Small Grants Program for Supporting Marginalized Communities in Guinea

Deadline: 31-May-2024

The U.S. Embassy Conakry, Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for interested organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) for funding a variety of program proposals that strengthen ties between the peoples of the United States and Guinea.

Purpose

• The U.S. Embassy in Guinea invites SOIs for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Guinea through cultural and exchange programming that highlight 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 Public Diplomacy programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
• Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
• Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S. sponsored or supported educational or professional exchange program;
• Programs that strengthen U.S. college and university relationships with local higher education institutions, American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams), businesses, and/or regional organizations;
• New media concept projects aimed at reaching wider audiences;
• English language programs;
• Programs that strengthen government, public, and private sector capacity and collaboration;
• Youth community service projects that promote democratic processes and encourage volunteerism;
• Civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights;
• Proposals that support the proliferation of tolerant voices of traditional and community leaders;
• Arts and culture programs that feature an element of increasing understanding of American culture or American-Guinea cooperation.

Priority Program Objectives

• Project proposals should address one of the following U.S. Mission priority areas:
  • Increase public media literacy and build capacity of local journalists: Through projects that combat disinformation; journalist trainings and professional exchanges; public awareness campaigns about the importance of a free and fair press.
  • Improve English language skills among students and young professionals: Through projects that increase access to English language education; English teacher training; and professional exchanges that support English language learning.
  • Increase literacy levels: Through projects that expand literacy access to rural areas of Guinea; improve the effectiveness of teaching; increase interest in reading and writing.
  • Enhance civil society capacity and democratic capacity: Through projects that build management and strategic planning skills for civil society organizations, such as rural NGOS, professional organizations, grassroots organizations, and community leaders.
  • Support marginalized communities: Through projects that promote awareness of marginalized community issues; support for human rights; professional exchanges to increase the effectiveness of advocacy organizations; promote the rights and liberties of gender and sexual minorities, disabled persons, ethnic and religious minority groups, and stigmatized groups
  • Support youth and women’s entrepreneurship: Through projects enhancing skills and access to resources for youth and women in Guinea. This includes training, mentorship, and networking, aimed at overcoming discrimination and economic barriers, thereby fostering sustainable development.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $100,000 (anticipated subject to availability of funds)
• Award amounts: awards will generally range from USD $5,000 to $22,000.
  • Note: A limited number of projects with budgets greater than $22,000.00 may be considered and these proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months.
• Anticipated program start date: 2024 – 2025

Participants and Audiences

• All proposals should focus on engaging Guineans in Guinea. Proposals that reach marginalized communities and youth are encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria

• First-time applicants for U.S. Embassy grants are strongly encouraged to apply! The following organization types are eligible:
  • U.S. and Guinean Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations;
  • Educational institutions;
  • Non-profit organizations;
  • Individuals;
  • Non-Governmental institutions.

Ineligible

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;
  • For-profit programs;
  • Construction programs;
  • Programs that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Guinea.