Deadline: 31-Jul-2020
The U.S. Embassy Cairo Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Cairo invites proposals from civil society organizations, think tanks, cultural and arts organizations, government institutions, and academic institutions for programs that strengthen the cultural ties between the U.S. and Egypt 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 the kinds of activities that can be funded under the PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;
- Artistic and cultural workshops, performances, exhibitions, or activities to develop the creative economy in Egypt;
- Workshops, training, and competitions to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Egypt;
- Sports workshops, joint athletic competitions, or sports management training;
- Training activities and programs that support science and technology education or STEAM skills;
- Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
- Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
- Professional development workshops and training;
- Civic engagement
Priority Program Areas
Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following program areas:
- U.S.–EGYPT BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP: Programs that seek to promote a greater understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society to Egyptian audiences; activities that promote shared values and interests between the American and Egyptian people; and projects that build people-to-people ties.
- REGIONAL SECURITY: Programs that address issues of regional security and enhanced stability, strengthen community resilience to extremism, or increase public understanding of the U.S.-Egypt security partnership.
- ECONOMIC GROWTH: Programs related to economic growth and prosperity, inclusive socioeconomic development, skills development, entrepreneurship, technology/innovation, intellectual property rights, and economic empowerment of women and youth, and underserved populations in Egypt.
- SOCIAL ISSUES: Programs that support an engaged civil society, promote a deepened understanding of diversity and inclusion, and encourage tolerance and peace through dialogue.
- EDUCATION: Programs that promote study in the United States, the building of linkages between American and Egyptian academic institutions, and training opportunities for Egyptian students or faculty.
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: Performance periods are based on the needs of the project, although proposed programs should generally be completed in 12 months or less.
- Award amounts: Awards generally do not exceed $25,000.
- Total available funding: Approximately $500,000 total is anticipated to be available for the four funding cycles, pending availability of funds.
- Anticipated program start date: December 31, 2019-September 30, 2020
Participants and Audiences
All programs should target primarily Egyptian audiences. Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including age, gender, geographic location, and numbers anticipated to be reached. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, and secondary audiences include those reached indirectly – for example, via social media or traditional media.
Specific audiences who are considered a priority for awards funded under this APS include:
- Young leaders in the 18-30 year-old age ranges;
- Entrepreneurs and those involved in strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Egypt;
- Women and girls;
- Minority, peripheral, and/or disadvantaged communities;
- Audiences residing outside of Greater Cairo or Alexandria;
- Alumni of U.S. Embassy-sponsored cultural exchange programs.
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
- Projects seeking funds for personal use.
Eligibility Criteria
The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S. and Egyptian:
- Individuals
- Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience; and
- Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
For more information, visit https://eg.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grant-programs/