Gender Mela | M NOFO 17 100

Gender Mela Grant Opportunity (M NOFO 17 100) - FAQs

1) What is the Gender Mela funding opportunity?

The Gender Mela funding opportunity is a discretionary grant issued by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to India, specifically the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai. It supports planning and hosting a one-day, in-person event in Mumbai focused on networking and collaboration among organizations and individuals working on women's safety, empowerment, and equality.

2) Who is offering the grant?

The grant is offered by the U.S. Department of State via the U.S. Mission to India, through the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai.

3) What problem is this grant trying to address?

The opportunity is designed to address a gap in structured networking and collaboration among the many NGOs in Mumbai working on women's issues. Even though many organizations exist, the grant highlights that they often lack organized chances to connect, share their work, and form partnerships that could strengthen overall impact.

4) What is the main goal of the Gender Mela event?

The main goal is to create a dedicated, in-person space where NGOs and other stakeholders can meet, network, increase visibility of their work, share information, and identify partnership opportunities that can continue beyond the one-day event.

5) Where will the Gender Mela take place?

The event is intended to take place in Mumbai.

6) How long is the proposed event?

The proposed Gender Mela is described as a one-day event.

7) What does "mela" mean in the context of this project?

In this context, the mela is described as a fair-style gathering designed to encourage networking, visibility, and collaboration. The format combines open networking space with booths where organizations can present their work.

8) What are the main components of the Gender Mela event format?

The event is described as having two main components:

• A large open area meant for informal interaction, networking, and relationship-building.
• Smaller enclosures or booths where participating NGOs can present and showcase their work.

9) What is the purpose of the open networking area?

The open area is intended to support informal, spontaneous conversations and relationship-building among attendees, making it easier to initiate connections and explore shared interests.

10) What is the purpose of the booths or enclosures?

The booths are intended to function like mini-exhibits where NGOs can distribute informational materials, display photos and highlights of their programs, and explain their services and achievements. This supports more focused, organization-by-organization engagement.

11) How is the event expected to strengthen women's rights and empowerment work in Mumbai?

By bringing multiple organizations into one structured space, the event aims to help participants learn what others are doing, identify overlaps in missions, find gaps in services, and discover concrete ways to collaborate. The intent is that partnerships and coordination can continue after the event ends.

12) What types of organizations or individuals are expected to participate in the event?

The event is designed to bring together organizations and individuals working on women's safety, empowerment, and equality, with a particular emphasis on NGOs operating in Mumbai.

13) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is M NOFO 17 100.

14) What funding activity category is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity falls within the Education funding activity category.

15) What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.040.

16) What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument type is a grant.

17) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $20,000.

18) How many awards are expected to be made?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of one award total.

19) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category)

20) Are nonprofit institutions of higher education included under the nonprofit eligibility category?

No. The eligibility description specifies nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education under that nonprofit category.

21) When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on May 08, 2017.

22) What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was Jul 07, 2017.

23) What kinds of activities does the grant primarily support?

Based on the description, the grant supports planning and hosting a single-day convening in Mumbai that enables networking, collaboration, and visibility for NGOs and stakeholders working on women's safety, empowerment, and equality.

24) What outcomes does the grant expect from bringing NGOs together in this format?

The description emphasizes outcomes such as stronger connections between organizations, improved understanding of each other's services and achievements, clearer identification of overlapping missions and service gaps, and the creation of partnerships that can extend beyond the event.