Deadline: 15-Jul-21
The U.S. Embassy Colombo Public Affairs Section (PAS) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through the Public Diplomacy grants program for Administrative Support for two (2) American Spaces in Sri Lanka.
American Spaces are a nationwide network of PAS-funded cultural centers that are part of the American Spaces program, a global network of over 600 State Department-sponsored cultural centers. The American Spaces conduct youth-oriented educational and cultural programming. The award recipient will be responsible to oversee administrative aspects of the American Spaces program, to include staffing of selected corners, training logistics, and equipment and facility maintenance. The recipient will also assist in implementing American Spaces programming with significant Public Affairs Section input and assistance.
Project Goals
Though the American Spaces have Sri Lanka-specific goals, they operate based on the global standards of the American Spaces program. These standards mandate that every American Spaces offer programming in six core areas:
- Information about the United States
- English language learning
- Education USA advising
- Cultural programs
- Alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs
- Community engagement
The American Spaces standards mandate that American Spaces maintain collections of books, magazines, databases, computer workstations, and an area for programs. All materials at the American Spaces —to include internet access—must be free and open to the public. American Spaces vary in size, but have the following minimum characteristics:
- Secure location with public access;
- Minimum size of approximately 75 square meters;
- Library containing a minimum of 500 books selected and provided by the U.S. Mission;
- Program venue to accommodate 20 people;
- 3D Printer
- MakerSpace robotic and technology materials
Objectives
The American Spaces program’s goal is to provide resources and programming that achieves the following Sri Lanka-specific project objectives (in priority order):
- Develop Future Leaders: Empower talented Sri Lanka youth to become leaders in their local community and nation;
- Promote peace, democracy, reconciliation and human rights;
- Empower Youth: Enable young Sri Lankans to develop their skills in English language; in entrepreneurship; in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics or STEAM education; and in media literacy;
- Empower Women: Enable young women to develop their skills and advocate for their interests, while also promoting women’s rights in the local community; and
- Build U.S.-Sri Lanka friendship and regional stability: Increase Sri Lankan’s understanding of the United States, U.S. policy in the region, and the U.S. as an important and positive partner for Sri Lanka.
Funding Information
- The award floor is one hundred thousand dollars $100,000.00; the award ceiling is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars $150,000.00.
- Duration of Award: One year
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility is open to non-profit organizations. Organizations may sub-award or sub-contract with other entities including for-profit organizations, but only one non-profit organization can be the prime recipient of the award.
- Government entities are not eligible to apply.
- For-profit entitles are not eligible to be the prime recipient of an award under this NOFO.
- When sub-awarding or sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
- The applicants must submit proof of their non-profit status with their proposal submission.
- Applications that do not include proof of non-profit status will not be considered for an award.
- Individuals are not eligible for an award under this NOFO. U.S.-based or registered organizations should provide proof of registration to operate in Sri Lanka or have a documented agreement with a partner organization registered to operate in Sri Lanka.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=334015