Zambia EdUSA Programming with Kucetekela Foundation

The Zambia EdUSA Programming with Kucetekela Foundation funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Zambia, specifically administered by the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section. This program falls under the Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs appropriation and is designed to support international educational engagement initiatives. The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, indicating that the U.S. Embassy will maintain substantial involvement in program implementation, particularly through oversight and coordination with the selected recipient organization. The primary purpose of this grant is to facilitate the administration and disbursement of EducationUSA program funds in Zambia. EducationUSA is a global network supported by the U.S. Department of State that connects international students with accredited U.S. higher education institutions. In Zambia, the program aims to assist qualified students in accessing U.S. educational opportunities, including financial support through the Opportunity Funds initiative, which targets high-achieving students with limited financial resources. The selected implementing partner will work closely with the Embassy’s Education Outreach Coordinator to manage these funds and ensure proper allocation. Funding under this opportunity totals approximately 28000 dollars, with a single award expected. Individual award amounts range from a minimum of 10000 dollars to a maximum of 28000 dollars. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the financial barrier for eligible applicants. Allowable uses of funds include program management, disbursement to beneficiaries, and administrative oversight consistent with U.S. government grant regulations. The cooperative agreement structure implies that the funder may provide direction on spending priorities and programmatic decisions. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that do not hold 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate substantial experience in administering U.S. government funds for educational programming. This requirement ensures that the selected organization has the financial management capacity and compliance experience necessary to handle federal funds responsibly. The Kucetekela Foundation is identified as a third-party recipient that will assist in disbursing funds as directed by the Embassy, indicating a collaborative implementation model. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by the stated deadline. While the specific application components are not fully detailed in the synopsis, applicants can expect to complete standard federal grant application forms and potentially provide organizational background, program plans, and budget details. Supporting documentation such as those outlined in proposal templates similar to the U.S. Embassy Grants Program Application form may be required, including project descriptions, participant details, work plans, and evaluation metrics. The application window opened on April 13, 2026, and closes on April 24, 2026. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent indicated. The opportunity is not described as recurring, and therefore applicants should treat this as a one-time funding cycle unless future announcements are made. Contact for the opportunity is provided through a named grantor representative, Austin G Ngoma, with a listed phone number for inquiries regarding access or application issues. Beyond educational access, the program serves broader strategic objectives for the United States. By increasing the number of Zambian students studying in the U.S., the initiative contributes to economic benefits such as tuition revenue and job creation, while also fostering long-term diplomatic relationships. Participants are expected to return to Zambia with enhanced skills, contributing to local economic development and strengthening bilateral ties. The program also supports U.S. foreign policy interests by building influence among future leaders and countering the presence of competing global actors in the region.