North India Office Annual Program Statement

Overview

<p>The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the North India Office of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement (APS) was developed to support projects proposed by U.S. and Indian not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, educational institutions, that fulfill U.S. Mission India goals and objectives including promoting greater understanding of the U.S. and fostering people-to-people ties, reinforcing shared values between U.S. and India, and ensuring mutual prosperity. This APS outlines funding priorities, strategic themes of interest, and procedures for submitting requests for funding.</p> <p>Examples of PAS Small Grants Program include, but are not limited to: </p> <p>• U.S. experts conducting speaking tours and public talks, roundtable discussions, workshops, etc.; <br>• Academic and professional lectures or seminars; <br>• Cultural and arts programs, workshops, performances, or exhibitions; <br>• Initiatives aimed at maintaining contacts with alumni of exchange programs.</p> <p>Project Introduction</p> <p>This funding opportunity seeks to invite project proposals in four areas: the U.S.-India economic relationship and inclusive development; shared democratic values and healthy societies; U.S.-India linkages and Indo-Pacific cooperation; and climate change and environmental protection. While a proposal may address multiple objectives, each proposal should focus on at least one of the following priority project areas.</p> <p>Topic 1: The U.S.-India Economic Relationship and Inclusive Development<br>• Programs to address ways to increase two-way U.S. trade and investment ties with India.<br>• Programs to improve the economic status of women in North India through discussion of policy reforms affecting women, promotion of women’s entrepreneurship, or skills workshops.<br>• Programs to address the sub-national investment climate and ease of doing business in North Indian states.<br>• Programs that include best practices from the United States in promoting inclusive development in North India.</p> <p>Topic 2: Shared Democratic Values and Healthy Societies<br>• Programs to support democratic values, and share best practices to combat trafficking in persons, discrimination, and gender-based violence in North India.<br>• Programs to encourage women and youth in North India to become more engaged in politics and the democratic process.<br>• Programs that empower citizens and media in North India to counter malign influence.<br>• Programs that promote awareness of and best practices to combat COVID-19.</p> <p>Topic 3: U.S.-India Linkages and Indo-Pacific Cooperation<br>• Programs to promote the institutionalization of U.S.-India ties in North India, such as local U.S.-India friendship associations or American Studies programs.<br>• Programs to strengthen linkages and share best practices between U.S. and Indian civil society organizations, think tanks, or educational institutions.<br>• Programs to raise awareness of U.S.-India cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as it impacts North India, including joint research with U.S. scholars or policy conferences.<br>• Programs to discuss U.S.-India defense cooperation, particularly as it impacts North India, including joint research with U.S. scholars or policy conferences.</p> <p>Topic 4: Climate Change and Environmental Protection<br>• Programs to raise awareness about international and local environmental issues, including climate change and air pollution, as well as to exchange best practices to combat these challenges.<br>• Programs to help North Indian communities manage ecological resources more effectively, including through modern agricultural practices, and expand the use of green technology and renewable energy.</p> <p>While NIO-PAS is focusing on the above four areas, we also welcome competitive proposals on other topics per above.</p>