Deadline: 3-Jul-23
The U.S. Embassy Colombo, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through the Public Diplomacy grants program for support of American Spaces in Sri Lanka.
There are two awards associated with this funding opportunity:
- Administrative AND programmatic support for American Corner Kandy; and
- Programmatic support for American Center Colombo.
They seek a single grantee to implement both awards (through a Cooperative Agreement; with significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance).
Project Goals
The American Spaces program’s goal is to provide resources and programming in the following areas:
- Build U.S.-Sri Lanka friendship and regional stability: Increase Sri Lankan’s understanding of the United States, U.S. policy in the region, and the U.S. as an important and positive partner for Sri Lanka.
- Develop Future Leaders: Empower talented Sri Lanka youth to become leaders in their local community and nation;
- Promote peace, democracy, reconciliation, and human rights;
- Empower Youth: Enable young Sri Lankans to develop their skills in English language; in entrepreneurship; in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics or STEAM education; and in media literacy;
- Empower Women: Enable young women to develop their skills and advocate for their interests, while also promoting women’s rights in the local community.
Project Objectives
The recipient will provide:
- General and administrative support to the specified American Spaces: (one (1) in Kandy, and one (1) in Colombo), including providing staff to operate the American Corner Kandy (ACK). Please note: the recipient does not need to employ staff for American Center Colombo (ACC). American Spaces’ staff develops and implements PDS-approved programs provide free, public access to American Spaces’ computers, programs and materials, conduct outreach to the local community, and maintain a positive relationship with the local government and other stakeholders.
- In addition, the recipient will be responsible, as requested, for the maintenance of the physical American Spaces structures as well as replacement or repair of equipment and furniture.
- Plan and execute programming around the identified themes in the goal, in consultation with PDS Colombo.
- The recipient may be required to work alongside the current American Spaces implementer for a period of up to two months to ensure a smooth transition.
Areas
- American Spaces operate based on the global standards of the American Spaces program. These standards mandate that every American Spaces offer programming in six core areas:
- Information about the United States
- English Language Teaching and Learning
- EducationUSA Advising
- Cultural Programs
- Alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs
- Skills Building.
Funding Information
- Total available funding: $150,000 (anticipated total for all three awards)
- Award amounts: Individual awards may range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000
- Length of performance period: One year (with possibility of up to two, 12-month extensions based on performance and funds availability)
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Think tanks
- Public and private educational institutions
- For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
- Applicants must be registered in Sri Lanka. International organizations, Sri Lankan government entities and individuals are not eligible to apply.
- Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka.