Deadline: 1-May-23
The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa Public Diplomacy Section (PD Kinshasa) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
Purpose
- PD Kinshasa invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Programs should create opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and highlight shared values. All programs must include a U.S. element, such as an expert, organization, cultural element, or institution, that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
Priority Program Areas
- PD seeks to engage the public, decisionmakers, civil society leaders, and opinion-shapers at all levels of Congolese society with the goal of broadening understanding of U.S. policies, culture, history, society, and values. U.S. Mission in Kinshasa priorities include:
- Promote stability and durable peace, particularly in eastern DRC: Activities that promote conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence among Congolese communities, both of which are vital to democratic progress and economic prosperity.
- Preserve the Congo Basin Rainforest, including through environmentally sound and sustainable economic growth: Activities that support the people of the Congo Basin, balancing economic opportunities for local communities with environmental concerns.
- Strengthen democracy and good governance: Non-partisan activities that promote an understanding of U.S. democracy and how the United States and the DRC share democratic values.
- Encourage prosperity, trade, and investment: Activities that support the expansion of U.S. exports and investments, improve the connections between U.S. and Congolese businesses, and/or expand economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, and financial independence among women, youth, and underserved populations. Activities that raise awareness of corruption and how to combat it.
- Support media freedom/countering disinformation: Activities that support promotion of media freedom, media training, and countering misinformation/disinformation.
- Share values and interests: Activities that promote the U.S.- DRC relationship and build people-to-people ties, including but not limited to commemorations of key historic events and commemorative programs, or shared appreciation for cultural excellence.
- Examples of PD Small Grants:
- Academic and professional lectures, seminars, or speaker programs;
- Workshops to counter violent extremism and disinformation;
- Interactive programs that stimulate economic growth, promote entrepreneurship, and provide economic opportunities;
- Professional and academic exchanges, cultural and English language programs.
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: One to 12 months
- Number of awards anticipated: Two to 10 awards
- Award amounts: Minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $25,000
- Total funding available: $50,000
- Anticipated program start date: FY2023 (October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023)
Participants and Audiences
- All applicants for awards must stipulate who their target audience is (age/gender/geographic breakdown) and estimate the expected audience reach through direct contact and, if possible, indirect contact (via social media or traditional media).
Eligibility Criteria
- The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations with programming experience
- Individuals
- Non-profit educational institutions
- Governmental institutions
- For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
Ineligible
The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
- Programs relating to partisan political activity;
- Charitable or development activities;
- Construction programs;
- Programs that support specific religious activities;
- Fund-raising campaigns;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
- Scientific research;
- Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
- Programs that duplicate existing initiatives.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.