Women of Okinawa Power Alliance Network (WOPAN) Program and Events | PAS NAHA FY2017 0001

WOPAN Program and Events Grant Opportunity: FAQs

1) What is the WOPAN Program and Events grant?

The Women of Okinawa Power Alliance Network (WOPAN) Program and Events grant is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity from the U.S. Consulate in Naha. It supports programming that expands and sustains women’s empowerment activities and professional networking in Okinawa through a structured annual schedule of events following the established WOPAN model.

2) Who is offering this funding opportunity?

The funding announcement is issued by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Consulate in Naha.

3) What is WOPAN and what is its purpose?

WOPAN was launched in 2016 to create a practical, discussion-driven space where Okinawan and international leaders connect with students, early-career professionals, and other community members. The program centers women’s empowerment while remaining inclusive and able to involve men as participants and partners.

4) What makes WOPAN different from a typical speaker series?

A defining feature of WOPAN is that it deliberately taps into international expertise already present in Okinawa (including specialists from communities such as the military and scientific sectors). The goal is to create cross-cultural and cross-generational exchanges rather than relying only on traditional local speaker formats.

5) How many grantees will be selected?

The Consulate is seeking one grantee and expects to make one award.

6) What activities must the selected grantee deliver each year?

The selected applicant would organize an annual schedule that includes three thematic networking events and two women’s empowerment workshops per year, continuing the established WOPAN model.

7) What is the expected format for the thematic networking events?

The thematic events are expected to resemble panel-based programs with a moderated discussion, a question-and-answer segment, and dedicated networking time.

8) What topics are expected for the thematic events?

Topics may include areas like science and public service, plus an additional theme to be determined.

9) What are the workshops supposed to cover?

The workshops are intended to provide skills-based or training-oriented women’s empowerment content. Specific workshop topics are to be developed in coordination with the U.S. Consulate.

10) What are the Consulate’s goals for the program?

Across the events, the Consulate’s goals include: broadening awareness of WOPAN to increase participation; bringing together women at different career stages to share best practices and real-world perspectives; and strengthening long-term investment in the network so it stays active between events and into future years.

11) What responsibilities does the grantee have for event delivery?

The grantee is responsible for end-to-end event delivery and outreach. This includes securing venues (such as conference rooms), arranging interpreters as needed, producing promotional materials (such as flyers), managing invitations and RSVPs, coordinating media outreach or coverage, and handling on-site needs such as set-up, refreshments, and post-event clean-up.

12) Is the grantee expected to conduct outreach beyond Consulate channels?

Yes. The grantee is expected to use its own community and professional networks to expand attendance and diversify participation, rather than relying only on the U.S. Consulate’s channels.

13) Who manages the WOPAN email distribution list under this grant?

The grantee would maintain and manage the WOPAN email distribution list to share program announcements and related information between events, helping to keep the network active beyond the scheduled programming.

14) What elements require U.S. Consulate approval?

The grantee must obtain U.S. Consulate approval for key program elements, including event dates, panelists, workshop leaders, proposed themes, and workshop topics.

15) Are there any panelist requirements?

Yes. Each panel is required to include at least one English-speaking international panelist to preserve the program’s cross-cultural character.

16) What role will Consulate representatives play during events?

Consulate representatives plan to support events through on-site oversight and day-of hosting duties.

17) Why does the grantee need alternate emcees?

The grantee must identify alternate emcees so events can proceed smoothly if Consulate personnel are unavailable.

18) Where have past WOPAN events been held, and what topics have been covered?

The announcement cites examples of prior successful WOPAN activities, including a launch event at the Consul General’s residence and thematic events focused on women in health and medicine, business, and hospitality, held at venues in Urasoe and Naha.

19) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is $80,000.

20) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.040.

21) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofits (both with and without U.S. 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and other qualified entities.

22) What is the application deadline listed in the announcement?

The original application closing date listed is March 27, 2017, and the solicitation referenced is for FY2017.

23) What is the expected project period?

The standard expectation is that successful projects are completed within one year or less.

24) Can the award period be longer than one year?

Yes. The Consulate indicates it may consider award periods of up to three years for exceptional proposals on a case-by-case basis.

25) Can grant funds be used to generate profit for the recipient?

No. The Department of State will not provide profit under assistance instruments.

26) What types of costs can be paid or reimbursed under the grant?

The Department of State will reimburse or pay reasonable, allocable, and allowable direct and indirect program costs, consistent with applicable cost principles and regulations.

27) What regulations govern this grant?

The opportunity is governed by federal assistance standards including 2 CFR 200. The announcement also notes that overseas-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with 2 CFR 200.

28) What is the legal authority for the program?

The legal authority is tied to the U.S. Information and Education Act of 1948 (Smith-Mundt Act).

29) Does the Consulate have discretion over whether to fund applications and the final award amount?

Yes. The Consulate reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications and to set the final award amount based on its assessment of proposals and program priorities.

30) Is the program limited only to women participants?

No. While WOPAN centers women’s empowerment, it is designed to be inclusive and can involve men as participants and partners.