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

Overview

PD Ethiopia invites SOIs for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Ethiopia through cultural, media, and exchange and 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.

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 and programs
• Programs that strengthen relationships between Ethiopian and U.S. universities, businesses, and/or organizations
• Media training

This request for SOIs is intended to inform individuals, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions about opportunities from the Public Diplomacy section to support projects in at least one of the following thematic areas:
•    Efforts to support Ethiopia’s economic and political reforms, including support for civil society, democracy, and governance, and/or election processes
•    Helping media professionals, media educators, and the public learn how to discern reliable sources of information and identify misinformation and disinformation, etc.
•    Promoting economic growth, especially via entrepreneurship, innovation, and promoting education  about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)
•    Engaging emerging and under-represented populations, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities through leadership, education, English language, culture, and other programs
•    Promoting tolerance and peace through reintegration and reincorporation of under-represented populations including youth, women, persons with disabilities, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
•    Promoting fair and peaceful elections
•    Promoting effective leadership and civic engagement
•    Promoting sustainable policies to protect the environment

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.

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 to 18 months or less.

Submission Requirements:
The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise (2-page maximum) statement of interest designed to clearly communicate projects idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal and will not result in a federal assistance award at this step.

The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit project 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 project ideas by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decisions are made.

SOIs received by January 31, 2025, will be reviewed by February 28, 2025, with responses going out in March 2025.

Funding Restrictions
None of the funds awarded resulting from this SOI 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).

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
• Programs relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or development activities;
• Construction programs;
• Programs that support specific religious activities;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
• Scientific research;
• Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the
organization; or
• Programs that duplicate existing programs.