Deadline: 15-Apr-24
The U.S. Embassy Dakar Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in applying for funding for program proposals that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Senegal or between the United States and Guinea-Bissau through cultural, educational, capacity building and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation.
Purpose
- PDS invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect this goal. 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.
Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;
- Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions;
- Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
- Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
- Training and empowerment programs;
- Leadership, youth, and sports programs;
- Business literacy and entrepreneurship programs;
- Environmental awareness and sustainability programs;
- Community engagement programs;
Priority Program Areas
- PDS will prioritize grant program proposals that:
- Advance democratic values through the promotion of human rights, civil society, and good governance.
- Advance the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM); promote critical learning through workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on activities aimed at youth ranging between elementary to university level of studies.
- Increase opportunities for youth, including business skills, leadership skills, English skills, and civic engagement.
- Promote awareness of the global climate crisis and educating and engaging the public on environmental issues and solutions.
- Promote women’s empowerment and economic inclusion.
- All proposed programs must have a clearly demonstrated American connection to qualify for funding.
Funding Information
- Total available funding: $200,000
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $40,000
- Length of performance period: 3 to 12 months
- Number of awards anticipated: Number of awards will depend on project proposal amounts and available funding.
- Anticipated programs start date: Any date between May 31, 2024, and December 31, 2024
Participants and Audiences
- This funding opportunity focuses on programs for Senegal and Guinea Bissau and its audiences:
- Youth and Emerging Voices (primary school through university and entry-level working professionals)
- Civil Society actors
- Local leaders
- Journalists
- Business leaders and entrepreneurs
- Established opinion leaders, including cultural and/or academic institution leadership
- Residents of underserved communities and regions outside of Dakar and Bissau
- New media professionals, including bloggers and social media personalities
Eligibility Criteria
- The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from U.S., and Senegalese, and Bissau Guinean:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
- Individuals
- Non-profit or governmental 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; or
- Programs that duplicate existing programs.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.