U.S. Embassy in Malta Embassy’s Public Diplomacy program

Overview

Statement of Interest Program Objective:  Funding will support projects that have a significant connection to U.S. Embassy mission goals, namely:  regional security, commercial diplomacy, empowerment of women and minorities, human rights protections, democracy, and rule of law:

1. Encourage the fullest participation, especially of women and youth, in government, business and civil society;
2. Promote bilateral cooperation in regional security;
3. Promote empowerment of minorities by strengthening the bridge of mutual understanding and shared values between the United States and Malta, in particular diversity and the integration of refugees/migrants into Maltese society;
4. Promote freedom of the press and strengthen the role of independent media;
5. Enhance rule of law, and standards of good governance and ethics; and,
6. Promote innovation in bilateral investment and commercial cooperation.

Local grant proposals must have a connection to U.S. society, culture, and values or should be directed to increasing understanding in Malta of U.S. society, culture, and values.

Activities that are typically funded include, but are not limited to:

• projects that give a voice to minorities and/or promote inclusive societies, including the integration of migrants;
• women leadership and empowerment programs;
• youth leadership and empowerment programs;
• youth community service projects that highlight democratic processes and encourage volunteerism;
• civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights;
• projects that develop strong, capable, and independent journalists;
• partnerships that promote innovation and entrepreneurship;
• arts and culture programs that include masterclasses, lectures, media engagement, and other message amplification efforts.

In light of COVID-19 restrictions, the U.S. Embassy will consider costs related to virtual programming.

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Applicants must be based in Malta, have a Malta-based headquarters, or identify a Malta-based partner to carry out their project

Proposals may be sent to the U.S. Embassy at any time.  However, the U.S. Embassy will review proposals and make decisions on a quarterly basis.

• Applications received in January, February, or March will be reviewed in April 2023.
  Notifications will go out o/a April 30, 2023.
• Applications received in April, May, or June will be reviewed in July 2023.  Notifications will go out o/a July 31, 2023.

The submission of a Statement of Interest (SOI) is the first step in a two-part process.  A SOI is a concise concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application.  Upon review of eligible SOIs, the U.S. Embassy Valletta will inform selected applicants through a Notice of Award and invite them to comply with the full Grants Application Process.