Deadline: 5-Aug-22
The Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest (SOI) that strengthens people-to-people ties between the United States and the people of Venezuela through cultural, educational, technological, and media support programs that highlight shared values and promote a peaceful, democratic transition.
Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants
- PAS VAU invites proposals for communications, cultural, technological, and educational programs that support democratic initiatives and economic empowerment in Venezuela, highlight shared values, and promote bilateral cooperation.
- All programs must convey an element of U.S. culture, history, access to information in Venezuela, and/or shared values. Competitive proposals should also include a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and/or increased cooperation between the people of the United States and Venezuela even after the program has concluded.
Priority Program Areas
PAS VAU will prioritize grant proposals that address the following themes:
- Cultural Projects: Cultural activities engage the public, especially youth, to bridge cultures, deepen cultural ties and understanding, discuss topics of importance, and promote the free exchange of ideas. The VAU is interested in supporting arts and culture projects that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Venezuela. Examples of possible programs include writing workshops (including comics), artist collaborations, gaming workshops or programs, theatre/filmmaking/storytelling clubs, dance performances or competitions, or similar events and activities.
- Supporting freedom of speech and expression, including via civic education.
- Strengthening independent media and/or average Venezuelans’ access to information through media literacy, training, implementation of new technologies, and other engagement.
- Ensuring participation of citizens in the democratic process through education and outreach.
- Economic growth and entrepreneurship, particularly for marginalized women and youth..
- Supporting grassroots activism that promotes human rights, democratic governance, and/or addresses Venezuelan citizens’.needs due to the humanitarian crises.
- Promoting inclusive social development, particularly through empowering women and girls, persons with disabilities, and Afro-Venezuelans.
Funding Information
- Estimated total program funding: $500.000
- Award Ceiling: $100,000
- Award floor: $10,000
- Number of awards anticipated: 10 awards (dependent on amounts)
Eligibility Criteria
- Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations, with programming experience
- Individuals
- Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
- Governmental institutions
- For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
Ineligible
The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
- Programs relating to partisan political activity;
- 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.
- Complete salaries for personnel.
- Programs for businesses or governmental organizations
For more information, visit https://ve.usembassy.gov/venezuela-affairs-unit-vau-pas-request-for-statements-of-interest-annual-program-statement/
