U.S. Mission to South Africa Public Diplomacy Section (PDS)

Overview

Program Objectives:
Successful proposals will align with the strategic priorities of the U.S. Mission to South Africa as defined below. Their overall goal will be to develop and strengthen partnerships and knowledge sharing between Americans and South Africans, as well as institutions in both countries. Project activities must take place principally in South Africa. Proposals mostly focused on cultural activities (e.g. concert or other performances, festivals or similar events) without a significant linkage to advancing shared priorities are unlikely to be considered.

U.S. Mission to South Africa Strategic Priorities and Initiatives

1. Develop or strengthen lasting linkages between U.S. and South African universities and other institutions of higher and technical/vocational education.
2.  Promote Democracy and Good Governance in celebration of the 30th anniversary of democracy in South Africa.
3. Increase and Broaden Entrepreneurship Skills and Opportunities to Expand Economic Opportunities for Disadvantaged & Youth Populations.
4. Connect U.S. and South African expertise related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education among youth and young adults –  particularly working in partnership with TVETs.
5. Strengthen U.S. government-sponsored exchange alumni networks and help alumni effect positive change in their communities.
6. Address awareness among key audiences about climate change, the importance of a Just Energy Transition (JET), and shared U.S.-South African climate challenges through connecting U.S. and South African climate change advocates and supporting public education initiatives.
7. Address the shared challenges to American and South African democracy, society, and prosperity rooted in the rise of misinformation and disinformation, particularly by connecting American and South African community, citizen and student journalists for meaningful exchange, cooperation, and learning.

Participants and Audiences

Proposals must identity a clearly defined target audience that the project seeks to engage and influence, and should specify the changes in attitudes or behaviors the project aims to realize – and how the implementer intends to measure these outcomes.

Project activities must principally take place in South Africa and be directed at South African audiences/participants. Proposals should specify the main geographic location(s) of the project. We welcome proposals that reach multiple provinces or engage in areas outside the metropolitan areas of Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, including townships, rural areas, and other historically underserved areas.

Award Information and Due Dates: 

• Proposals under $25,000 (Cycle 1) - March 28, 2024
• Proposals between $25,000-$200,000 (Cycle 2) – May 30, 2024