U.S. Mission to Suriname, Embassy Paramaribo PAS Annual Program Statement

Overview

PAS Paramaribo invites proposals from NGOs, individuals and government educational institutions for programs that contribute to the improvement of social, economic or environmental conditions in Suriname and which further one or more of the priorities listed below. All programs must include a connection with American cultural element(s), expert(s), organization(s) or institution(s) that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy, culture, and perspectives.

Priority Program Areas 

• Strengthening democracy – Promoting civic involvement, free and fair elections, or democratic governance at the local or national level in a non-partisan manner. 
• Addressing climate change and environmental education – Nurturing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change and reduce food and water insecurity, particularly among underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Limiting Corruption - Supporting efforts to counter or prevent corruption in business or government, including efforts to develop greater fiscal transparency, enhance the rule of law, and/or protect intellectual property rights.
• Supporting a free and expressive media environment – Strengthening the professionalism of the media and/or advancing media literacy within the population.
• Advancing diversity, equality, inclusion, and accessibility for all marginalized communities – Addressing issues involving ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, and/or indigenous and tribal communities.
• Promoting academic linkages – Creating programs or exchanges designed to increase college and university professional linkages between the U.S. and Suriname, especially with community colleges and technical schools.
• Empowering women – Creating programs focused on the mentorship of women entrepreneurs and/or supporting women’s increased participation in civil society.
• Developing Alumni — Supporting programs led by, supported by, or involving the Suriname American Alumni Association, its members, or alumni of U.S. exchange programs.
• Enhancing agricultural production — Supporting efforts that advance understanding of modern agricultural practices and expanding entrepreneurship skills with the goal of increasing exports to U.S. and EU markets.
• Supporting cultural exchange — Hosting cultural performances, artistic workshops, trainings, and exhibitions that highlight the deep and ongoing ties between the United States and Suriname and our shared democratic values.

Activities that are typically funded include but are not limited to:

• Empowerment, leadership, and education programs reflecting the priority areas.
• Bringing an American expert, speaker, trainer, or performer to Suriname.
• Conferences on American themes or issues of mutual interest.
• Exhibitions of works by Americans or on American themes.
• Cultural programs, particularly those that target underserved or at-risk communities.
• Radio, television, and social media programming in support of the above objectives.

The U.S. Embassy Paramaribo encourages applicants to provide cost-sharing from additional sources in support of this project. The U.S. Embassy also encourages projects that use highly skilled volunteers as an element of cost-sharing. Applications should explain clearly other likely sources of funding and how the volunteers will be used.

Funded activities should take place between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Local grants projects generally must be completed in one year or less. The Public Affairs Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards, beyond the initial budget period, on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the applicants, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Department of State.

While the Public Affairs Section will consider proposals up to $15,000, projects that are smaller in scope are more likely to be awarded. Most grants selected are between $5,000 and $10,000. In very rare circumstances, applications above $15,000 will be evaluated.