Deadline: 7-Jul-24
The U.S. Embassy Colombo, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through the Public Diplomacy grants program for support of American Spaces in Sri Lanka.
There are three awards associated with this funding opportunity: Two support American Corner Kandy with 1) Administrative AND 2) programmatic support for American Corner Kandy; and One supports American Center Colombo with programmatic support. They seek a SINGLE grantee to implement all three awards (through a Cooperative Agreement; with significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance). The grantee would issue any necessary subawards or sub-grants to support the two American Spaces throughout the grant period.
Goal
- Bolster Sri Lankan civil society to promote democratic governance and respect for human rights; foster sustainable economic growth by building the capacity of the Sri Lankan workforce to meet market demand through education – including English language – and other skills development; enhance the leadership skills of youth through targeted initiatives.
Project Objectives
- The American Spaces program’s goal is to provide resources and programming in the following areas:
- 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.
- 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 (STEAM) education; and in media literacy; and
- Empower Women: Enable young women to develop their skills and advocate for their interests, while also promoting women’s rights in the local community.
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: One year (with possibility of up to two, 12-month extensions based on performance and funds availability)
- Number of awards anticipated: 3 awards; The successful applicant will be required to manage three awards (1. Administrative support for ACK; 2. Programmatic support for ACK; 3. Programmatic support to ACC) to execute the project outlined in this NOFO.
- PDS anticipates awarding three awards from this NOFO to one applicant. Applicants should submit one proposal and budget for the full scope of this NOFO.
- PDS will work with the selected applicant pre-award to divide costs into three budgets for the three awards.
- Award amounts: Individual awards may range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 Total available funding: $100,000 (anticipated total for all three awards)
Ineligibile Funding
- Projects relating to partisan political activity;
- Charitable or development activities;
- Construction projects;
- Projects that support specific religious activities;
- Fund-raising campaigns;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
- Scientific research or surveys;
- Commercial projects;
- Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
- Projects that duplicate existing projects; or
- Illegal activities
Eligibility Criteria
- Total available funding: $100,000 (anticipated total for all three awards)
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Think tanks
- Public and private educational institutions
Ineligibility Criteria
- For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO.
- Applicants must be registered in Sri Lanka. International organizations, Sri Lankan government entities and individuals are not eligible to apply.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka.