Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program (Congo DR)

Deadline: 1-May-24

The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa Public Diplomacy Section (PD Kinshasa) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce applications for Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.

Purpose 

• PD Kinshasa invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Programs should create opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and highlight shared values. All programs must include a U.S. element, such as an expert, organization, cultural element, or Institution, that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Priority Program Areas

• PD seeks to engage the public, decision makers, civil society leaders, and opinion-shapers at all levels of Congolese society with the goal of broadening understanding of U.S. policies, culture, history, society, and values. U.S. Mission in Kinshasa priorities include:
  • Promote stability and durable peace, particularly in eastern DRC: Activities that promote conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence among Congolese communities, both of which are vital to democratic progress and economic prosperity.
  • Preserve the Congo Basin Rainforest, including through environmentally sound and sustainable economic growth: Activities that support the people of the Congo Basin, balancing economic opportunities for local communities with environmental concerns.
  • Strengthen democracy and good governance: Non-partisan activities that promote an understanding of U.S. democracy and how the United States and the DRC share democratic values; activities that promote good governance and accountability for elected leaders.
  • Encourage prosperity, trade, and investment: Activities that support the expansion of U.S. exports and investments, improve the connections between U.S. and Congolese businesses, and/or expand economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, and financial independence among women, youth, and underserved populations. Activities that raise awareness of corruption and how to combat it.
  • Support media freedom/countering disinformation: Activities that support promotion of media freedom, media training, and countering misinformation/disinformation.
  • Share values, interests and language: Activities that promote the U.S.-DRC relationship and build people-to-people ties, including but not limited to commemorations of key historic events and commemorative programs, or shared appreciation for cultural excellence.

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: One to 12 months
• Number of awards anticipated: Two to 10 awards
• Award amounts: Minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $25,000
• Total funding available: $50,000

Ineligible Funding

• Programs relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or development campaigns;
• Lobbying activities;
• Construction programs;
• Programs that support specific religious activities;
• Fund-raising for specific legislation or programs;
• Scientific research;
• Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
• Programs that duplicate existing initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Applicants
  • The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
    • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations with programming experience
    • Individuals
    • Non-profit educational institutions
    • Governmental institutions
  • For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
• Cost Sharing or Matching: Not required.
• Other Eligibility Requirements
  • Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization per deadline. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy Kinshasa.