U.S. Embassy Conakry PDS Request for Statements of Interest

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Conakry, Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for interested organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) for funding a variety of program proposals that strengthen ties between the peoples of the United States and Guinea. 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 Public Diplomacy programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
• Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
• Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S. sponsored or supported educational or professional exchange program;
• Programs that strengthen U.S. college and university relationships with local higher education institutions, American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams), businesses, and/or regional organizations;
• New media concept projects aimed at reaching wider audiences;
• English language programs;
• Programs that strengthen government, public, and private sector capacity and collaboration;
• Youth community service projects that promote democratic processes and encourage volunteerism;
• Civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights;
• Proposals that support the proliferation of tolerant voices of traditional and community leaders;
• Arts and culture programs that feature an element of increasing understanding of American culture or American-Guinea cooperation.

Project proposals should address one of the following U.S. Mission priority areas:

1. Increase public media literacy and build capacity of local journalists: Through projects that combat disinformation; journalist trainings and professional exchanges; public awareness campaigns about the importance of a free and fair press.
2. Improve English language skills among students and young professionals: Through projects that increase access to English language education; English teacher training; and professional exchanges that support English language learning.
3. Increase literacy levels: Through projects that expand literacy access to rural areas of Guinea; improve the effectiveness of teaching; increase interest in reading and writing.
4. Promote emerging sectors of the economy: Through projects that contribute to Guinea’s artisans and arts and culture sector; capacity growth of organizations and Guineans working in the arts and culture sector; foster women’s entrepreneurship.
5. Build civil society capacity: Through projects that build management and strategic planning skills for civil society organizations, such as rural NGOS, professional organizations, grassroots organizations, and community leaders.
6. Support marginalized communities: Through projects that promote awareness of marginalized community issues; support for human rights; professional exchanges to increase the effectiveness of advocacy organizations; promote the rights and liberties of gender and sexual minorities, disabled persons, ethnic and religious minority groups, and stigmatized groups
7. Advocate for women’s rights, especially health and reproductive rights: Through projects that combat female genital mutilation (FGM); support women’s empowerment initiatives; contribute to women’s economic independence; counter violence against women; and promote awareness, understanding, and respect for women’s rights.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization, per round.

• Deadline for Applications: Round 1: April 30, 2023 (11:59 p.m.) Round 2: June 30, 2023 (11:59 p.m.) 
• Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months.
• The U.S. Embassy is unable to provide individual feedback on non-selected Statements of Interest. A public presentation with general feedback from Round one will be offered prior to the Round two submission deadline. The date and time will be announced on the Embassy Facebook page.