Deadline: 30-Apr-21
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Panama is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
Purpose
The Public Affairs Section invites proposals for programs that further U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy interests in Panama in one of the four categories 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.
- Promote more open and sustainable economic growth in Panama through activities that encourage or strengthen local entrepreneurship: The U.S. Embassy seeks to expand the reach of economic opportunity to all levels of society and areas of Panama. As people struggle to adapt to and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses, in particular, must also acquire new skills and resources. Support for entrepreneurship improves not only the lives of individuals and communities but also prospects for greater integration of economic activities between the U.S. and Panama.
- Encourage the development of a strong civil society that upholds the values of transparency, accountability, and good governance: The U.S. Embassy seeks to support Panama’s expansion of mechanisms for promoting transparent and independent institutions while addressing official corruption and responding responsibly in identified cases of concern. Projects in this area may focus on:
- Freedom of the press: A free and independent press is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society. Media outlets require external support to resist undue pressure, and to build their commitment to providing fair and balanced media coverage.
- Civil society support: The Embassy is committed to the development and institutionalization of a vibrant Panamanian civil society. However, Panama’s civil society suffers from significant marginalization and is largely unable to leverage its influence to spur governmental action towards transparency, democratic institutionalization, and accountability.
- Countering disinformation: Disinformation, or the manipulation and dissemination of information to adversely influence public perceptions and behaviors, has emerged as a major destabilizing force in the global information space.
- Cybersecurity: The increasingly digital nature of modern society offers the potential for immense progress while also posing considerable new challenges. From data privacy to human rights and freedom of expression, cybersecurity is both the lock and the key to ensuring security for future generations.
- Improve the quality of or access to English and STEAM education for young people in marginalized communities: The U.S. Embassy seeks to improve the quality and availability of English and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education in Panama. Science, technology, and innovation are an important linkage between the U.S. and Panama and represent an opportunity for both economic growth and closer cooperation. To promote equitable distribution of opportunities and resources, the U.S. Embassy will prioritize projects that engage young people in marginalized communities. Activities in this category may include educational programs like workshops or training programs; the development of educational tools or resources; joint activities with U.S. public school students; and efforts to integrate English into existing curricula.
- Promote sustainable development through responsible management of Panama’s environmental resources: The U.S. Embassy seeks to promote sustainable development by encouraging Panama to focus on strengthening environmental protection. Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning economic growth, energy, industry, health, and international trade. As Panama’s number one trading partner and as a close neighbor in the Americas, the United States has an interest in supporting effective environmental protection.
- Sustainable development: Sustainable development ensures that economic prosperity accounts not only for people today but also for future generations. The environment provides the resources on which humans depend for survival and economic growth both now and in the future.
- Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing: Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing does not respect rules adopted at either the national or international level. It threatens economic growth, food security, and ocean ecosystems in Panama by undermining sustainable fisheries and the law-abiding fishers and communities that depend on them.
Priority Projects
The Public Affairs Section will prioritize projects that:
- Encourage inclusion and diversity through engagement with marginalized populations, women, at-risk youth, and minorities to reduce economic inequality.
- Apply innovative, environmental, or technological solutions to support entrepreneurship.
- Address provincial or rural audiences outside of Panama City.
- Promote U.S. culture, including music, history, sports, tourism, or the English language.
- Support multiple U.S. foreign policy priorities, including but not limited to education, transparency, civil society, human rights, regional security, journalistic standards, intellectual property rights, environmental protection, and market access for U.S. business.
Funding Information
- Award Amounts: $1,000 to $50,000;
- Total Available Funding: $250,000;
- Length of Performance Period: Up to 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria
- Registered not-for-profit organizations.
- Universities and educational institutions.
- Government institutions.
- Individuals are eligible to apply if they have no organizational affiliation and will be the sole person conducting activities. Grants to individuals may not include subgrants, contracts, or payments to other individuals and typically only consist of expenses for travel and per diem.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=331264