Deadline: 31-Dec-21
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the North India Office of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
Project Goal: The North India Office is announcing an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement small programs that strengthen academic, societal, and cultural exchanges between the United States and India. All programs must include an American 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.
Project Objectives
- These should be outlined in the specific proposal submitted by the applicant. A helpful approach is using the SMART evaluation system: Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.
- Project deliverables for each phase of the project should be defined in the proposal.
- Strong proposals include quantifiable deliverables, including the tools used for measurement and evaluation.
Examples of PAS Small Grants Program include, but are not limited to:
- U.S. experts conducting speaking tours and public talks, roundtable discussions, workshops, etc.;
- Academic and professional lectures or seminars;
- Cultural and arts programs, workshops, performances, or exhibitions;
- Initiatives aimed at maintaining contacts with alumni of exchange programs.
Priority Project Areas
This funding opportunity seeks to invite project proposals in four areas: the U.S.-India economic relationship and inclusive development; shared democratic values and healthy societies; U.S.-India linkages and Indo-Pacific cooperation; and climate change and environmental protection. While a proposal may address multiple objectives, each proposal should focus on at least one of the following priority project areas.
- Topic 1: The U.S.-India Economic Relationship and Inclusive Development
- Programs to address ways to increase two-way U.S. trade and investment ties with India.
- Programs to improve the economic status of women in North India through discussion of policy reforms affecting women, promotion of women’s entrepreneurship, or skills workshops.
- Programs to address the sub-national investment climate and ease of doing business in North Indian states.
- Programs that include best practices from the United States in promoting inclusive development in North India.
- Topic 2: Shared Democratic Values and Healthy Societies
- Programs to support democratic values, and share best practices to combat trafficking in persons, discrimination, and gender-based violence in North India.
- Programs to encourage women and youth in North India to become more engaged in politics and the democratic process.
- Programs that empower citizens and media in North India to counter malign influence.
- Programs that promote awareness of and best practices to combat COVID-19.
- Topic 3: U.S.-India Linkages and Indo-Pacific Cooperation
- Programs to promote the institutionalization of U.S.-India ties in North India, such as local U.S.-India friendship associations or American Studies programs.
- Programs to strengthen linkages and share best practices between U.S. and Indian civil society organizations, think tanks, or educational institutions.
- Programs to raise awareness of U.S.-India cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as it impacts North India, including joint research with U.S. scholars or policy conferences.
- Programs to discuss U.S.-India defense cooperation, particularly as it impacts North India, including joint research with U.S. scholars or policy conferences.
- Topic 4: Climate Change and Environmental Protection
- Programs to raise awareness about international and local environmental issues, including climate change and air pollution, as well as to exchange best practices to combat these challenges.
- Programs to help North Indian communities manage ecological resources more effectively, including through modern agricultural practices, and expand the use of green technology and renewable energy.
Funding Information
- Maximum (“Ceiling”) Award Amount: USD 25,000
- Minimum Award Amount: USD 1,000
- Total Amount Available: $100,000
- Number of Awards Available:1-10
- Length of Project Period: Not to exceed 12 months
- Anticipated program start date: September 1, 2021 or February 1, 2022, depending on submission date.
Project Audiences
- Targeted audiences should be inclusive and incorporate mechanisms to ensure diversity and gender balance as appropriate.
- Emerging voices (21-35 years), including youth and university students.
- Civil society leaders, including social, economic, and environmental experts.
- National and regional media, and digital and social media influencers;
- Business leaders and entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors;
- Established opinion leaders, including cultural and/or academic institution leadership, think tank representatives, senior journalists, politicians, and policy makers.
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
- International organizations and governmental institutions
- Individual
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=334344