RFAs: American Spaces Support Funds Program (Zimbabwe)

Deadline: 02-Aug-2026

The American Spaces Support Funds Program provides funding to support public diplomacy and community engagement activities at American Corner Gweru in Zimbabwe. The program aims to strengthen connections between the United States and Zimbabwean communities through cultural programming, entrepreneurship training, technology access, innovation initiatives, sports activities, and educational events.

Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement with a total award of $14,000. Eligible Zimbabwean nonprofit organizations are invited to implement programs that promote American culture, values, institutions, and foreign policy objectives while fostering mutual understanding and community engagement.

Program Overview

The American Spaces Support Funds Program is designed to provide administrative and programmatic support for American Corner Gweru, a public engagement center jointly operated by the U.S. Embassy and Gweru Memorial Public Library.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the role of American Corner Gweru as a community resource that promotes educational opportunities, cultural exchange, innovation, entrepreneurship, and understanding of the United States.

Through interactive programming and public outreach activities, the program helps local audiences gain insights into American society, culture, institutions, and policy priorities while building stronger people-to-people connections.

What Is American Corner Gweru?

American Corner Gweru is part of the American Spaces network, which provides public access to information about the United States and serves as a platform for educational and cultural engagement.

The center offers opportunities for local communities to:

• Learn about American culture and values.
• Access educational resources.
• Participate in training programs.
• Engage with U.S. experts and institutions.
• Explore innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Attend cultural and community events.

The facility operates through a partnership between the U.S. Embassy and Gweru Memorial Public Library.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Strengthen public diplomacy engagement.
• Promote understanding of American culture and society.
• Support entrepreneurship and innovation development.
• Expand access to technology and digital learning.
• Encourage cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
• Increase awareness of U.S. foreign policy priorities.
• Foster community engagement and outreach.
• Build partnerships with American experts and institutions.
• Create meaningful educational opportunities for local participants.

Key Focus Areas

Public Diplomacy Engagement

The initiative supports programs that strengthen relationships between Zimbabwean communities and U.S. institutions.

Activities may include:

• Public discussions
• Educational forums
• Community outreach programs
• Leadership engagement activities
• Knowledge-sharing events

American Cultural Programming

Programs should showcase aspects of American culture, traditions, values, and society.

Examples include:

• Cultural exhibitions
• Arts and music events
• Educational presentations
• Film screenings
• Heritage celebrations

Entrepreneurship Training

The program encourages activities that help participants develop business and entrepreneurial skills.

Potential topics include:

• Business development
• Startup creation
• Financial literacy
• Innovation management
• Leadership skills

Technology Access and Digital Learning

Projects may improve access to technology and digital resources through:

• Technology workshops
• Digital literacy training
• Coding and STEM activities
• Online learning initiatives
• Technology demonstration events

Innovation and Skills Development

Organizations may implement programs that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

Examples include:

• Innovation challenges
• Startup competitions
• Design thinking workshops
• Technology innovation events

Sports and Community Activities

Sports-based programming may be used to encourage teamwork, leadership, inclusion, and community engagement.

Possible activities include:

• Sports clinics
• Leadership through sports programs
• Youth engagement activities
• Community tournaments

American Cultural Component Requirement

A key requirement of the program is the inclusion of a strong American cultural component.

Proposals should clearly demonstrate how activities connect participants with:

• American culture
• American values
• U.S. institutions
• American educational opportunities
• U.S. foreign policy priorities
• American expertise and innovation

Projects lacking a clear American component may not be considered competitive.

Partnership Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to establish connections with American organizations and experts.

Potential partners may include:

• U.S. universities
• American nonprofit organizations
• U.S.-based experts
• Cultural institutions
• Professional associations
• Educational organizations

Strong partnerships can improve program quality and increase participant engagement.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include Zimbabwean nonprofit organizations that can successfully implement community-focused programming.

Eligible entities include:

• Civil society organizations (CSOs)
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Registered nonprofit organizations
• Community-based organizations meeting eligibility requirements

Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity to manage and deliver proposed activities.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following entities are not eligible:

• For-profit companies
• Commercial businesses
• Organizations seeking profit-generating activities through the award

Only eligible nonprofit organizations may apply.

Registration Requirements

Applicants must meet all required registration and compliance standards before applying.

Requirements include:

SAM.gov Registration

Organizations must maintain a valid registration with SAM.gov.

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Applicants must possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Organizational Compliance

Organizations must comply with all applicable program regulations and application requirements.

Failure to meet registration requirements may result in disqualification.

Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit only one proposal per organization.

Proposals should clearly demonstrate:

• Program objectives
• Target audience
• Planned activities
• Expected outcomes
• Community impact
• American cultural content
• Partnership strategy
• Budget justification

All proposed activities must take place within Zimbabwe.

Funding Information

Total Program Funding

The estimated total funding available under the program is:

$14,000

Award Ceiling

The maximum award amount is:

$14,000

Award Floor

The minimum award amount is:

$14,000

Because the ceiling and floor are identical, the program is expected to support a single award at the stated funding level.

Funding Mechanism

Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement.

Under a cooperative agreement:

• The funding agency remains substantially involved in project implementation.
• Program activities are coordinated with the funding partner.
• Ongoing collaboration and reporting are typically required.
• Award recipients work closely with program representatives throughout implementation.

Why This Program Matters

The program supports broader efforts to strengthen cultural understanding, educational engagement, and community development.

Key benefits include:

• Expanding access to educational resources.
• Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Strengthening community relationships.
• Encouraging cross-cultural dialogue.
• Increasing awareness of American perspectives and institutions.
• Supporting youth and community development.
• Enhancing public diplomacy efforts.

The initiative also contributes to long-term people-to-people connections between Zimbabwe and the United States.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Ensure that your organization qualifies as an eligible Zimbabwean nonprofit entity.

Step 2: Complete Required Registrations

Verify that your organization has:

• Active SAM.gov registration.
• A valid UEI number.
• Any additional required documentation.

Step 3: Design Program Activities

Develop activities aligned with program priorities such as:

• Cultural programming
• Entrepreneurship training
• Technology access
• Community engagement
• Innovation events

Step 4: Incorporate American Content

Demonstrate clear connections to:

• American culture
• U.S. institutions
• American experts
• U.S. foreign policy objectives

Step 5: Develop Partnerships

Identify and engage relevant American organizations or experts that can contribute to program success.

Step 6: Prepare Budget and Work Plan

Provide:

• Detailed activity plans
• Project timeline
• Budget justification
• Expected outcomes

Step 7: Submit a Single Proposal

Organizations may submit only one application under this funding opportunity.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are likely to be assessed based on:

Program Relevance

Alignment with public diplomacy goals and American Spaces objectives.

American Cultural Content

Strength and quality of the U.S.-focused component.

Community Impact

Potential benefits for participants and local communities.

Organizational Capacity

Ability to successfully implement and manage the project.

Partnerships

Quality of connections with American institutions and experts.

Budget and Feasibility

Reasonableness of costs and practicality of implementation plans.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve competitiveness:

• Include a clear American cultural focus.
• Demonstrate measurable community impact.
• Develop strong partnerships with U.S. organizations.
• Provide realistic and detailed budgets.
• Include interactive and participant-centered activities.
• Align activities with public diplomacy objectives.
• Clearly explain expected outcomes and benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Weak or unclear American cultural components.
• Insufficient community engagement strategies.
• Missing registration requirements.
• Submitting multiple proposals.
• Unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Failing to demonstrate organizational capacity.
• Limited partnerships with U.S. institutions or experts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the American Spaces Support Funds Program?

It is a funding initiative that supports public diplomacy and community engagement activities at American Corner Gweru in Zimbabwe.

What is the purpose of the program?

The program promotes understanding of American culture, values, institutions, and policies while strengthening community engagement and educational opportunities.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include Zimbabwean nonprofit organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations, and similar nonprofit entities.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

No. For-profit companies and commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

The program provides a single award of $14,000 through a cooperative agreement.

Must activities take place in Zimbabwe?

Yes. All funded activities must be implemented within Zimbabwe and directly engage local participants.

Is an American cultural component required?

Yes. Every proposal must include a strong American cultural component and demonstrate connections to U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions.

Expected Outcomes

Successful projects are expected to generate outcomes such as:

• Increased public engagement with American Spaces.
• Greater awareness of American culture and society.
• Improved entrepreneurship and innovation skills.
• Expanded technology access and digital literacy.
• Stronger partnerships between local and U.S. institutions.
• Enhanced community participation and outreach.
• Greater understanding of U.S. foreign policy perspectives.

Conclusion

The American Spaces Support Funds Program provides Zimbabwean nonprofit organizations with an opportunity to strengthen educational, cultural, and community engagement activities at American Corner Gweru. Through entrepreneurship training, technology access initiatives, cultural programming, and public diplomacy activities, the program promotes mutual understanding between Zimbabwean communities and the United States.

With dedicated funding, a strong emphasis on American cultural engagement, and opportunities for collaboration with U.S. experts and institutions, the program supports meaningful community impact while advancing public diplomacy objectives and cross-cultural exchange.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.