U.S. Embassy Monrovia PAS Annual Program Statement

Overview

<p class="btn btn-gold btn-block">Limited Submission: pending faculty interest</p> <p>The U.S. Embassy Monrovia Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.</p> <p>PAS Monrovia is soliciting proposals from Liberian non-profit institutions, non-governmental organizations, or non-profit private or public academic institutions for funding to support programs that strengthen U.S.-Liberian ties. These proposals must focus on one or more of the priority areas specified below.</p> <p><strong>Purpose of Small Grants</strong></p> <p>PAS Monrovia invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Liberia through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. 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. society, culture, and policies.</p> <p><strong>Examples of PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs</li> <li>Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions</li> <li>Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs</li> <li>Professional and academic exchanges and programs</li> <li>Programs developed by alumni of a U.S. Government-sponsored educational or professional exchange program</li> <li>Programs that expand PAS American Spaces activities</li> <li>Roundtables, panels, and workshops</li> <li>Media training</li> </ul> <p><em>Note:</em> These programs may take place virtually and/or in-person with public health protocols in place.</p> <p><strong>Priority Program Areas</strong></p> <ul> <li>Effective rule of law and human rights protections</li> </ul> <p><strong>Program topic examples:</strong></p> <ul> <li>leading anti-corruption efforts</li> <li>increasing access to justice</li> <li>improving community dispute resolution mechanisms</li> <li>reducing sexual- and gender-based violence</li> <li>increasing transparency in the public sector</li> <li>promoting democratic values and governance</li> <li>professionalization of media</li> <li>increasing media literacy</li> <li>encouraging volunteerism</li> <li>improving citizen engagement</li> <li>Inclusive economic development and mutually beneficial trade and investment</li> </ul> <p><strong>Program topic examples:</strong></p> <ul> <li>promoting entrepreneurship</li> <li>enabling an investment environment</li> <li>encouraging sustainable development</li> <li>increasing expertise for SME business owners</li> <li>Human development</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:1em">Program topic examples:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>increasing access to education for all</li> <li>improving reading and math comprehension among youth</li> <li>creating opportunities for teacher training</li> <li>creating opportunities for academic exchange</li> <li>developing leadership and life skills</li> </ul> <p><strong>Participants and Audiences</strong></p> <p>Programs may target a variety of audiences, depending on the topic, though generally PAS Monrovia’s intended participants and target audiences are emerging leaders in high schools and university as well as government, business, and civil society professionals in Liberia. Proposals will be evaluated on a well-reasoned strategy for the intended audience, as well as appropriate inclusivity, whether based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability.</p>