U.S. Embassy Panama Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program

Overview

<p>The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Panama is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is a Notice of Funding Opportunity describing the purpose of this program, the parameters of the projects it seeks to support, and the requirements and procedures for submitting proposals. Please carefully follow all instructions below. </p> <p>Purpose: The Public Affairs Section invites proposals for programs that further U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy interests in Panama in one of the five categories below. 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.</p> <p><strong>1. Promote more open and sustainable economic growth in Panama through activities that encourage or strengthen local entrepreneurship.</strong></p> <p class="paragraph"><span class="normaltextrun">The U.S. Embassy seeks to expand the reach of economic opportunity to all levels of society and areas of Panama. As people struggle to adapt to and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses, must also acquire new skills and resources. Support for entrepreneurship improves not only the lives of individuals and communities but also prospects for greater integration of economic activities between the U.S. and Panama. The U.S. Embassy will give particular consideration to projects addressing social entrepreneurship, in which the focus of work serves the public interest and the local community. Activities in this category may include entrepreneur-focused training, workshops, or presentations; the development of tools, material, or resources for public benefit; or the establishment of networks or consortia to promote beneficial policies or collaboration with U.S.-based partners. </span><span class="eop"> </span><span></span></p> <p><strong>2.</strong> <strong>Encourage the development of a strong civil society that upholds the values of transparency, accountability, and good governance</strong>.</p> <p>The U.S. Embassy seeks to support Panama’s expansion of mechanisms for promoting transparent and independent institutions, while addressing official corruption and responding responsibly in identified cases of concern.</p> <p><strong>3. Improve the quality of or access to English and STEAM education for young people in marginalized communities.</strong></p> <p>The U.S. Embassy seeks to improve the quality and availability of English and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education in Panama. Science, technology, and innovation are an important linkage between the U.S. and Panama and represent an opportunity for both economic growth and closer cooperation. To promote equitable distribution of opportunities and resources, the U.S. Embassy will prioritize projects that engage young people in marginalized communities. Activities in this category may include educational programs like workshops or training programs; the development of educational tools or resources; joint activities with U.S. public school students; and efforts to integrate English into existing curricula. </p> <p><strong>4.</strong> <strong>Promote sustainable development through responsible management of Panama’s environmental resources.</strong></p> <p class="paragraph"><span class="normaltextrun">The U.S. Embassy seeks to promote sustainable development by encouraging Panama to focus on strengthening environmental protection. Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning economic growth, energy, industry, health, and international trade. As Panama’s number one trading partner and as a close neighbor in the Americas, the United States has an interest in supporting effective environmental protection.</span><span class="eop"> </span></p> <p><strong>5.</strong> <strong>Facilitate U.S. representation at major festivals and other widely attended arts or cultural events.</strong></p> <p>The U.S. Embassy seeks to promote closer ties with Panama through cultural exchange and the promotion of shared values and has an interest in maintaining a high level of visibility in the cultural sphere, reaching a broad public audience through major festivals and other widely attended arts or cultural events.  The Public Affairs Section will fund U.S. representation in high-visibility public activities through the inclusion of U.S. participants, branding, content, and/or intellectual property. Proposals should clearly identify what the U.S. components are and how they further U.S. public diplomacy with Panama. </p> <p><strong>The Public Affairs Section will prioritize projects that:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Encourage inclusion and diversity through engagement with marginalized populations, women, at-risk youth, and minorities to reduce economic inequality</li> <li>Apply innovative, environmental, or technological solutions to support entrepreneurship</li> <li>Address provincial or rural audiences outside of Panama City</li> <li>Promote U.S. culture, including music, history, sports, tourism, or the English language</li> <li>Support multiple U.S. foreign policy priorities, including but not limited to education, transparency, civil society, human rights, regional security, journalistic standards, intellectual property rights, environmental protection, and market access for U.S. business.</li> </ul>