U.S. Embassy in New Zealand announces STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Small Grants Program

Deadline: 12 June 2020

The U.S. Embassy New Zealand Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its U.S. Embassy New Zealand PAS STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Small Grants Program.

Purpose

PAS New Zealand invites Statement of Interest (SOI) for projects in the realm of science, technology, engineering and math that support or promote education programs for all audiences. Priority will be given to programs that also align with the program priority areas outlined below.
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 Grants Program projects include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;
- Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; or
- Professional and academic exchanges and projects.

Priority Program Areas

U.S.- New Zealand (Including Niue and the Cook Islands) Bilateral Relationship
- Programs that seek to explain U.S. policies, culture, and values to New Zealand, Niuean or Cook Island audiences, resulting in a positive impact on the bilateral relationship.
Pacific Issues
- Programs related to addressing challenges specific to the Pacific/Oceanic region, such as maritime and polar affairs, infrastructure, educational development, health and wellness, and technology.
Regional Security
- Programs that address issues of regional security, cybersecurity, non-proliferation, and countering violent extremism, as well as exchanges that promote multilateral cooperation and enhance stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Technology Capacity & Digital Literacy
- Programs that build resilient, open and secure ICT infrastructure, expanding internet connectivity, 5G technology systems, and cybersecurity in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Niue, and programming that supports the safe and effective use of digital technology to enhance prosperity and civic engagement.
Women’s Empowerment
- Programs that support or promote women’s political, economic and civic participation and empowerment, including entrepreneurship training or workforce development, leadership development, civil rights/human rights issues, and programs that Increase women’s participation in political, civic, and military processes to prevent and resolve conflicts.

Participants and Audiences

PAS will only consider grants that are geared to local audiences.

Funding Information

Awards may range from a minimum of $500.00 to a maximum of $15,000.00 towards a project.
Total available funding: $50,000.00
Length of performance period: Up to 24 months

The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:

Projects relating to partisan political activity;
Charitable or development activities;
Construction projects;
Projects that support specific religious activities;
Fund-raising campaigns;
Lobbying for specific legislation or projects;
Scientific research;
Projects 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 New Zealand, Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands with a STEM-focus who are:

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 For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

Evaluation Criteria

Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of its ability to undertake the project. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how project activities will be carried out. The SOI includes a reasonable implementation timeline.
Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and project approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.
Embassy priorities: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy New Zealand’s priority areas or target audiences.
Budget: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.
Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the 7 SOI. The project includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.
Sustainability: Project activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the project.