U.S. Mission to Belize, Embassy Belmopan PAS Annual Program Statement

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Belmopan Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Applications for programs are accepted on a rolling basis until the deadlines. The deadlines are necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Purpose of Grants: PAS Belmopan invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Belize by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation. Grant proposals must convey an American cultural element, support a priority program area (see below), or include a connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Examples of PAS projects include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions;
• Entrepreneurship and innovation in STEAM fields;
• Strengthening civil society;
• Media training and enhancing media literacy
• Combating disinformation, supporting excellence in journalism
• Educational programs on U.S. foreign policy priorities;
• Programs that educate or enforce sustainable development goals;
• Youth leadership programs, especially for minorities; and
• Sports-related programming.

Participants and Audiences:

• Academic institutions;
• Business leaders and entrepreneurs;
• Community leaders;
• Cultural institutions;
• Journalists, media organizations;
• Social and new media users;
• Belizean thought leaders;
• Women and youth from underserved communities

Length of performance period: Up to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 3 to 5 awards (dependent on amounts). Proposed projects should ideally be planned for a period of three to 12 months but can be longer depending on the nature of the program. PAS will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

The Public Affairs Section will accept proposals in two rounds, the first ending May 31, 2024 and the second ending July 31, 2024. Proposals received during Round 1 should plan to start no later than July 2024, and proposals received during round 2 should plan to start no later than September 2024. No applications will be accepted after that date.