Deadline: 30 June 2020
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) at U.S. Embassy Managua has announced the 2019-2020 PAS Small Grants Program to support innovative projects focused on empowering Nicaraguans through educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling: $50,000
- Award Floor: $1
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) is interested in projects that promote U.S.-Nicaragua relations through proposals that will:
- Improve instruction and academic achievement in English language proficiency and/or science, technology, environment, architecture/art, and math (STEAM)
- Strengthen entrepreneurship and economic development, and expand access among minority communities, women, and disadvantaged communities
- Engage alumni of U.S. sponsored exchange programs
- Promote civic education
The Small Grants Program cannot fund:
- Projects supporting primarily partisan political or religious activity
- International air travel unless essential to the goal of the project
- Humanitarian or charitable activities
- For-profit, commercial or trade activities
- Fundraising campaigns
- Scientific research
- Institutional development per se or support of an organization
- Activities that duplicate existing projects
- Construction and infrastructure
- Vehicles
- Salaries as the main purpose of the grant
- Refreshments as the main element of the grant
Eligibility Criteria
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Others
- Individuals
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Eligible applicants for this Annual Program Statement are:
- US and Nicaraguan citizens, non-profit and non-governmental organizations with legal status.
- All awards are subject to funds availability.
- Recipient cost-share is encouraged but it is not required.
Evaluation Criteria
The PAS Small Grants Program will evaluate and score proposals according to the following criteria:
- Quality of the Program Plan: Competitive proposals will clearly promote one or more of Embassy Mission Goals: economic prosperity; security; and democracy with social inclusion for all, in Nicaragua; and all programs must have a U.S. component such as a U.S. speaker or expert. (30 points)
- Ability to Achieve Program Objectives: Applications should clearly demonstrate how the applicant would meet the objectives. Activities should be reasonable and feasible, and the application should clearly detail how activities would be carry out. Objectives should be clear, measurable, and have a well-articulated timeline. (30 points)
- Project Evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate the activity’s success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of the program. A draft survey questionnaire or other technique and a description of methodology to link outcomes to original project objectives are recommended. (20 points)
- Budget and Narrative Justification: The budget and narrative justification are complete and reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The plan for services and related cost estimates is realistic.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email at the address given on the website.
Eligible Countries: United States and Nicaragua
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=321817