Pacific Islands Good Governance Initiative | SFOP0005969

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Pacific Islands Good Governance Initiative?

The Pacific Islands Good Governance Initiative is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity focused on improving the quality of governance across the Pacific Islands. It supports an initiative intended to advance sound, fair, and responsive governance that empowers citizens, reduces corruption risks, and reinforces the sovereignty of Pacific Island nations.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0005969.

Which U.S. government entity is offering and managing this opportunity?

This is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity managed by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

What is the core goal of the program?

The core goal is to support an initiative that strengthens governance in practical, measurable ways by improving accountability, reducing corruption risks, and promoting transparent and responsive public institutions, with an emphasis on reinforcing national sovereignty and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

What kinds of governance needs is the program intended to address?

The program is designed to address what the announcement describes as the most urgent governance needs in the Pacific Islands. Proposed activities are expected to connect governance reform to practical outcomes such as stronger public sector accountability and more effective anti-corruption efforts.

Does the opportunity emphasize work within individual countries, regional cooperation, or both?

Both. The opportunity emphasizes multilateral engagement and advocacy, suggesting that proposals should not only work within individual Pacific Island countries but also help strengthen regional cooperation, shared standards, and collective problem-solving across Pacific institutions and forums.

What are the main focus areas mentioned in the announcement?

Key focus areas include promoting public sector accountability and tackling corruption, encouraging high-standards investment practices, supporting debt sustainability approaches, strengthening governance institutions, expanding meaningful public participation (especially for women and marginalized populations), improving access to quality and reliable media and trustworthy information, and strengthening the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and human rights.

What does the announcement mean by promoting public sector accountability and tackling corruption?

It points to programming that helps governments and stakeholders improve transparency and accountability in areas such as public finance and procurement, while strengthening anti-corruption efforts and reducing corruption risks in public institutions.

How does the opportunity address investment practices?

The opportunity highlights encouraging high-standards investment practices, which aligns with supporting clearer standards for investment decision-making and strengthening governance around how investment decisions are made and overseen.

What is meant by supporting debt sustainability approaches?

It signals interest in building capacity to manage debt responsibly so fiscal pressures do not undermine independence or long-term stability, and so that debt challenges do not weaken sovereignty.

What types of institutions might be strengthened under this initiative?

The announcement indicates interest in strengthening governance institutions broadly, including improving the effectiveness, independence, and integrity of bodies responsible for oversight, auditing, ethics, and related accountability functions.

How does the program approach public participation in policymaking?

A major theme is expanding meaningful public participation in policymaking. The opportunity specifically emphasizes increasing inclusion of women and marginalized populations and reducing barriers to civic engagement through structured channels for communities to shape public decisions.

What examples of participation-focused activities are suggested by the announcement?

The announcement suggests approaches such as consultations, participatory budgeting, civic education, leadership development, and support to local civil society networks as ways to create structured channels for public engagement.

Why does the opportunity emphasize media and trustworthy information?

It reflects the role that independent journalism and accurate public information play in accountability, informed participation, and resilience against manipulation, aligning information integrity with stronger governance outcomes.

What does the opportunity say about rule of law, freedoms, and human rights?

It highlights strengthening the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and human rights, suggesting support for efforts that reinforce legal and institutional protections, promote fair and consistent application of laws, and defend civic space so citizens, journalists, and civil society organizations can operate without intimidation.

What type of grant is this?

This is a discretionary grant in the regional development category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number is 19.124.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Institutions of higher education are excluded.

Are universities or colleges eligible to apply?

No. The eligibility language explicitly excludes institutions of higher education.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The announced award ceiling is $12,000,000.

How many awards does the Department expect to make?

The announcement indicates an expectation of one award, suggesting the Department intended to fund a single, large, coordinated initiative rather than multiple smaller projects.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on June 11, 2019.

What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date was August 12, 2019.

What is the broader strategic framing mentioned in the announcement?

The opportunity is framed around the idea that transparent and accountable public institutions, backed by a strong civil society and the rule of law, are central to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and that governance improvements help reinforce sovereignty and regional stability.