Engaging Students in English (SOI)

Overview

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg announces an open competition for organizations to submit Statements of Interest (SOI) to carry out programs strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg on Engaging Students in English.

The U.S. Embassy Luxembourg invites proposals from non-governmental organizations, think tanks, government institutions, academic institutions, and individuals for programs strengthening the bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg and Engaging Students in English, including, but not limited to:

• Programs focused on strengthening specific English language skills or professional English capacity of students, such as public-speaking, debate, theater/drama.
• Programs that enhance and promote the English-teaching profession and community, such as trainings, workshops, or conferences for English educators in Luxembourg.
• English-language programs for underprivileged groups including but not limited to patrons of organizations, such as shelters for refugees, women, abuse victims or children’s organizations.
• Educational programs such as English-language camps, academic competitions, conferences, workshops, courses, exhibits, performances, etc.
• Projects that share American best practices in English-language education by bringing U.S. experts to engage with students and teachers in Luxembourg.

All programs must engage Luxembourg audiences. All programs must include a U.S. element or connection with U.S. experts that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Any speaker paid with grant funding must hold U.S. citizenship.

Examples of programs include, but are not limited to: 
• Professional and academic speaker programs, lectures, and seminars 
• Professional and cultural exchanges and projects 
• Public messaging campaigns using social media, video, and new media 
• Cultural and fine arts programming, to include cultural performances, workshops and engagements based around dance, theater, music, poetry, youth competitions, the plastic and other fine and performing arts

U.S. organizations applying for funding must partner with a Luxembourgish organization. 

Priority Region: Luxembourg
Length of performance period: Twelve months 
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $3,000.00 to a maximum of $15,000.00 
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in twelve months or less.

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. This is not a full proposal.

The Grants Committee will review Statements of Interest (SOI) twice based on the following schedule. We recommend applicants submit proposals with start dates six months (or more) after the submission deadline.

• NOFO Deadline #1 – Statements of Interest (SOI) due March 2, 2025, 11:59 pm CEST
• NOFO Deadline #2 – Statements of Interest (SOI) due May 4, 2025, 11:59 pm CEST

After each deadline, the Grants Committee will review eligible SOIs. Selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application (Phase 2). Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision are made.