Deadline: 2 August 2019
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Lesotho is seeking proposals for funding under the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Grants program that includes:
- Proposals for Programming at the American Corner & YALI Leadership Innovation Hub, including networking events at the American Corner during October 2019-February 2020
- Proposals for programming in the Districts outside Maseru as part of American Corner on the road.
- USG Exchange Alumni Grants
Public Diplomacy grants are intended for individuals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, and academic institutions. They support projects that:
- Promote opportunity and development in relation to Basotho youth and women and in areas related to HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness;
- Bring USG exchange alumni together with likeminded individuals, particularly youth and women, to share ideas, best practices, and build sustainable professional networks
- Strengthen democratic processes and institutions, especially civil society and the media;
- Reinforce the bridge of mutual understanding and shared vision between the U.S. and Lesotho.
Award Information
- Floor of Individual Award Amounts: $500
- Ceiling of Individual Award Amounts: $10,000
Note: Typical Award Amount: Between $2000-3000
Priorities
Public Diplomacy grant proposals must have a connection to American culture and values or should be directed to increasing understanding in Lesotho of American culture and society. Proposals should also be related to one or more of the following U.S. Embassy priorities:
- Promote opportunity and development: (in relation to youth and women) promote professional skills and leadership development; encourage innovation and entrepreneurship; create networking, mentorship and internship opportunities,
- Strengthen Democratic Institutions: encourage active citizen participation in government; promote increased voter participation in democratic processes at all levels; encourage professional media coverage, and increase attention to minority and disadvantaged populations.
- Help Lesotho reach epidemic control by 2020, with prevention and healthy lifestyles; present accurate information on transmission, prevention, care, and treatment; reduce stigma; support awareness and dialogue about related issues like LGBTI rights and ending gender-based violence.
All projects must:
- Reinforce Mutual Understanding between the United States and Lesotho: present accurate information on the U.S.-Lesotho partnership; build connections with Basotho at all levels; support the promotion of Basotho and American cross-cultural heritage, traditional and modern art forms, and other forms of creative expression; and, foster English language proficiency.
- Build Capacity and Awareness across the Country: Include plans to share information publically via social or traditional media, hold a public dialogue or networking event at the American Corner in Maseru (located at the State Library), and at a minimum of one location outside of Maseru district to ensure more Basotho have access to public diplomacy programming and grant information.
Note: For proposals focused on American Corner on the road, a minimum of 50% of the activities should take place outside of Maseru district.
Activities
Activities that are typically funded include, but are not limited to:
- proposals to expand or build on U.S.-Lesotho exchange programs;
- programs that strengthen government and civil society capabilities;
- youth community service projects that encourage volunteerism and support the outlined priorities;
- civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights;
- youth recreation, leadership, professional development, entrepreneurship, and education programs;
- arts and cultural programs;
- new media concepts aimed at reaching wider audiences;
- media training projects;
- radio and television programming in support of the outlined priorities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be Basotho currently residing in Lesotho.
- The programs must take place and be focused on Lesotho.
- Applications are encouraged from all sectors: committed and organized civil-society organizations, local representatives of civil society, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals.
- Applicants are encouraged to provide cost-sharing from additional sources in support of proposed projects; applications should explain clearly other likely sources of funding or in-kind participation.
How to Apply
Proposals should be submitted at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit https://ls.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grant-programs/public-diplomacy-grants/