Africa Regional Services Paris Statement of Interest: ARS Speaker Program

Deadline: 30-Sep-21

The Africa Regional Services based in Paris (ARS) of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs has announced 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 or artist to conduct outreach activities that enhance the understanding of the United States in sub Saharan Africa.

Priority Program Areas

Disability rights and awareness and inclusion
Freedom of Expression/Citizen Journalism
Countering Gender Based Violence
Good Governance/Rule of Law
Human Rights
LGBTI
News Media Business Management
Journalism skills and World Press Freedom
NGO/Civic Leadership
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Transparency and Accountability
Public Management
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Countering Disinformation
Countering Violent Extremism
Cybersecurity
Preventing International Trafficking in Persons
Energy Security
Wildlife Protection/ Illegal fishing/ judicial aspects of wildlife trafficking
STEAM (science technology engineering arts and math)
Youth Empowerment
Women’s Leadership
Arts Management
Climate Change
Space policy
Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions
Environment and waste management

Funding Information

Length of performance period: 1-12 months
Number of awards anticipated: 20-75 awards depending on amounts and requests
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $10,000
Total available funding: $80,000

Participants & Audiences

ARS in coordination with U.S. embassy public affairs 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.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants:
- American citizen individuals who can lead programs within their area of expertise in French, Portuguese, or Spanish based in the U.S., Africa, Brazil and Europe
- Proof of citizenship by U.S. passport; U.S. green card holders if part of a performing artist group
For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
Cost Sharing or Matching:
- Cost sharing is not required.
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants may submit one SOI.
- Individuals are required to have a Social Security Number in order to comply with Internal Revenue Services reporting requirements.