U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Albania

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana, in collaboration with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is announcing the FY 2025 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Grants Program in Albania. This funding opportunity seeks proposals for projects that contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage sites, historical structures, collections, and traditional cultural expressions such as indigenous languages and crafts. This program supports Albania’s rich cultural heritage through various preservation efforts, including conservation, restoration, and stabilization of culturally significant sites and artifacts. Applications for the first-round concept notes are due by December 13, 2024, with selected applicants invited to submit full applications by March 30, 2025. Eligible applicants include Albanian and U.S. nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and non-governmental organizations with the capacity to execute and sustain cultural preservation projects. Projects must address AFCP’s focus areas, which include archaeological site preservation, historic building restoration, museum collection conservation, and traditional craft preservation. The performance period for projects may last between 12 and 60 months, with individual awards ranging from $25,000 to $500,000, contingent on funding availability. The application process involves two stages. In Round 1, applicants submit a concise concept note outlining the project basics, scope of work, participant information, and a statement of importance and urgency. Required attachments include high-quality images that convey the site's current condition and the project's urgency. For Round 2, invited applicants must provide a detailed project proposal including an implementation timeline, budget breakdown, participant resumes, a public awareness plan, and maintenance strategy post-project. Additionally, applicants must show proof of permissions from relevant local authorities responsible for the preservation of the site. Funding restrictions prohibit the use of grant funds for activities involving privately owned properties, natural heritage preservation without a cultural dimension, and the creation of new exhibits or exhibits outside of preservation. Other ineligible activities include fundraising campaigns, construction of new buildings, and preservation efforts for privately owned or commercially exploited sites. For projects involving religious sites, proposals must clearly emphasize the site’s cultural, architectural, or historical significance rather than its religious importance. Eligible applicants must ensure active registration in SAM.gov and must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to apply. Organizations are advised to initiate their SAM registration process well in advance as it may take several weeks to complete. Applicants can also submit requests for exemptions from these registration requirements if they meet specific criteria. The review process will involve a committee assessing applications based on cultural significance, project feasibility, and alignment with U.S. Embassy goals. Successful applications will demonstrate sustainability, community engagement, and capacity to achieve project milestones. Award notices will be issued following review, and funding will be provided in installments contingent on project needs. Award recipients are required to submit financial and program reports periodically, as detailed in the award documentation.