Andrew Carnegie Foundation — Peacebuilding and Mediation

Sponsor: Andrew Carnegie Foundation
Internal Deadline: 11/02/2026
Institutional Submission Limit: 1
Sponsor Deadline: 11/08/2026
Program Website

Program Overview

The Andrew Carnegie Foundation’s International Program seeks proposals for peacebuilding and mediation efforts that prevent or reduce armed conflict and political violence and contribute to lasting peace.

Carnegie is interested in projects that connect research, policy analysis, or knowledge exchange to practical action. Proposed work may include diplomatic engagement, dialogue, mediation, or innovative approaches to conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The foundation also welcomes early-stage and pilot initiatives led by organizations with a strong record of leadership and delivery.

Projects may focus on any region. Carnegie is particularly interested in situations where there is a timely opportunity to make progress. Work in which the United States plays a central role in peacebuilding or mediation is preferred but not required. 

Program Priorities

Competitive proposals should demonstrate:

• A clearly defined conflict or source of political violence and an opportunity for meaningful progress.


• A clear explanation of how the proposed work will help shift conditions that contribute to violence or support lasting peace.


• Strong relationships with local and regional actors, including partners whose access and expertise are important to the project.


• A practical connection to peacebuilding, mediation, dialogue, policy, or practice.


• Relevant organizational experience and the capacity to carry out the proposed work.


• Intended outcomes and a plan to document and share learning.

Partnerships that bring together complementary strengths, such as on-the-ground access and research or policy expertise, are encouraged.

Internal Submission Limit: 1

Submission Process

Internal Submission Requirements

Interested applicants should submit the following by the internal deadline. The questions and character limits below are adapted from Carnegie’s concept note to help the selected team prepare its external submission.

• Project information: Proposed title, project lead and USC unit, anticipated project duration, and estimated amount to be requested.
• Organizational background (maximum 1,800 characters): Describe the team’s relevant experience, track record, relationships, and qualifications to carry out the proposed work.
• Partners and roles (maximum 750 characters): Identify proposed collaborators or partner institutions and describe their anticipated roles.
• Problem and opportunity (maximum 1,125 characters): Describe the conflict or problem the project will address and explain why this is an opportune time for the work.
• Project activities and intended impact (maximum 3,000 characters): Summarize the proposed activities, explain how they will contribute to peacebuilding or mediation, and describe the intended outcomes.
• Target audience and engagement (maximum 1,500 characters): Identify the people or organizations the project will engage and explain how they will participate in or use the work.
• Contribution to the field (maximum 1,125 characters): Explain how the approach differs from or builds on existing peacebuilding efforts.
• Risks and mitigation (maximum 1,500 characters): Describe potential safety or implementation risks and how the team would address them.
• High-level budget (maximum 700 characters): Provide the anticipated request and major spending categories, such as personnel, travel, events, research, partner or subcontract costs, and indirect costs. Note any expected cost-share or co-funding.

Submission instructions: Submit materials to Jenni Asman, Senior Director of Foundation Relations, at ASMANJ@mailbox.sc.edu by November 1, 2026.