Promoting Economic Prosperity and Human Development Program

Overview

U.S. Embassy Malabo of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Promoting Economic Prosperity and Human Development Program.  

Promoting Economic Prosperity and Human Development is a small grants program that seeks to promote economic diversification, capacity-building, entrepreneurship, and professional development through inclusive economic growth through working with individuals, non-profits, social enterprises, and other eligible applicants based in Equatorial Guinea and the United States.  All programming must highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation and include a U.S. cultural element, or connection with U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Goals and Objectives
All programming must highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation and include a U.S. cultural element or connection with U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. 

Expected programming components, but are not limited to:

• Conduct data collection activities; applicants are expected to measure indicators and milestones (i.e. surveys, exams)
• Ensure inclusive recruitment of participants.
• Establish clear linkages to the communities that applicants intend to work with through prior work or partnerships before starting the initiative.
• Assess the feasibility of the project prior to submitting the application.   

Program goals and objectives, but are not limited to: 

• Empowered civil society promoting inclusive economic growth, human rights, and biodiversity protection;
• Increased number of undereducated and underemployed youth being able to harness and monetize their talents through skill-building activities;
• Increased number of youth learning English;
• Increased number of entrepreneurs with access to resources, skills, and networks to build their small business and, ultimately, diversify the economy;
• Increased linkages between U.S. and Equatoguinean educational and business institutions;
• Increased number of youths with technological skills to enter the global economy.
• Increased number of journalists with media skills to combat mis-and disinformation.     

Priority Program Areas: 

• Promoting inclusive economic growth by increasing social inclusion and promoting tolerance for minorities and vulnerable groups. 
• Promoting English language (i.e. promoting clubs, forums, social media, education, and arts)
• Strengthening the media (i.e. increasing media professionalism, access to diverse sources of news, and developing savvy consumption of news)
• Encouraging entrepreneurship and economic growth in under-served areas to diversify the economy (i.e. training in start-ups, skill development for people in informal sector, promoting the entrepreneurial spirit, supporting tourism, art, music, and culture development) 
• Promoting economic diversification through environmental sustainability (i.e. education, training, and skills for individuals working in biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, and agriculture). 
• Promoting innovation and technology to build capacity. 

Participants and Audiences:

•    Youth and young professionals learning English;  
•    Youth and young professionals who are artistic entrepreneurs; 
•    Media professionals;
•    Entrepreneurs;  
•    Civil society; 
•    Individuals working in biodiversity conservation, agriculture, and ecotourism;
•    Youth, young professionals, educators, leaders, private-sector, public sector, entrepreneurs, influencers, rural communities, local government officials, and new audiences we haven’t yet captured.  
 

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. 

Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.  Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal or representation in the United States.

Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.  The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.
 

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 18 months or less.  

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to 3 availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

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;
•    Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
•    Professional development and capacity-building programs