Deadline: 17 June 2019
Applications are open for the American Center Warsaw (ACW) which is the U.S. Mission Poland’s priority American Space for cultural programs and public diplomacy outreach and the hub of the Mission’s hub-and-spoke American Spaces Network.
The American Center Warsaw (ACW) is one of over 650 American Spaces supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). In Poland, the ACW serves as the hub of a network of eight American Spaces, generating innovative program ideas that support the public diplomacy goals of the U.S. Mission.
Program Activities
- Staffing the American Center Warsaw:
- Applicants should propose a plan for providing employment to current ACW staff members as well as recruiting and selecting (with U.S. Embassy Warsaw approval) new local Polish staff on an as-needed basis. U.S. Embassy Warsaw envisions the winning proposal including positions to support the following areas:
- Innovative Programming: Identifying and working with partners on initiatives that support U.S. Embassy Warsaw’s mission and public diplomacy goals.
- IT and Technology Innovations: Supporting the tech-forward nature of the ACW, utilizing the most current digital tools to expand the audience for ACW events.
- Outreach and Communications: Actively promoting ACW events and resources, maintaining dynamic and engaging website and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook).
- Administration and Operations: Overseeing day-to-day administrative tasks in compliance with U.S. Embassy Warsaw policies.
- Applicants should propose a plan for providing employment to current ACW staff members as well as recruiting and selecting (with U.S. Embassy Warsaw approval) new local Polish staff on an as-needed basis. U.S. Embassy Warsaw envisions the winning proposal including positions to support the following areas:
- Implementing Programs at the American Center Warsaw:
- ACW programs are planned in consultation with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of U.S. Embassy Warsaw and should be low-cost or even free to produce with the help of volunteers and local partners. The ACW supports a dynamic events calendar that includes a regular English conversation club, film screenings, workshops for U.S. exchange program alumni, cultural events, receptions, and events that feature high-level U.S. and Polish officials. Not all programming takes place within the physical ACW space and partnerships with outside organizations are encouraged.
- Day-to-Day Operations at the American Center Warsaw:
- The proposal should include a detailed operational plan for managing a full-fledged public outreach center that is open to the public five days a week. This includes, but is not limited to, staff schedule to ensure coverage, plans to procure supplies and materials necessary to provide the full range of services and programming including:
- Internet services, IT support (including software), and maintenance of equipment such as photocopiers and A/V equipment
- The ACW website
- Communications (telephone, postal services, etc.)
- Supplemental furniture if needed
- Supplemental equipment (additional or replacement iPads, computers, TV monitors, copy machine, printers) if needed
- Marketing materials and promotional signs
- Contractual services to maintain the center’s activities, including equipment repair as needed, cleaning services, interpretation services, and delivery of drinking water
- The proposal should include a detailed operational plan for managing a full-fledged public outreach center that is open to the public five days a week. This includes, but is not limited to, staff schedule to ensure coverage, plans to procure supplies and materials necessary to provide the full range of services and programming including:
Funding Information
- Subject to availability of funds, up to $200,000 is available for this program, which will support one cooperative agreement for the operation of the ACW over the period of one year. Allowable costs are those directly related to the project activities.
- Period of Performance: The new cooperative agreement will be valid before September 30, 2019 to December 31, 2020 but active oversight of the program will begin on January 1, 2020. Awards for two additional years may be provided on a non-competitive basis pending successful completion of the first year of the program and pending the availability of funds.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications may be submitted by U.S. or Polish public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3).
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate experience working in Poland and should have a legally registered local office to provide program oversight. The applicant organization must be able to demonstrate the ability to administer all components of the program as outlined in this solicitation, and in cooperation with U.S. Embassy Warsaw.
- Third country organizations and individuals are not eligible.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted electronically at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit https://pl.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grants/