 17 CIS 010 001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2017 Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services Apply for DHS 17 CIS 010 002 Funding Number: DHS 17 CIS 010 002 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Education Funding Amount: $9,000,000 |
| Southeast Archeological Center Interns Apply for P17AS00534 Funding Number: P17AS00534 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $68,475 |
| Interior Museum Program Interns Apply for P17AS00538 Funding Number: P17AS00538 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $29,563 |
| Harpers Ferry Interns Apply for P17AS00537 Funding Number: P17AS00537 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $61,683 |
| Creation of Data Store Records and Public Outreach Materials for the Park Historic Structures and Cultural Landscapes Program Apply for P17AS00539 Funding Number: P17AS00539 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $88,408 |
| Save America's Treasures Grant Program Assistance Apply for P17AS00540 Funding Number: P17AS00540 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $55,000 |
| Campus Outdoor Ambassador Program Apply for P17AS00545 Funding Number: P17AS00545 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $93,000 |
| Discover Washington: Youth Heritage Project 2018 Apply for P17AS00547 Funding Number: P17AS00547 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Internships at the Northeast Regional Office Apply for P17AS00556 Funding Number: P17AS00556 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $36,272 |
| NAGPRA Educational Program Apply for P17AS00558 Funding Number: P17AS00558 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Engaging Young Adults with Community-Based Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Projects. Apply for P17AS00563 Funding Number: P17AS00563 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $44,889 |
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 "S DR860 17 NOFO 002", 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.