U.S. Embassy Lusaka (PDS) Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI): Annual Program Statement

Overview

Purpose of Small Grants: The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals from non-profit and non governmental organizations for projects that support core U.S. government priorities in Zambia, including promoting democracy and good governance, building inclusive economic prosperity, strengthening health and education systems, and advancing peace and security. 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.

Successful proposals will clearly define the anticipated results of the program, when results will be expected, and how the U.S. Embassy can measure the anticipated results. Successful grantees will proactively show progress towards results through regular reporting to the U.S. Embassy. U.S. Embassy officials will visit project activities regularly to monitor progress.

This grant program generally does not favorably review proposals to hold conferences.

Priority Program Areas (in no specific order):
• Promoting inclusion and improving conditions for people from vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as people living with disabilities, people living with albinism, and others who are subject to stigma or persecution.
• Promoting political awareness and participation among the public and/or among young people.
• Promoting civic education and youth participation in civics, democratic processes, volunteerism, and community service.
• Supporting and promoting human rights.
• Fostering press freedom, independent media, professionalism in the media, including through journalism training programs and programs that address mis- and disinformation.
• Combatting corruption.
• Increase transparency of government activities through a more capable media.
• Promoting entrepreneurship and business development.
• Increasing Zambians’ pursuit of higher education in the United States.
• Promoting gender equality to increase participation in education and improved health decision-making by adolescent girls and young women.
• Preventing gender-based violence and trafficking in persons.
• Efforts to counter climate change, reduce deforestation, or promote green technology.

Examples of potential small grants programs include, but are not limited to, programs that:
• Are developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S.-government sponsored educational or professional exchange program.
• Build the capacity of Zambian media organizations and journalists to undertake investigative journalism that provides accurate, balanced information to the public and promotes freedom of the press as fundamental to democracy.
• Help Zambian young people, especially young women and others from marginalized groups, explore and discover their potential through innovative science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, as well as entrepreneurship programs.
• Help young people participate in civic life through social entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community engagement.
• Support young people, especially those from marginalized communities, to build advocacy and communications skills to successfully advocate for their priorities with government and other decision-makers.
• Support government transparency and accountability.
• Equip emerging community leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to grow their organizations or to enhance their engagement with youth audiences.
• Promote the development and application of new technologies and innovative solutions to economic, environmental, and social challenges. Projects could connect U.S. technology or public policy experts with Zambian peers or foster the application of American technology and innovations to address challenges in Zambian communities.
• Support civil society organizations (CSOs) in developing a vibrant and prosperous democratic society through programs that strengthen NGO management, enhance the skills of early to mid-career NGO/CSO professionals, strengthen networks between NGO/CSO professionals in the United States and Zambia, or demonstrate to the public the positive role CSOs play in advancing a prosperous, healthy, and informed society.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one SOI/proposal per organization. If more than one
proposal is submitted from an organization, all SOIs/proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Two-round process:
In Round 1, applicants submit a concise Statement of Interest (SOI) of no more than 1,500 words that describes the project idea and its objectives. The Public Diplomacy Section will review SOIs and invite a limited group of applicants to continue in Round 2.
In Round 2, applicants expand their ideas into full funding proposals for formal consideration. SOIs may be submitted for consideration through April 15, 2024. 

Successful SOI applicants will be notified via email by May 10, 2024. Instructions on the requirements of a full application submission will be provided at that time and full proposals will be due by June 10, 2024.

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Length of performance period: up to 12 months
Anticipated program start date: On or before December 31, 2024