U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement

Overview

PDS Nairobi invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Kenya and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must advance a U.S. linkage including, for example, a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, economic models, and perspectives on the U.S.-Kenya partnership. The following are the four priority program areas: 
• Economic Prosperity 
• Democracy and Governance 
• U.S. - Kenya Creative Economy Partnership 
• U.S. - Kenya Higher Education Partnership 

Goals and Objectives
The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.

Priority Program Areas: Proposals must address one of the following key program areas:

1. Economic Prosperity – Advances the prosperity of the United States and Kenya through a fair and reciprocal economic partnership, the strengthening of Kenya’s business climate, support for its startup ecosystem, clean energy solutions and climate change resiliency, and education that skills the next generation of workers. 

2. Democracy and Governance – Deepens the bilateral relationship on a broad range of common interests including respect for human rights, safeguarding civic space, rule of law, public accountability, anti-corruption efforts, shared democratic values, and protection of fundamental freedoms.

3. U.S.-Kenya Creative Economy Partnership – Engage creative economy leaders, the Kenyan public, the investor community, and government officials in support of creative economy development and U.S.-Kenya partnership. Program goals could include Government of Kenya policies adopted in support of creative economy growth, advancement of intellectual property protections, U.S.-Kenya creative industry investment opportunities, public understanding and support for U.S. creative economy engagement in Kenya, strengthening of professional networks across different industries, and development of Kenyan university initiatives that facilitate creative economy education and job growth.  

4. U.S.-Kenya Higher Education Partnership – Launching and strengthening of long-term joint initiatives between Kenyan and U.S. universities, especially focused on technology, joint research, and private-sector job growth. Program goals could include mutually beneficial tech, education, and business developments for students, researchers, startups, faculty, and larger commercial enterprises. Proposed fields for U.S.-Kenya university cooperation could include trade and investment, economic growth, renewable energy and green industrialization, global health advancements, and security cooperation.

Participants and Audiences:
Kenyans who may be in any of the following categories:
• Kenyans between the ages of 16 and 35, including students, civil society leaders and social influencers;
• Business leaders and rising entrepreneurs;
• Established opinion leaders, including cultural influencers and academic institution leadership.
 

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

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 or specific academic research; 
    • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or 
    • Scholarships or tuition assistance 
    • Commercial or for-profit activities, including seed money; or 
    • Programs that duplicate existing programs.