Deadline: 08-Apr-2022
The U.S. Embassy Maseru Public Affairs Section (PAS) is inviting proposals for the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and the Kingdom of Lesotho 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.
Priority Areas
- Public Diplomacy grant proposals must have a connection to American culture and values or should be directed to increasing understanding in Lesotho of American culture and society. Proposals should also be related to one or more of the following U.S. Embassy priorities:
- Promote opportunity and development (in relation to Basotho youth and women): promote professional skills and leadership development; encourage innovation and entrepreneurship; support business creation and economic development; create networking, mentorship, and internship opportunities.
- Strengthen democratic institutions: encourage active citizen participation in government; promote increased voter participation in democratic processes at all levels; encourage press freedom and professional media coverage; counter misinformation; support actions to combat trafficking-in-persons; and increase attention to minority and disadvantaged populations.
- Support Lesotho in reaching and sustaining epidemic control through efforts aimed at maintaining healthy lifestyles; present accurate information on transmission, prevention, care, and treatment; reduce stigma and discrimination; support awareness and dialogue about related issues like LGBTI rights and ending gender-based violence.
- All projects must:
- Reinforce mutual understanding between the United States and the Kingdom of Lesotho: present accurate information on the U.S.-Lesotho partnership; build connections with Basotho at all levels; support the promotion of Basotho and American cross-cultural heritage, traditional and modern art forms, and other forms of creative expression; and foster English language proficiency.
- Build capacity and awareness across the Kingdom of Lesotho: include plans to share information publicly via social or traditional media, hold a virtual public dialogue or networking event in concert with the American Corner in Maseru, and (at a minimum) with one partner location outside of Maseru district to ensure more Basotho have access to public diplomacy programming and grant information.
- Adhere to COVID-19 regulations in Lesotho. Programs with virtual components will be prioritized.
Funding Information
- Floor of Individual Award Amounts: $500
- Ceiling of Individual Award Amounts: $10,000
- Note: Typical Award Amount: Between $2,000-3,000
- Anticipated Program Start Date: May/June 2022, depending on award cycle
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be Basotho or currently residing in Lesotho. The programs must take place and be focused on Lesotho. The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from:
- Civil-society organizations and local representatives of civil society
- Non-governmental organizations
- Academic institutions
- Individuals
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=337834