Building Skills, Strengthening Communities, and Advancing Innovation in Northwest Mexico

About this funding opportunity

The Public Diplomacy Sections of the U.S. Consulates General Tijuana, Nogales, and Hermosillo announce an open competition for programs that strengthen workforce readiness, promote safe border communities, and support a transparent and innovative information ecosystem in northwest Mexico. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks merit-based proposals that equip Mexican educators, youth, and media professionals with practical skills needed to succeed in a dynamic, binational environment.

Through U.S. Federal assistance for programs and projects that support economic development and internal and external security, this NOFO promotes the foreign policy, better understanding, and general welfare of the United States. Implementers are required to inform, emphasize, and be sure participants are aware of the funding source and these purposes during implementation.

Competitive proposals must address one of four objectives: (1) improve English language teaching capacity to better prepare students for participation in the binational economy; (2) advance STEM education through innovative, hands-on training that leverages U.S. technology, expertise, and institutional partnerships; (3) promote youth development and safer communities through sports diplomacy programs that build leadership, teamwork, and drug-free lifestyles; or (4) strengthen journalists' capacity to responsibly use artificial intelligence and digital tools to enhance reporting, promote accountability, and counter false narratives.

Successful proposals will demonstrate practical skills-building, strong partnerships with U.S. institutions, measurable outputs and outcomes, and sustainability plans. Programs should reach participants based on merit and reinforce U.S. interests in security, prosperity, and accurate information flow.

Topic areas: Social Innovation and Community Development, Education and Training, Public Policy and Governance, General and Cross-cutting R&D, Workforce Development.

Funding amount

This grant provides $10K-$20K in funding, up to $20K per award.

Deadline

Applications are due Aug 27, 2026. Confirm the exact closing time on the official program page before applying.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• University
• NGOs
• Other

Eligibility

Public International Organizations, Think Tanks and Civil Society/Non-governmental Organizations

Agency

Building Skills, Strengthening Communities, and Advancing Innovation in Northwest Mexico is administered by U.S. Mission to Mexico (MEX), listed via Grants.gov.