Deadline: 19-Jul-2020
The U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Freetown invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Sierra Leone 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 PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;
- Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions;
- Workshops;
- Programs that strengthen entrepreneurship;
- Train-the-trainer activities;
- Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
- Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
- Programs that engage alumni of U.S. Embassy-sponsored cultural exchange programs;
- Programs that promote women’s empowerment and gender inclusivity;
- Programs that promote youth leadership;
- Programs that build capacity of Sierra Leonean media
Priority Program Areas
- Advance Peace
- Promote Sustainable Economic Growth, including anti-corruption activities
- Strengthen Democracy, Human Rights, Access to Justice, and Media Freedom
- Promote Inclusive, Country-Led Development
- Health
- Education
- Agriculture and Nutrition
- Infrastructure and Resilience
Funding Information
- Award amounts: awards generally do not exceed $25,000
- Anticipated program start date: January 2, 2020 through September 30, 2020Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.
Participants and Audiences
- Expertise and established relationships with indigenous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and/or local officials in the communities in which the programs will be conducted will be considered favorably.
- All programs must include an American cultural element and/or should increase mutual understanding between the United States and Sierra Leone.
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
- Programs that duplicate existing programs.
Eligibility Criteria
The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from the United States and Sierra Leone:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
- Individuals
- Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
For more information, visit https://sl.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grant-opportunities/public-diplomacy-grants/annual-program-statement/