Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program – Sierra Leone

Deadline: 15-Apr-2024

The U.S. Embassy Sierra Leone Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.

Purpose of Small Grants

• PDS Sierra Leone invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Sierra Leone through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
• Examples of PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to
  • Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs (virtual or in person);
  • Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions;
  • Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
  • Professional and academic exchanges and programs (virtual or in person);

Priority Program Areas

• Priority consideration will be given to programs that further the shared U.S./Sierra Leonean goal of supporting democracy and good governance, and seek unity across ideological lines, while strengthening cultural ties between the U.S. and Sierra Leone. Potential examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Collaborating with a U.S. institution to develop peace building activities that bridge political divides
  • Joint cultural workshops with U.S. and Sierra Leonean artists that represent a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints
• They will also consider applications that align with the shared goal to support Sierra Leone’s sustainable economic development, although grantees cannot be for-profit companies. Potential examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Programs that feature collaboration between U.S. and Sierra Leone non-profit organizations that advocate for small businesses/credit availability/entrepreneurship/financial literacy
  • Collaboration on realistic green economy/eco-tourism development between U.S. and SIerra Leonean institutions

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $20,000
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $10,000
• Length of performance period: 2 to 12 months
• Number of awards anticipated: 3 awards (dependent on amounts)
• Anticipated program start date: Should begin before the end of fiscal year 2024.

Participants and Audiences

• All applicants for awards must stipulate who their target audience is (age/gender/geographic breakdown) and estimate the expected audience reach through direct contact, and, if relevant, through indirect contact (via social media or traditional media). Special consideration will be given to projects that target adults from multiple regional and ethnic backgrounds, and are inclusive of participants of different genders, abilities, religions and other identity characteristics.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from U.S. and Sierra Leone:
  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
  • Individuals
  • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
  • Governmental institutions
• For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

Ineligible

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • Construction programs;
  • Programs that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
  • Scientific research;
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone.