CyberNext: Advance Cybersecurity and AI Readiness
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Mission to Albania is seeking applications for the CyberNext: Advance Cybersecurity and AI Readiness program to strengthen Albania’s cybersecurity and AI capabilities. Awarded organizations must design and deliver hands-on programming—such as simulation workshops, labs, and tabletop exercises—to build practical, intermediate-level threat detection and secure AI deployment skills for at least 100 participants per American Space. The program targets young Albanians aged 18 to 35, including students, young professionals, and tech innovators, with all activities demonstrating strong linkages to U.S. expertise, technology, and standards. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Albanian individuals as well as not-for-profit organizations. Applications must be submitted by August 20, 2026, for project funding ranging between an award floor of $5,000 and an award ceiling of $14,000, with inquiries directed to tiranapdresources@state.gov.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: • Not-for-profit U.S. and Albanian organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations • U.S. and Albanian Individuals For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required for this funding opportunity. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. This opportunity will not support: • Projects relating to partisan political activity; • Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support • Construction projects; • Projects that support specific religious activities; • Fund-raising campaigns; • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs • Scientific research or surveys; • Commercial projects; • Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; • Projects that duplicate existing projects; or • Illegal activities