U.S. Embassy Ethiopia PD Request for Statement of Interest

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Ethiopia Public Diplomacy (PD) section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a public engagement program. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise (2-page maximum) SOI designed to clearly communicate program idea, objectives, and an estimated budget. This is not 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 by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decisions are made.

Purpose of Small Grants: PD Ethiopia invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Ethiopia through cultural, media, and exchange programs that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element or connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, values, and perspectives. Examples of PD grant programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs
• Artistic and cultural workshops, performances, and exhibitions
• Programs developed by alumni of U.S.-sponsored exchange programs
• Programs that strengthen relationships between Ethiopian and U.S. universities, businesses, and/or organizations
• Media training

Applicants are only allowed to submit one concept note per organization. If more than one concept note is submitted from an organization, none of the concept notes from that institution will be considered for funding.

Award amounts: 
Awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $100,000. Exceptional proposals above $200,000 may be considered pending funding availability.
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DEADLINES for SOIs:
First Round - Deadline for Applications: February 29, 2024 
Second Round - Deadline for Applications: April 30, 2024

The Public Diplomacy Section will accept SOIs in two cycles:
• SOIs received between January 16 and February 29, 2024, will be reviewed through March 31, 2024 with responses going out in April 2024.
• SOIs received between April 1 and April 30, 2024, will be reviewed in May with responses going out in June 2024.