Trilateral Women in Security | PD SEOUL FY24 06

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Trilateral Women in Security (TWIS) grant?

The Trilateral Women in Security (TWIS) grant is a U.S. Embassy Seoul funding opportunity (PD-SEOUL-FY24-06) focused on strengthening U.S.-Korea-Japan security cooperation by elevating the role of women experts in regional security and foreign policy discussions. The program is grounded in the view that gender equity is a practical requirement for stronger peace and security outcomes in the Indo-Pacific.

What is the main goal of this grant opportunity?

The main goal is to build sustained professional links among female-identifying security specialists in South Korea and Japan while generating practical, forward-looking policy ideas that can contribute to broader trilateral cooperation among the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and Japan.

Who is offering this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, and the program is designed to be coordinated closely with both the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

What is the funding instrument (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The award is offered as a cooperative agreement. This means the selected organization is expected to work closely with the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo on key elements such as program design, participant selection, scheduling, and implementation, rather than operating independently.

How much funding is available?

Total funding available is up to USD 180,000.

How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?

The notice indicates an expectation of making one award.

Is funding guaranteed?

No. The opportunity notes that the notice depends on the availability of funds.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are due by August 12, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9).

What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this opportunity?

The CFDA/assistance listing number associated with the opportunity is 19.040.

What is the core activity supported by TWIS?

The central activity is a year-long, two-way exchange program that combines regular virtual engagement with in-person exchange components in both South Korea and Japan.

How many participants are expected in the exchange?

The program is designed for ten opinion leaders total: five female-identifying experts from South Korea and five from Japan.

What does "two-way exchange" mean in this context?

It means the program includes engagement in both directions across South Korea and Japan, with in-person exchange components in both countries, alongside ongoing virtual collaboration.

How often will participants meet virtually?

Participants are expected to meet online about once per month for topic-based discussions.

What kinds of in-person activities are anticipated?

The in-person components are expected to include on-the-ground activities such as site visits and structured meetings with relevant institutions in South Korea and Japan.

What thematic areas should applicants focus on?

Applicants are encouraged to shape programming around three priority areas tied to trilateral U.S.-ROK-Japan security cooperation: (1) maritime security; (2) critical and emerging technologies, with emphasis on responsible and secure use in areas like cyber and space; and (3) challenges posed by AI and disinformation, including foreign information manipulation and the weaponization of artificial intelligence as a national security threat.

How is this TWIS iteration different from the previous year?

While TWIS is in its second year, this iteration is described as more thematically targeted than the previous cycle, with explicit emphasis on developing shared analysis and practical recommendations in the listed priority areas.

Is the program mainly networking and dialogue, or is it expected to produce concrete outputs?

The program is expected to go beyond high-level networking or dialogue. It is intended to cultivate shared analysis and practical recommendations, with deliverables and public-facing outputs built into the design.

What deliverables are expected from the program?

By the end of the program, participants are expected to translate discussions into public-facing and policy-relevant products. Examples listed include advisory or policy papers, articles, newspaper columns, press interviews, and/or public outreach events.

Who is responsible for publication or dissemination of outcomes?

The grantee is responsible for facilitating publication or dissemination of key outcomes so that lessons learned do not remain internal to the cohort.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are primarily not-for-profit organizations. Think tanks, research institutions, and academic associations are specifically encouraged, along with non-profit or governmental educational institutions.

Is there a preference for where the applicant organization is based?

Yes. The Public Diplomacy Section signals a preference for Korea-based organizations or projects implemented in partnership with a Korea-based organization.

Does the opportunity suggest any expected organizational capacity or networks?

Yes. Because the program requires coordination across South Korea and Japan and engagement with high-level stakeholders, the opportunity strongly implies applicants should have credible networks and working relationships in both countries to manage recruitment, logistics, and substantive programming effectively.

How do applicants submit an application?

Applications must be submitted by email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov.

Are proposal and budget templates required?

No. Optional proposal and budget templates are available for applicants to use, but they are not mandatory.

What does the Embassy expect the program to achieve over time?

The program is described as a structured, embassy-coordinated leadership and policy exchange that aims to produce concrete trilateral security ideas while building a durable community of women specialists who can shape the broader U.S.-ROK-Japan security conversation over time.