Opportunity Information: Apply for PDS NEWZEALAND 2024 10
The Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Model Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) grant is a U.S. Department of State opportunity administered by the U.S. Embassy New Zealand Public Diplomacy Section. It funds a year-long (at minimum) program designed to prepare emerging leaders from across the Pacific to take on national and international leadership roles. The central aim is practical, hands-on leadership development that builds real-world skills and familiarity with regional diplomacy, governance, and decision-making structures tied to the Pacific Islands Forum.
The proposed program is meant to include Young Pacific Leaders drawn from all PIF member countries, PIF observers, and selected PIF dialogue partners, with the United States participating through Hawaii. The design emphasizes experiential learning and capacity building, meaning participants should not only learn concepts in workshops, but also gain direct exposure to how regional policy discussions and political processes work in practice. The program is expected to equip a diverse group of young leaders with tools they can use immediately in their careers, especially in public service, diplomacy, regional cooperation, and civic leadership.
Program activities are structured around three main components. First, Young Pacific Leaders will shadow or intern with a Pacific Islands Forum leader or with institutions closely connected to regional governance and foreign affairs. Examples named include Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific (CROP), or similar entities. This placement is intended to occur in the lead-up to, and during, the annual PIF leaders meeting, giving participants a close-up view of how priorities are set, negotiations happen, and regional coordination is managed. Participants may be placed either within their home government or in a host government, allowing flexibility to match learning objectives with available mentorship and institutional needs.
Second, participants will take part in a youth Model PIF leaders meeting. This is essentially a simulation that mirrors the PIF leaders meeting, giving young leaders structured opportunities to practice diplomacy, consensus-building, agenda setting, and regional problem-solving. This type of model forum typically strengthens participants ability to communicate policy positions, collaborate across countries and cultures, and understand the procedural and political dynamics that shape collective regional decisions.
Third, the program will run three youth mock parliaments, distributed across the Pacific subregions: one each in Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia. These mock parliaments are intended to deepen civic and governance skills through simulated parliamentary processes, debate, committee work, drafting resolutions, and public speaking. Holding events across the three subregions also signals an intention to be inclusive of different Pacific political contexts and to build networks that are genuinely region-wide rather than concentrated in one location.
From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a mandatory opportunity using a cooperative agreement, which typically means the U.S. government expects to be substantially involved in shaping or overseeing implementation rather than simply issuing funds with minimal engagement. The activity category is listed as community development (CFDA 19.040). The program anticipates a single award with a maximum funding level (award ceiling) of $450,000. The original application deadline was July 31, 2024, and the opportunity was posted June 16, 2024.
Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not higher education institutions in the non-501(c)(3) category). In practical terms, this means universities, policy institutes, and civil society organizations with strong regional ties and proven program delivery capacity are the main likely applicants.
Geographically, the priority region is broad and covers much of the Pacific ecosystem connected to PIF activity and Pacific regional affairs. It includes Australia, New Zealand, and many Pacific Island countries and territories such as the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, along with French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, and others. It also explicitly includes U.S. partners from the American-affiliated Pacific, including American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Hawaii, reflecting the programs intent to strengthen regional ties and leadership networks that include U.S.-Pacific communities.
Overall, the grant supports a multi-part leadership pipeline that combines placements with senior institutions, high-level regional simulations, and subregional mock parliamentary experiences. The intended outcome is a cohort of young Pacific leaders who are better prepared to engage in diplomacy and governance, contribute to regional cooperation, and move into leadership roles with a clearer understanding of how the Pacific Islands Forum and related institutions operate in practice.Apply for PDS NEWZEALAND 2024 10
- The U.S. Mission to New Zealand in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Young Pacific Leaders – Model Pacific Islands Forum" 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 2024-06-16.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-31. (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 $450,000.00 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, 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 (FAQ)
What is the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Model Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) grant?
The YPL Model PIF grant is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Embassy New Zealand Public Diplomacy Section. It supports a leadership development program designed to prepare emerging leaders from across the Pacific for national and international leadership roles, with a strong focus on practical, hands-on experience tied to regional diplomacy and governance connected to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
What is the main goal of this grant-funded program?
The central aim is experiential leadership development. The program is expected to build real-world skills and familiarity with regional diplomacy, governance, and decision-making structures associated with the Pacific Islands Forum, so participants can apply what they learn directly in their careers.
How long is the program expected to run?
The program is intended to be year-long at minimum.
Who administers the opportunity?
The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Embassy New Zealand Public Diplomacy Section on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.
What type of funding instrument is used?
This is a mandatory opportunity using a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates substantial U.S. government involvement in implementation and oversight compared to a more hands-off award.
What is the activity category and CFDA listing?
The activity category is community development, and it is listed under CFDA 19.040.
How much funding is available?
The maximum funding level (award ceiling) is $450,000.
How many awards are expected?
The program anticipates a single award.
When was the opportunity posted and what was the application deadline?
The opportunity was posted on June 16, 2024. The original application deadline was July 31, 2024.
Who is eligible to apply for the grant?
Eligible applicants include:
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
- Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not higher education institutions in the non-501(c)(3) category)
Is this grant intended for individuals to apply directly?
Based on the eligibility categories provided, the eligible applicants are institutions (such as universities and nonprofit organizations), not individuals. The program itself is designed to select and support Young Pacific Leaders as participants.
Who are the intended participants in the program?
The program is meant to include Young Pacific Leaders drawn from all PIF member countries, PIF observers, and selected PIF dialogue partners, with the United States participating through Hawaii. The emphasis is on a diverse cohort of emerging leaders prepared for roles in public service, diplomacy, regional cooperation, and civic leadership.
What does the program mean by “hands-on” or “experiential” learning?
The design prioritizes capacity building through direct exposure to real-world policy discussions and political processes. Participants are expected to go beyond classroom-style workshops by gaining practical experience with how regional governance and diplomacy function in practice.
What are the main components of the program?
Activities are structured around three main components:
- Shadowing or internship placements with a Pacific Islands Forum leader or with institutions connected to regional governance and foreign affairs
- A youth Model PIF leaders meeting (a simulation mirroring the PIF leaders meeting)
- Three youth mock parliaments held across Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia
What does the shadowing or internship placement involve?
Participants will shadow or intern with a Pacific Islands Forum leader or with institutions closely connected to regional governance and foreign affairs. Named examples include Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific (CROP), or similar entities. The placement is intended to occur in the lead-up to, and during, the annual PIF leaders meeting, so participants can observe how priorities are set, negotiations occur, and regional coordination is managed.
Can participants be placed in their home country, or must they be placed abroad?
Participants may be placed either within their home government or in a host government. This flexibility is intended to align learning objectives with mentorship opportunities and institutional needs.
What is the youth Model PIF leaders meeting?
It is a structured simulation designed to mirror the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting. It provides participants a chance to practice diplomacy, consensus-building, agenda setting, and regional problem-solving in a model forum environment.
What skills is the Model PIF meeting expected to strengthen?
The Model PIF meeting is intended to strengthen participants’ ability to communicate policy positions, collaborate across countries and cultures, and understand the procedural and political dynamics that influence collective regional decisions.
What are the youth mock parliaments, and where will they be held?
The program is expected to run three youth mock parliaments, distributed across the Pacific subregions: one in Micronesia, one in Polynesia, and one in Melanesia. These simulations are intended to build civic and governance skills through parliamentary-style processes.
What activities happen during the mock parliaments?
The mock parliaments are intended to include simulated parliamentary processes such as debate, committee work, drafting resolutions, and public speaking.
Why is the program spread across Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia?
Holding events across all three subregions signals an intent to be inclusive of different Pacific political contexts and to build networks that are genuinely region-wide rather than concentrated in a single location.
What countries and territories are included in the priority region?
The priority region is broad and includes Australia, New Zealand, and many Pacific Island countries and territories connected to PIF activity and Pacific regional affairs. Examples explicitly mentioned include the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, as well as French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna, among others.
How does the United States participate in the program?
The opportunity notes U.S. participation through Hawaii, and it also explicitly includes U.S.-affiliated Pacific partners such as American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, reflecting an intent to strengthen leadership networks that include U.S.-Pacific communities.
What kinds of organizations are most likely to be competitive applicants?
Based on the eligibility categories and program design, likely applicants include universities, policy institutes, and civil society organizations with strong regional ties and demonstrated capacity to deliver multi-part leadership and governance programs across the Pacific.
What outcomes is the program trying to achieve?
The intended outcome is a cohort of young Pacific leaders who are better prepared to engage in diplomacy and governance, contribute to regional cooperation, and move into leadership roles with a clearer understanding of how the Pacific Islands Forum and related institutions operate in practice.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Community Development
Next opportunity: Protective Equipment for Responders
Previous opportunity: 2025 U.S.-North Macedonia-U.S. Political Exchange Program for Emerging and Influential Voices
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 PDS NEWZEALAND 2024 10
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PDS NEWZEALAND 2024 10) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Increasing Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Gabon's Democratic and Educational Systems Apply for LIBREVILLE ARDF01 2024 Funding Number: LIBREVILLE ARDF01 2024 Agency: U.S. Mission to Gabon Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| PGO Request for SSH Proposals Apply for PGO MRT FY2023 Funding Number: PGO MRT FY2023 Agency: U.S. Mission to Mauritania Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $12,000 |
| U.S. EMBASSY TO LIBYA PAS ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT Apply for OFOP0001473 Funding Number: OFOP0001473 Agency: U.S. Mission to Tunisia Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| 2024 DRG APS Apply for 72061724APS00003 Funding Number: 72061724APS00003 Agency: Uganda USAID-Kampala Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| NPS Chesapeake Gateways Tourism and Economic Development Grants Apply for P25AS00020 Funding Number: P25AS00020 Agency: National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Data for Local Impact Innovation Challenge Project Apply for MCC 16 RFA 0001 Funding Number: MCC 16 RFA 0001 Agency: Millennium Challenge Corporation Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| U.S. AMBASSADOR’S SPECIAL SELF-HELP PROGRAM Apply for SSH169876 Funding Number: SSH169876 Agency: U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Community Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mitigation of FGM and Child Marriage Practices in the North and South of Sierra Leone Apply for 72063624RFI00001 Funding Number: 72063624RFI00001 Agency: Guinea USAID-Conakry Category: Community Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| AEIF Latvia 2025 Apply for 2025 1 Funding Number: 2025 1 Agency: U.S. Mission to Latvia Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2025 (AEIF 2025) Apply for OFOP0001693 Funding Number: OFOP0001693 Agency: U.S. Mission to Qatar Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| SOI - Non-Federal Match/Cost-Share for Other Federal Infrastructure Grants Apply for DC MATCH 25 001 Funding Number: DC MATCH 25 001 Agency: Denali Commission Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Iraq Civic Engagement Activity Apply for 72026725RFA00001 Funding Number: 72026725RFA00001 Agency: Iraq USAID-Baghdad Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Apply for OFOP0001709 Funding Number: OFOP0001709 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| 2024 Carryover Earmark - NESDIS Apply for NOAA NESDIS NCEI 2025 29657 Funding Number: NOAA NESDIS NCEI 2025 29657 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2025 NACA Program Apply for CDFI 2025 NACA Funding Number: CDFI 2025 NACA Agency: Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2025 CDFI Program Apply for CDFI 2025 FATA Funding Number: CDFI 2025 FATA Agency: Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Veterans Cemetery Grants Apply for VA NCA VCGP 2025 Funding Number: VA NCA VCGP 2025 Agency: VA National Cemetery Administration Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $60,000,000 |
| HOIHI Grant Program for Native Hawaiian Organizations Apply for D25AS00271 Funding Number: D25AS00271 Agency: Interior Business Center Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| 2025 USASEAN Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) Apply for OFOP0001835 Funding Number: OFOP0001835 Agency: U.S. Mission to Indonesia Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| US Embassy Timor Leste FY25 Program Statement Apply for OFOP0001900 Funding Number: OFOP0001900 Agency: U.S. Mission to Timor-Leste Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
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 "PDS NEWZEALAND 2024 10", 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.