Grants for Individuals - International Development

This funding initiative provides financial support to alumni of U.S. exchange programs in Brazil to develop community projects that promote safety, prosperity, and democratic values while celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The U.S. Embassy Rangoon of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a program (or programs) to strengthen the cultural ties between the U.S. and Myanmar through cultural programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise (two-page maximum) statement of interest designed to clearly communicate a program idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before a final funding decision is made. Priority Program Areas: Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following program areas: 1. U.S.MYANMAR BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP - Programs that seek to promote a greater understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society to Myanmar audiences; activities that promote shared values and interests between the American and Myanmar people; and projects that build people-to-people ties. 2. SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE DIVERSE SOCIETY - Programs that seeks to build inclusive society, promote a deepened understanding of diversity and inclusion, and encourage tolerance and peace through socio-economic development, dialogue, skills development, and economic empowerment. 3. EDUCATION CULTURE - Programs that promote understating of U.S education and culture or that help prepare for study in the United States; the building of linkages between American and Myanmar private academic cultural institutions; and training opportunities for Myanmar students or faculty and artists. 4. MEDIA LITERACY, INDEPENDENT MEDIA PRESS FREEDOM - Projects that promotes digital media literacy, support independent citizen journalism, and counter disinformation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible organizations and individuals for projects that strengthen the U.S.-Jamaica relationship by addressing issues like youth at risk, economic prosperity, and human rights.

This funding opportunity supports teams of alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to implement innovative community projects in Guatemala that address issues like disaster resilience, migration, rule of law, economic growth, and civil society capacity building.

This funding opportunity supports teams of alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Burundi to develop innovative projects that address local challenges in health, education, economic development, and peacebuilding.

The U.S. Embassy is unable to provide individual feedback on non-selected Statements of Interest. A public presentation with general feedback will be offered. The date and time will be announced on the Embassy Facebook. A. PROGRAM DECRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Cotonou Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in applying for funding for program proposals that strengthen ties between the peoples of the United States and Benin through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. PDS invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect this goal. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI, which is a concise, one-to-two-page concept note (in English) designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for PDS to evaluate prior to requiring the development of full proposal applications. Upon review of eligible SOIs, PDS will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications. Purpose: PDS Cotonou invites SOIs for programs that strengthen ties between the people of the United States and the people of Benin through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Examples of PDS-funded programs include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; Professional and academic exchanges and programs; Experiential learning activities (e.g. Model UN, Model Government). Priority Program Objectives and Audiences Project proposals submitted through this Annual Program Statement (APS) should address one of the following Priority Program Objectives: Vulnerable Groups Empowerment: Activities that address poverty and vulnerability in the communities and contribute to build resilience and social cohesion or/and promote the rights of members of marginalized groups including women and girls, religious and ethnic minority groups and other community at risk (e.g. Capacity building on countering Violent Extremist Organizations VEOs disinformation and recruitment). Target audiences include: youth and young adults active in their communities, religious leaders, community members in the North. (One to two awards anticipated, maximum $10,000 each). Investigative Journalism: Activities that link Beninese journalists to American journalists or media institutions, and/or empower community radios with best practices to handle an adversarial debate, and/or develop tools and skills to combat myths and disinformation and to verify information before sharing with the public in order to strengthen free press and journalism as an institution in Benin. Target audience: community radios, mid-career journalists. (One to two awards anticipated, maximum $15,000 each). U.S.-Benin Partnership: Activities featuring popular American and/or Beninese artists, musicians, cultural figures, and other influencers in order to promote a deeper understanding of the United States long support for improving trade and prosperity in Benin, as well as habits that lead to healthier and more prosperous lives (e.g. promoting U.S.-Benin trade with linkage to AGOA). Target audiences include: women entrepreneurs who specialize in handicrafts, youth and young adults who use social media or listen to radio as their primary source of information; and/or educated urban adults unaware of U.S. initiatives to support Benins development. (One to two awards anticipated, maximum $25,000 each). Skills for Success: Activities to promote STEM, learning American English, especially through soft skills (such as resume writing, digital communications, basic financial literacy, public speaking, entrepreneurial skills) and digital literacy, drawing on American and Beninese examples, in order to encourage successful participation in the global economy. Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with English Clubs, American Spaces, or U.S. exchange program alumni to conduct these activities. Target audiences include: underemployed and unemployed youth who will soon complete or have completed formal education; female microentrepreneurs; and/or graduate/undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math with a strong interest in improving their English or pursuing graduate study in the United States. (One to three awards anticipated, $15,000 each). The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; For-profit programs Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: The Statutory Authority for this program is the Smith-Mundt Act or the Fulbright-Hays Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy or Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds, dependent on the type of program. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: varies (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 Total available funding: $145,000 (Anticipated and Subject to Availability of Funds) Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding and/or Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Funding Anticipated program start date: Varies Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, Individual Award, or Cooperative Agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (Substantial Involvement). Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. PDS may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. This notice is subject to availability of funds. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION Other Eligibility Requirements Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION The U.S. Embassy Cotonou Public Diplomacy Section will accept proposals through May 30, 2024. A grants committee including U.S. Embassy employees will review eligible applications in June 2024. All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected] All Statements of Interest SOI applications should ensure that the following requirements are met: Please follow all instructions below carefully. SOIs that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Content of Application Please ensure: . The SOI clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity . All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. dollars All pages are numbered All documents are formatted to 8 x 11 paper, and . All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following document is required: Program Statement (not to exceed 2 pages in Microsoft Word) that includes: A table listing: Name of the organization; The target country/countries; The total amount of funding requested from PD Cotonou, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program amount (PD funds + cost-share); and, Program length; A synopsis of the program, including a brief statement on how the program will have a demonstrated impact and engage relevant stakeholders, as well as the American element; A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the programs objectives and the activities and expected results that contribute to each objective; and, A brief description of the applicant(s) that demonstrates the applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award. The deadline for submission of SOIs is May 30, 2024. An organization may submit no more than one SOI. E. APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA 1. Quality of Program Idea: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. The SOI should explain why the proposed program is needed. 2. Program Planning: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the objectives. A proposed timeline for the program activities should include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. 3. Ability to Achieve Objectives/Institutional Capacity: A demonstration of the organizations or individuals expertise and previous experience in administering programs. 4. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Clearly stated objectives for recruiting and fully including participants from historically underserved communities in program activities, and/or including perspectives from historically underserved communities in the United States. A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. SOI applicants will be notified of the decision to present a full submission within 30 days of each submission deadline. Instructions on the requirements of a full application submission will be provided at that time.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Hungarian not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and educational institutions in projects that promote mutual understanding and showcase the U.S.-Hungarian partnership through cultural, economic, and scientific initiatives.

U.S. Embassy Gaborone of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals to produce data-driven analyses of the digital and social media landscape of Botswana and provide insights into the influences behind trending narratives, the prevalence of misinformation, foreign-origin and inauthentic content, while incorporating elements of dynamic social media analysis throughout the grant period.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that strengthen U.S.-Norway relations, particularly in areas like security, culture, and youth engagement, targeting a wide range of organizations and individuals.

The U.S. Embassy Brazzaville Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Brazzaville invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and the Republic of Congo through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

The U.S. Embassy Kingston Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. The deadline is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Project proposals should aim to strengthen ties between the United States and Jamaica by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation. Proposals must convey an American element, which supports a priority program area (see below) or includes a connection with American expert(s), organization(s) or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority program areas include: • Climate, Environment, and Energy o For example, addressing the climate crisis, responding to natural disasters, conserving nature, water security, sustainable agriculture, reducing harmful pollutants, energy resilience, and renewable energy. • Combating Financial Scamming and Other Criminal Activity o For example, addressing corruption and money laundering, improving police-public relations, appreciation of the law, teaching digital literacy, detecting financial scamming, and promoting behaviors that increase community safety. • Programs for At-Risk Youth o For example, diversion programs to prevent youth violence, educational programs for critical life skills, and parent/family interventions. • Economic Prosperity o For example, business development, closing skills gaps in local communities, human resources, infrastructure, cybersecurity, resource development, and trade. • Global Health o For example, managing contagious and infectious diseases, public health workforce development, and public health policy and management. • Gender Issues o For example, women’s empowerment, improving outcomes for marginalized male youth, addressing gender-based violence, and LGBTQIA+ issues. • Human Rights and Democracy o For example, addressing fundamental human rights, human trafficking, immigration, refugees, governance, the role of civil society, and freedom of the press/media. Additional details on these policy priorities are available at https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/ Target participants/audiences: • Women and/or youth in underserved communities • Business leaders and entrepreneurs • Community leaders and influencers • Academic and/or cultural institutions • Journalists and/or media organizations The following types of projects are not eligible for funding: • Projects relating to partisan political activity • For-profit activities • Charitable or development activities • Construction projects • Projects that support specific religious activities • Fundraising campaigns • Lobbying for specific legislation or projects • Scientific research • Projects that duplicate existing projects Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Funding authorities applicable are the Smith-Mundt Act and Foreign Assistance Act for FY2024 Public Diplomacy funds.

This grant provides funding to support projects in Zimbabwe that promote democratic governance, economic inclusion, and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Zimbabwe, targeting civil society organizations, educational institutions, and creative communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative projects led by alumni of U.S. exchange programs to address critical community challenges in areas like education, women's empowerment, and peacebuilding.

This funding opportunity supports projects that empower young Rwandans through education, cultural exchange, and economic development, focusing on areas like STEM, media literacy, and sports diplomacy.

The 2024 SSH Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the US Embassy in Uganda announces an open competition for registered organizations interested in submitting applications for the Ambassadors Special Self-Help (SSH) Program, which supports small-scale, community-based initiatives that promote self-reliance, foster development, widen civic space and engagement, protect and promote human rights, and promise an immediate and dramatic effect on local communities. Projects tailored to gathering spaces and targeted for vulnerable populations, promotion of gender and equity, civic participation, and the prevention of the negative effects of climate change are of particular interest this year. Entering its sixtieth year of continuous operation, the SSH program is a direct reflection of the U.S. governments commitment to helping Ugandans help themselves. The project must be submitted by an organized group, motivated, who has a real need, and has already worked with communities. The project should be feasible based on the socio-economic context and include the necessary information and documentation indicated on the form. Interested organizations can obtain an application from the Office of Self Help or download it here: Special Self-Help Fund Application (PDF 213 KB). The organization may also send its own drafted project provide that all needed information in the SSH application were answered in their proposal. The applicant should fill the form carefully with special emphasis on the following critical aspects of the proposed project: Objectives, impacts and key activities Implementation strategy Monitoring mechanisms Itemized budget The application should be sent to: Special Self-Help Coordinator U.S. Embassy Kampala Plot 1577 Ggaba Road, P.O. Box 7007 Kampala, Uganda [email protected] ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION C.1 Eligible Applicants The U.S. Embassy Kampala Small Grants Office welcomes applications from all established Uganda-based, non-profit organizations/Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), Community Based Organizations (CBO), and grassroots organizations. The application must be submitted by an organization that is motivated, demonstrates a real need, and has already successfully implemented projects in the community. The project should be feasible and based on the socioeconomic context of the local community. To be eligible for funding, your project must meet the following criteria: Be community-based. Be initiated locally. Be administered at the local level; and Include substantial community participation and contributions in cash, labor, food, accommodation for qualified labor, transportation costs, or materials such as carts of sand or gravel, bricks for construction, fence materials, or water. Organizations that apply for SSH funds must be established and registered as Community Based Organizations (CBO) or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) at the local government level in the communities in which they work. Please provide registration certificate. Help improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level and have long-lived value. Particular attention will be given to projects that focus of enhancing civic engagement, fiscal independence, and reduce the effects of climate change. The projects should be high impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible. Funding is limited to one project, which must be completed within twelve (12) months or less. Projects must be self-sustaining upon completion. The U.S. Embassys support for the project must be a one-time-only/one grant contribution. Projects must be within the communitys ability to maintain and operate. Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects, or for expensive equipment are not considered priority projects. All applicants must display sound management in the form of financial and administrative procedures that protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching Although providing a specific cost sharing, matching, or cost participation amount is not an eligibility requirement for this NOFO, the project proposal must include community participation and contributions in cash, labor, and/or materials as noted above in C.1. The Special Self-Help Program does NOT fund: Requests to buy equipment like vehicles, motorcycles, office equipment, computers, phones, tablets, copiers, and stereos. Salaries or supervision costs for the supervising organization. Contingency estimates also do not qualify. Labor, salaries, operating costs, printing material, fuel, or land. Payment for pesticides and herbicides Proposals that have a purely police, military, or cultural emphasis. Religious projects unless they genuinely assist the whole community without regard to religious affiliation. Personal businesses. Scholarships, donations, start-up money, loans or honorariums. HIV/AIDS projects. Projects that focus on refugees or displaced persons. There are specific U.S. bilateral or multilateral assistance programs designed to address those needs. Projects that the community cannot continue after the SSH funding cycle has ended. Projects that have received prior SSH funds. To remodel or renovate an existing facility that is in disrepair because of neglect or lack of money. Office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms, and folders. Projects that are partially funded by another donor or from the Government of Uganda. Funds cannot be commingled with funds from other donors, international organizations or other U.S. government programs. SSH funds may not be used to buy previously owned equipment, luxury goods, or gambling equipment. Activities that are the responsibility of the government, for example, building hospitals. Activities that could potentially create tension within the community, harm community members, or damage the environment. Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sport team. Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company. Surveillance equipment. Abortion-related facilities and services. Payments to government officials. Ceremonies, parties, celebrations, or representational expenses. C.4 Other To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) Number or evidence of applying for a UEI. Any selected organization will be required to have a UEI for the grant to be issued. Organizations can register for a UEI at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration . Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.sam.gov) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR,1986 Comp., p.189) and 12689 (3 CFR,1989 Comp., p. 235), Debarment and Suspension. Additionally, no entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM can participate in any activities under an award. Lastly, applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. PROJECT EXAMPLES D.1 Elements of successful projects The project is initiated by the community. The project benefits the greatest number of people within the community. The project plan contains pre-established long-term goals and a coherent plan to keep the project running in the future. A capable project manager who is a long-term resident in the community is responsible for the project. The project is assisted by a non-biased umbrella organization, such as a religious mission or a local NGO that provides guidance and arbitration on issues when necessary. There is strong coordination and communication amongst the grant-recipient group, local leaders, and local government representatives. The project makes use of materials and supplies that can be maintained by the community, and the use of materials that will not harm the environment. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION E.1 Address to Request Application Package Applicants can find the required application forms on the U.S. Embassy Kampala website at https://ug.usembassy.gov/embassy/kampala/grant-programs/?_ga=2.158558194.912728234.1709815691-399122090.1698829609 or on www.grants.gov under the announcement title Small Grants Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program, funding opportunity number DOS-KAM-AMBSSH-FY22. E.2 Content and Form of Application Submission Complete applications must include the following: Complete the SSH 2024 application (Annex A) Completed Budget package (Annex B). Includes: Detailed line-item budget. Budget Narrative; and Activity logical framework with project timeline. A copy of the organizations registration certificate, if available. A letter of approval for proposed project from the local development committee, tribal authority, and/or local town or district council. Original pro-forma invoices/quotations from the intended suppliers. Three quotes for each item are required. Download: Detailed NOFO: Ambassadors Special Self-Help Program 2024 Download: Budget Template: SSH 2024 BUDGET Download: Application Form: SSH2024-APPLICATION-FORM All application materials must be submitted in English. Please make a copy of your entire application for your own records. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Africa Time (EAT), on June 4, 2024, and must be made electronically to [email protected]. Please submit the application package in Word and Excel format; do not submit as a PDF. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION F.1 Criteria Only complete applications will be evaluated. The Proposal Review Committee will evaluate proposals according to several criteria, including: quality of project idea and impact on target group; community participation and contribution in the project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation; project outreach/impact (i.e. cost per beneficiary); feasibility of successful project implementation/impact (over a 1-year grant period); sustainability; and transparent and participatory beneficiary selection process. Organizational capacity and past performance will also be considered. F.2 Review and Selection Process The Small Grants Office strives to ensure each application receives a balanced evaluation by a Review Panel. The Small Grants Office will determine technical eligibility for all applications. Proposals that meet the evaluation criteria and move on to the next level will be informed of next steps in the application process. Non-eligible applicants will be notified that they are not being considered for funding. CONTACT INFORMATION For technical submission questions related to this solicitation, please contact the Small Grants Office at [email protected] or +256 (0)414 306444. Applications and additional guidelines are available at https://ug.usembassy.gov/embassy/kampala/grant-programs/?_ga=2.158558194.912728234.1709815691-399122090.1698829609 OTHER INFORMATION Applicants should be aware that Small Grants Office understands that some information contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. Issuance of the NOFO and negotiation of applications does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government. The Small Grants Office reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the project evaluation requirements.

Africa Regional Services based in Paris (ARS) of the U.S. Department of States Bureau of African Affairs, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs announces an open competition for U.S. citizen individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to be considered for a small grant as a guest speaker, artist, or athlete/coach to conduct outreach activities that enhance the understanding of the United States in subSaharan Africa. ARS Speakers generally give professional lectures, seminars, as well as artistic and cultural workshops and masterclasses or conduct athletic camps and trainings. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Using the SOI form available at https://forms.gle/Ncdizk5KyKx41rop9, applicants must submit their statement of interest, in English, that includes: area of expertise and topics covered with a short outline, foreign language (French or Portuguese) ability in addition to English, a description of the speakers presentation style and links to videos of presentation (if available), preferred audience. previous experience as a speaker, credentials and/or testimonials/brief endorsement, a copy of the applicants U.S. passport, And attach a CV or resume. SOI must be submitted using the dedicated form available at https://forms.gle/Ncdizk5KyKx41rop9, and applicants must upload supporting documents. The purpose of the SOI is to allow applicants to submit their credentials for consideration of inclusion on ARS roster of available speakers who will collaborate with U.S. Embassies and Consulates in sub-Saharan Africa to reach target audiences. Once a merit review of eligible SOIs has been completed, selected applicants will be interviewed. Following the interview with the speaker team, successful applicants will be added to the roster. Successful applicants added to the roster will be contacted by the speaker team when/if a speaker request by an Africa-based U.S. Embassy for a specific program match the applicants skills. Objectives Africa Regional Services is pleased to solicit for virtual and in-person programs. This is a Statement of Interest outlining our priorities, themes, and the procedures for submitting your candidacy as a U.S. speaker. Programs must be led in French, Portuguese, or English. Speakers and artists must demonstrate cultural cooperation between the U.S. and sub-Sahara Africa and indicate the strong transatlantic relationship of our people. Priority Program Areas Foster Openness and Open Societies Democracy, Good Governance and the Rule of Law Transparency and Accountability Civic Education Journalism Skills Press Freedom Citizen Journalism NGO/Civic Leadership, Public Management Youth Empowerment Womens Leadership Disability Rights, Awareness and Inclusion Diversity and Inclusion (business and economic development, communication and dialogue, education and awareness, identity, activism, and leadership) Deliver Democratic and Security Dividends Preventing International Trafficking in Persons Human Rights, LGBTQI+ Countering Gender Based Violence Countering Disinformation Cybersecurity Countering Violent Extremism Digital Literacy Economic Prosperity Entrepreneurship and Innovation Arts Entrepreneurship, Management Media Business Management STEAM (science technology engineering arts and math) Support Conservation, Climate Adaption, and Just Energy Transition Climate Change, Environment and Waste Management Energy Security Wildlife Protection/Illegal fishing/Judicial Aspects of Wildlife Trafficking Space Policy Ocean conservation Participants and Audiences ARS in coordination with U.S. Embassy public diplomacy sections in sub-Sahara Africa seek to engage the public, decision-makers, civil society leaders, and opinion-shapers at all levels of society with the goal of broadening support for, and understanding of U.S. policies, culture, history, society, and values.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals in promoting cultural and educational exchanges that strengthen connections between the United States and Russia, focusing on media, democracy, collaboration, and English language learning.

The U.S. Embassy Tokyo Public Affairs Section is offering a funding opportunity for programs that strengthen U.S.-Japan cultural ties and promote understanding of U.S. policy, with a total amount available of $400,000 and a maximum award of $100,000 per program, with applications due by September 30, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides emergency financial support to individuals and organizations facing persecution for their religious beliefs or for advocating for religious freedom worldwide.