DOS - PDA - U.S. Mission to Ghana, Embassy Accra Annual Program Statement: Request for Statements of Interest

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Accra Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out the U.S. Embassy Accra Grants Program that aligns with our current strategic themes and policy priorities (listed below).  Please carefully follow all instructions.

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process.  Applicants must first submit a statement of interest designed to clearly communicate program idea and objectives to include a concise concept note not to exceed 3 pages and a one-page budget with a solid budget narrative justification.  This is not a call for a full proposal.  The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application.  Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. 

PDS Accra invites SOIs for programs that strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States and Ghana through activities that highlight shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation.  All programs must include a strong American element and/or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) (separate and beyond any involvement with the U.S. Embassy or its American Corners) that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Priority will be given to projects that yield concrete, measurable results. Projects consisting solely of conferences or roundtable discussions, speaker series, theoretical research or surveys, or the writing or publishing of books, are unlikely to be funded.

Examples of activities within the program may include, but are not limited to:

• Professional and academic exchanges that build capacity building and strengthen ties between the United States and Ghana.
• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs.
• Hackathons, pitch competitions, or boot camp to develop solutions to strategic challenges.
• Advocacy and public messaging campaigns that improve accountable governance and strengthen democratic institutions.
• Academic partnerships to deepen existing tertiary collaboration to promote opportunity and development.
• U.S. experts conducting speaking tours/public talks, participating in roundtable discussions, and delivering workshops focused on U.S. policy priorities.
• Trainings and professional development opportunities for capacity development and skills building.

PRIORITY PROGRAM AREAS

• Economic
• Education
• Peace and Security
• Media and Press Freedom
• Democracy and Civil Society
• Human Rights

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.  If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Length of performance period: 18 months or less

Anticipated program start date: July through October 2024
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DEADLINES
March 24, 2024 – SOI submission deadline
April 18, 2024 – invitations sent to selected applicants to submit a full proposal
May 13, 2024 – full proposals due from selected applicants
May 30, 2024 – notification of selected proposals*
*Additional projects may be selected after this date subject to available funding.