U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros PDS Annual Program Statement

Purpose of Small Grants

The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program supports projects proposed by U.S., Malagasy, and/or Comorian educational, cultural, and other non-profit organizations or individuals that promote U.S. values, strengthen understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian people and institutions, and/or support U.S. Embassy goals of promoting transparency and good governance, economic prosperity, and sustainable development of natural resources. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element, or connection with U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Examples of Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
• Training, workshops, or courses to develop professional or academic skills;
• Youth engagement programs;
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions;
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
• Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
• Communication campaign related to human rights, democracy, and environment.

Priority Program Areas

• Improving English language learning through curriculum development, teacher training, and/or developing partnerships with U.S. education institutions;
• Promoting U.S. culture and values;
• Advancing good governance and democratic values including accountability and human rights in Madagascar and/or Comoros through the promotion of educated civic participation, particularly among youth and women;
• Enhancing youth leadership and engagement;
• Advancing a free and responsible press and combating disinformation;
• Increasing opportunity for women, girls, minorities, and/or disadvantaged populations;
• Developing skills in innovation technology, STEM, and entrepreneurship; and,
• Improving sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity conservation through environmental action programs

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: 6 to 24 months
• Number of awards anticipated: Up to 5 awards (depending upon amounts)
• Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000
• Total available funding: $100,000
• Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 24 months or less

Participants and Audiences

The list below delineates our target audiences:

• Educators and administrators of public or private educational institutions at the primary, secondary, or tertiary level;
• Youth (15 – 35 y/o), particularly students;
• Young professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators;
• Media professionals;
• Civil society leaders;
• Women, girls, minorities, and disadvantaged populations.

Eligibility Criteria

The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from the United States, Madagascar, and Comoros:

• Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations with programming experience;
• Individuals;
• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions;
• Governmental institutions.