The 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund uses the principle of leveraged innovation with higher education institutions (HEIs) that demonstrate the greatest commitment and innovation toward increasing study abroad opportunities between the United States and countries in the Western Hemisphere. In applying for the Innovation Fund grants, HEIs will be asked to demonstrate how they will assert leadership in implementing the innovations proposed, how they will address on-campus barriers to student mobility, how they will maintain student engagement, and how they will commit to making concrete changes to expand access to study abroad as sending and/or hosting institutions.

The Department of State and Partners of the Americas reserve the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Please refer to the requests for proposal (RFPs) below for a complete statement of goals and expected results of the competitions.

Current Open Competitions

The 100K Strong United States-Colombia Grant Competition 

Mandatory: Proposals must include a team of at least one eligible institution from each category below.

  • HEIs in the United States: HEIs located and legally registered in the U.S., including four-year degree-issuing institutions (public and private), with special emphasis on Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), other minority-serving institutions (MSIs); and community colleges.
  • HEIs in Colombia: HEIs located and legally registered in Colombia, with special emphasis on non-accredited Colombian HEIs in non-urban centers (outside of Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla).

Proposed Activities and Eligible Themes: Proposals must include innovative partnerships between HEIs that result in inclusive education solutions, participant exchange and training programs.

Environment and Climate Collaboration

  • Climate Justice
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
  • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
  • Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Conservation, Protection, and Restoration
  • Community Conservation Practices
  • Decarbonization and Electrification
  • Climate-Resistant Infrastructure
  • Renewable Energy
  • Climate Technology
  • Public Health

Inclusive Education

  • Antiracist Education
  • Gender Intersectionality
  • Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship
  • Agriculture
  • Peace and Conflict Resolution
  • Political Science and Public Policy Analysis: related to thematic areas
  • Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
  • Education for Inclusion
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Environmental and/or Climate Solutions that reduce inequality of opportunities
  • Research on Gender and Gender-based Violence
  • Fostering the development of equitable communities
  • Public Health

Available Awards: Up to ten (10) grants of up to $50,000

Application Period: December 12, 2024 – March 16, 2025
Download Requests for Proposals below.

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Click below to begin the application process or to send us your questions on the grant competitions.

Looking for some inspiration?

View Past Competitions