U.S. Embassy Ghana Public Diplomacy Section Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI)

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Ghana Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces
its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an open competition for organizations to
submit a statement of interest to carry out a program aligned with our funding priorities and the
strategic themes we focus on. This announcement outlines the procedures for submitting
requests for funding. The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Ghana invites
organizations interested in potential funding to submit Statements of Interest outlining program
concepts that reflect these strategic themes. 

Purpose of Small Grants: to strengthen ties and build relationships between the United
States and Ghana through activities that highlight shared values, goals, and cooperation. All
programs must include a strong, American element, and/or connection with American
expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) (separate and beyond any involvement with the
U.S. Embassy or its American Corners) and have as a primary goal the promotion of increased
understanding of American values, perspectives, and policies aligned with priority areas.

Examples of Public Diplomacy Small Grants Programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic or professional speaker programs involving an American speaker, either in person or virtual;
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, or exhibitions involving the work of American artists or American subject matter;
• Programs developed by U.S.-government sponsored educational or professional exchange program alumni that advance priority goals;
• Roundtables, panels, and workshops focused on U.S. policy priorities; or media training.

Priority Program Areas (sample program areas listed, not exhaustive):

Improve Accountable Governance, Strengthen Democratic Institutions, and Promote Human Rights

• increase transparency in the public sector and civic engagement
• protect human rights
• support anti-corruption efforts
• strengthen the judicial sector

Protect Press Freedom

• offer professional development for journalists
• promote media literacy among priority audiences
• combat and expose disinformation

Engage Youth and Marginalized Communities to Bolster Peace and Security

• counter violent extremism and gender-based violence
• promote social inclusion
• reduce discrimination in all its forms

Promote Opportunity and Sustainable, Inclusive Economic Growth

• support entrepreneurship
• promote environmental protection, alternative energy, climate mitigation
• expand Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) learning opportunities.

Participants and Audiences:
Programs may be geared to a variety of audiences, depending on the topic. Statements of
Interest will be evaluated based on a well-reasoned strategy for addressing intended audience, as
well as appropriate inclusivity, whether based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or
disability.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.

The submission of a Statement of Interest (SOI) is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants
must first submit an SOI, which is a concise concept note (maximum 3 pages) that describes
your program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. Upon
merit review of eligible SOIs, PAS will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full
proposal applications.

February 26, 2023 – SOI submission deadline
March 31, 2023 – invitations sent to selected applicants to submit a full proposal
April 30, 2023 – full proposals due from selected applicants
June 30, 2023 – notification of selected proposals

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