Deadline: Ongoing
The U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia is seeking applications for its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. PAS invites proposals for projects, including virtual programs that strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States through programs, which promote bilateral cooperation and enhance mutual understanding. 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. policies and perspectives.
Examples of PAS Small Grants Program include, but are not limited to:
- U.S. experts conducting speaking tours/public talks, roundtable discussions, workshops, etc.;
- Academic and professional lectures and seminars;
- Cultural and arts programs/workshops/performances and exhibitions;
- Development of initiatives aimed at maintaining contacts with alumni of our exchange programs;
- Environmental and Energy Conservation;
- Entrepreneurship Initiatives; and
- Youth and Women Sports Initiatives.
Priority Program Areas
Priority will be given to project proposals that further one or more of the U.S. Mission’s goals, including:
- Programs that enhance U.S.-Saudi Arabia security cooperation, including reducing the threat of terrorism, encouraging peaceful resolution of disputes, and advancing peace and stability in conflict-affected areas.
- Programs that foster greater bilateral trade and investment between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
- Programs that develop stronger linkages between the United States and Saudi Arabia in terms of an engaged citizenry, entrepreneurship and job skills, interfaith dialogue, women’s empowerment, sports, art, and the entertainment industry.
- Programs that support increased transparency and good governance, as well as respect for the rule of law and civil society.
- Programs that involve Saudis both in and outside of the major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran.
Funding Information
- Length of the performance period is 6 to 12 months.
- Award amounts may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $75,000.
- Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and reviewed periodically.
Ineligible Funding
- Programs relating to partisan political activity;
- Charitable, humanitarian, or development activities;
- Construction programs;
- Programs that support specific religious activities;
- Fund-raising campaigns or programs charging a fee for participation;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
- Scientific research;
- Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of an organization; or
- Programs that duplicate existing programs.
Participants and Audiences
- PAS’s primary audiences include national and regional media; public-private organizations, foundations, and think tanks; government officials (state, district, and municipal officials; policymakers, civil servants); cultural and educational leaders; next-generation leaders (e.g., innovators, digital influencers); underserved communities; and academic institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
- PAS encourages applications from the United States and Saudi Arabia.
- Individuals and registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, civil society/non-governmental organizations with relevant programming experience are encouraged to apply.
- For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
Application Review and Selection Process
- Criteria. Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project and to determine the likelihood of its success.
- Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgement of receipt of their proposal.
- Review. A panel will review the proposal based upon the criteria. A determination will be made regarding the program’s proposed area of activity and the Mission’s strategic goals. Proposals that are the best fit will be given additional consideration.
- Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 90 days after the submission deadline regarding the results of the review panel.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2JFtq7m