Deadline: 07-Sep-20
American Space & Makerspace Almaty (AS&MS) is the U.S. Mission’s premier venue for cultural programs and outreach in Kazakhstan. AS&MS supports U.S. public diplomacy in Kazakhstan by creating a welcoming, technology-forward space that fosters open discussion and debate, builds cultural bridges to deepen communication on key issues, provides opportunities for professional and personal skill-building, and sparks creativity, innovation, and collaboration around shared Kazakhstani and U.S. values.
The recipient organization will be responsible for staffing and operating AS&MS in close cooperation with the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty.
Funding Information
Subject to availability of funds, up to $150,000 is available for this program, which will support one cooperative agreement for the operation of American Space & Makerspace Almaty over the period of one year.
Program Activities
- Staffing American Space & Makerspace Almaty:
Applicants should propose a plan for providing employment to current American Space & Makerspace Almaty staff members as well as recruiting and selecting (with U.S. Consulate approval) new local Kazakhstani staff on an as-needed basis. The U.S. Consulate envisions the winning proposal including positions to support the following areas:- Innovative Programming: Identifying and working with partners on initiatives that support the U.S. Embassy’s mission and public diplomacy goals.
- IT and Technology Innovations: Supporting the tech-forward nature of American Space & Makerspace Almaty, utilizing the most current digital tools to expand the audience for AS&MS events.
- Outreach and Social Media: Actively promoting American Space & Makerspace Almaty events and resources, maintaining dynamic and engaging website and social media platforms.
- Administration and Operations: Overseeing day-to-day administrative tasks in compliance with U.S. Embassy policies.
- Implementing Programs at American Space & Makerspace Almaty:
- American Space & Makerspace Almaty programs are planned in consultation with the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General and should be low-cost or even free to produce with the help of volunteers and local partners.
-
Day-to-Day Operations at American Space & Makerspace Almaty: The proposal should include a detailed operational plan for managing a full-fledged cultural center and STEM lab that is open to the public seven days a week. This includes, but is not limited to, a staff schedule to ensure coverage, and plans to procure supplies and materials necessary to provide the full range of services and programming typical of American Space & Makerspace including:
-
Internet services (in consultation with the host institution), IT support (including software), and maintenance of equipment such as photocopiers and A/V equipment
-
American Space & Makerspace Almaty social media platforms
-
Communications (telephone, postal services, etc.)
-
Supplemental furniture if needed
-
Supplemental equipment (additional or replacement iPads, computers, TV monitors, copy machine, printers) if needed
-
Marketing materials and promotional signs
-
Contractual services to maintain the center’s activities, including equipment repair, and furniture and flooring cleaning as needed.
-
- Applications may be submitted by U.S. or Kazakhstani public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3).
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate experience working in Kazakhstan and should have a legally registered local office to provide program oversight. The applicant organization must be able to demonstrate the ability to administer all components of the program as outlined in this solicitation, and in cooperation with the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty.
- Third country organizations and individuals are not eligible.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=328571