Civic Engagement and Constitutional Rights: Comparing the U.S. and Indian Constitutions | H NOFO 19 101

Opportunity Information: Apply for H NOFO 19 101

This funding opportunity, titled "Civic Engagement and Constitutional Rights: Comparing the U.S. and Indian Constitutions" (Funding Opportunity Number: H NOFO 19 101), is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant administered through the U.S. Mission to India, specifically the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad (PAS Hyderabad). The project is designed to strengthen civic knowledge and practical leadership skills among young people by using the U.S. and Indian constitutional traditions as the core learning framework. The central goal is to train 150 young women and men across three states so they understand the rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution while also recognizing the shared democratic values that connect India and the United States as the worlds largest and oldest democracies.

The program emphasizes constitutional literacy tied directly to real-world civic engagement. It is meant to go beyond basic awareness and help participants become proactive, socially invested community leaders who understand how constitutional rights and democratic principles apply in everyday life. A major thematic focus is the comparison between the American Bill of Rights and key protections in the Indian Constitution, including Article 19, highlighting democratic guarantees related to life, liberty, freedom of expression, property, and related civic freedoms. In practice, the project is expected to "showcase" both constitutions in a way that makes the material accessible and actionable for youth, connecting legal principles to responsible citizenship, community participation, and leadership.

PAS Hyderabad frames this opportunity as part of its broader effort to support initiatives that develop Indian youth through leadership training and experiential learning. Another clear priority is building people-to-people and institutional connections between the United States and India. Proposals are expected to incorporate opportunities for American experts to engage with Indian audiences, which can include mentorship, training sessions, workshops, speaker engagements, or other collaborative educational formats. The underlying intent is dual: strengthen youth leadership pipelines locally while also deepening institutional linkages between American and Indian organizations working in education, civic learning, and community development.

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically indicates that the agency anticipates being more involved than in a standard grant, potentially through coordination, guidance, or collaboration during implementation. The award ceiling is USD 25,000, and the program anticipated making one award. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions). The opportunity falls under activity areas that include community development, education, and humanities, and it is listed under CFDA number 19.040.

Key logistical details in the source notice include a creation date of June 7, 2019, and an original closing date of July 15, 2019. Overall, the opportunity is structured around a targeted youth cohort, a comparative constitutional theme, and a leadership and experiential learning approach, with the end result aimed at producing better informed, rights-aware, and community-oriented young leaders who can translate constitutional principles into constructive civic action.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to India in the community development, education, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Civic Engagement and Constitutional Rights: Comparing the U.S. and Indian Constitutions" 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 Jun 07, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 15, 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 $25,000.00 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.

Apply for H NOFO 19 101

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