PDS - U.S. Mission to Austria, U.S. Embassy Vienna - Austrian-American Partnership Fund

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Vienna, Austria, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy 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.

Purpose of Small Grants: The Austrian-American Partnership Fund (AAPF) is organized to fund projects advancing collaboration and dialogue and expand cooperation between Austria and the United States. AAPF accepts applications for funding for innovative projects that seek to bring American perspectives to Austria or connect Americans and Austrians in the following priority areas:

• Reinforcing the role of U.S.-Austrian and transatlantic ties in addressing shared challenges
• Promoting common democratic values and civic engagement 
• Combating disinformation and building media literacy
• Addressing climate change together
• Fostering partnerships between U.S. and Austrian educational institutions 
• Engaging youth around shared values 
• Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

All proposed programs must include a U.S. component (such as the showcasing of an American expert or involvement of a U.S. organization) and aim to increase understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives among audiences within Austria.

Primary audience should be non-Americans in Austria. Special consideration will be given to programs that reach youth and/or engage geographically or otherwise diverse communities in Austria. Proposals will also be evaluated based on their anticipated short and long-term impact, and on the ability to reach audiences using both traditional and innovative outreach tools.

Cosponsoring from additional funding sources is strongly encouraged.

This opportunity has recurring deadlines as follows:
February 15, May 15, July 15, and November 15, 2024. 
Since the selection process can take up to two months, applicants should plan accordingly.

PDS - U.S. Mission to Austria, U.S. Embassy Vienna - Austrian-American Partnership Fund

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Vienna, Austria, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy 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.

Purpose of Small Grants: The Austrian-American Partnership Fund (AAPF) is organized to fund projects advancing collaboration and dialogue and expand cooperation between Austria and the United States. AAPF accepts applications for funding for innovative projects that seek to bring American perspectives to Austria or connect Americans and Austrians in the following priority areas:

• Reinforcing the role of U.S.-Austrian and transatlantic ties in addressing shared challenges
• Promoting common democratic values and civic engagement 
• Combating disinformation and building media literacy
• Addressing climate change together
• Fostering partnerships between U.S. and Austrian educational institutions 
• Engaging youth around shared values 
• Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

All proposed programs must include a U.S. component (such as the showcasing of an American expert or involvement of a U.S. organization) and aim to increase understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives among audiences within Austria.

Primary audience should be non-Americans in Austria. Special consideration will be given to programs that reach youth and/or engage geographically or otherwise diverse communities in Austria. Proposals will also be evaluated based on their anticipated short and long-term impact, and on the ability to reach audiences using both traditional and innovative outreach tools.

Cosponsoring from additional funding sources is strongly encouraged.

This opportunity has recurring deadlines as follows:
February 15, May 15, July 15, and November 15, 2024. 
Since the selection process can take up to two months, applicants should plan accordingly.

Saxena Family Foundation STEM Grant

Overview:

Founded in 2002 by Manoj Saxena and his family, the Saxena Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to improving the quality of life of women, children and senior citizens in the communities in which we live. The foundation has particular focus on initiatives that promote U.S. STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and empowerment of girl child and young women so that they have equal rights later in life.  We partner with a wide range of outside individuals and organizations through our programs.

Grants are awarded for a single year. Grants can be renewed based on the review of the previous year's progress and results. We require that a renewal application be submitted for consideration.

U.S. Embassy Niamey PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview:

PDS Niamey invites individuals or organizations interested in submitting a proposal to use the award as seed money to generate buy-in from other stakeholders. We will be looking for partnerships and cost-sharing with host country civil society organizations and the business community that can extend the impact of your proposals. Competitive proposals will also address the issue of sustainability — explaining how the project or program will continue beyond the initial support from the U.S. government. 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.

Priority Program Areas:
All public diplomacy Small Grants Programs must include one or more of the below themes:

a. Countering Violent Extremism (Counterterrorism)

b. Increasing Media Literacy

c. Inter-religious Unification

d. Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment

e. Youth Engagement

f. Education (particularly English-language instruction and acquisition)

g. Economic development (entrepreneurship, economic empowerment)

h. Development of a strong media ecosystem (including countering mis- and disinformation)

Participants and Audiences:
The target audience must be Nigerien. Priority Audiences include the following:

a. Women and youth

b. Businesspeople/entrepreneurs

c. Academia/universities/think tanks (including students)

d. Journalists

e. Civil society activist

Length of performance period: 1 to 12 months 

Anticipated program start date: Program must begin prior to September 30, 2024

Solicitation limitations:

ASU may submit only one (1) application to the sponsoring organization.

U.S. Mission to Poland U.S. Embassy Warsaw and U.S. Consulate General Krakow, Public Diplomacy

Overview:

PD Poland invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Poland through activities that highlight shared values, promote bilateral cooperation, and forge enduring connections between the United States and emerging Polish leaders (high school students, university students, and young professionals ages 16 to 35), as well as established community leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.  All proposals are required to have a clear connection to the United States, either through U.S. organizations, experts, and/or best practices in order to increase the awareness and understanding of U.S. perspectives, policies, and society.   Proposals without significant U.S. content will not be considered for funding.

Examples of possible public diplomacy grant activities include, but are not limited to:

• Youth engagement programs.
• Participatory and/or problem-solving workshops like “tech camps.”
• Soft skills and leadership-building workshops, seminars, and trainings that develop human capital and social or economic innovation.
• Workshops, seminars, trainings, master classes, and exhibitions on themes or topics that advance shared democracy, economic, and security goals. 
• Programs that reinforce and amplify lessons learned by Polish alumni of U.S. Government-funded and private sector exchange programs.

Priority Program Areas:

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

• Addressing barriers to the advancement of women in STEM fields and business.
• Strengthening the business skills of young entrepreneurs.
• Sharing best practices of U.S. businesses operating in Poland.
• Promoting the development of trade and investment with the United States, including entrepreneurship, small- and medium-sized businesses, and innovation as the basis for strong, sustainable, inclusive economic growth that creates quality employment and incorporates diverse and excluded groups.
• Promoting joint Polish-U.S. science, space, and innovation initiatives carried out by research organizations, nongovernmental organizations, universities, and private companies.

ENSURING SECURITY

• Demonstrating the benefits of the of the Polish-U.S. security partnership and NATO Alliance for Polish emerging leaders (high school and university students ages 15-25 and/or young professionals ages 25-34).   
• Promoting a deeper understanding of the impact of Polish and U.S. political, military, and humanitarian support for Ukraine and for Ukrainians in Poland.
• Strengthen cyber security awareness. 

STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY

• Leadership training fostering innovation and critical thinking among young people (ages 16 to 24). 
• Strengthening media practitioners’ and media consumers’ media literacy and ability to detect and combat mis/disinformation.
• Promoting Holocaust education and/or human rights education.

PD Poland will accept and review proposals according to the following schedule:  

• Proposals received between January 1, 2024, and March 15, 2024:  PD Poland will review and strive to provide funding decisions by May 1, 2024.
• Proposals received between March 16, 2024, and May 30, 2024:  PD Poland will review and strive to provide funding decisions by July 15, 2024.

Solicitation limitations:

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization per funding opportunity posted by PD Poland.

U.S. Mission to Malawi U.S. Embassy Lilongwe Public Diplomacy Section Annual Program Statement

Overview:

U.S. Embassy Lilongwe’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce that we are accepting proposals for our Small Grants Program.  PDS invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Malawi through programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. 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. policies and perspectives in Malawi. 

Examples of programs implemented through the PDS Small Grants Program include, but are not limited to: 

• U.S. experts conducting lectures, seminars, or speaking tours with Malawian audiences 
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions 
• Professional and academic exchanges and programs 
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs 
• Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S. sponsored or supported educational or professional exchange program 
• Initiatives aimed at maintaining contact with alumni of U.S. exchange programs 
• Projects to promote English language teaching skills or widen access to books and other sources of information about the United States

Priority Program Areas: 

• Promote good governance and rule of law
• Facilitate and encourage growth of entrepreneurship 
• Promote gender equality to increase participation in education and improved health decision-making by adolescent girls and young women 
• Increase transparency of government activities through a more capable media 
• Support and improve conditions for vulnerable and marginalized citizens, such as the disabled, people living with albinism, and those subject to stigma or persecution 
• Prevent gender-based violence and trafficking in persons 
• Promote stronger, more numerous university partnerships between U.S. and Malawian universities

Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2024. No applications will be accepted after that date and time. 

Applications will be received and evaluated on a “rolling” basis during this period.

Solicitation limitations:

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization or individual, all proposals from that institution or individual will be considered ineligible for funding.

U.S. Mission to Bolivia U.S. Embassy La Paz PD Annual Program Statement

Overview:

PD La Paz invites proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Bolivia through cultural, educational, professional and scientific exchanges that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an U.S. cultural element, or connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

The PD Small Grants Program projects may include, but is not limited to:

• Lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions;
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation projects;
• Professional, cultural or academic exchanges and projects (including virtual exchanges with U.S. experts or communities);
• Professional development workshops and training.

Priority Funding Areas:
The Grants Program seeks to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States and Bolivia by awarding grants to non-profit organizations and individuals for projects that address the following priority areas:

• Support Bolivia’s Diversified Economy
• Advance Gender Equality
• Build Civil Society’s Capacity to Address Climate Change and Sustainably Manage Bolivia’s Natural Resources
• Support Freedom of Speech and the Press
• Strengthen U.S.-Bolivian Partnerships Through Public Diplomacy Programs

• Proposals will be considered and funded on a rolling basis until the final August 31st, 2024 deadline.
• Prospective grantees will typically receive a decision within 90 days, or as funds become available.
• The time required to finalize an award and disburse funds after a proposal is selected for funding ranges from 1 to 3 months. Applicants are, therefore, encouraged to apply 4 to 6 months before the start date of the proposed activity.

U.S. Mission to Indonesia U.S. Embassy Jakarta PAS Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Jakarta invites proposals for projects that further and support the strategic partnership between Indonesia and the U.S. through educational, cultural, informational, and media programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural or media-related element, or a 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.

Examples of small grants projects include but are not limited to:

• Educational seminars, and expert speaker programs;
• Professional and academic exchanges and projects;
• Professional development workshops and training;
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; and
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation projects.

Priority Program Areas:
Program Themes may include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Partnership: activities that promote U.S.- Indonesia strategic partnership, people to people ties, and shared values, including democratic governance, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, tolerance and diversity, the rule of law, and human rights.
• Security and Defense: activities that promote awareness of security issues and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region; promote respect for international law including maritime law in the South China Sea; combat transnational, regional, and global challenges, including cybersecurity, terrorism, and violent extremism.
• Prosperity, Trade, and Investment: activities that promote economic cooperation or business development between the U.S. and Indonesia; encourage an understanding of U.S. trade policies, exports, and investment opportunities, expand economic opportunities for women, youth, and underserved populations; and/or promote entrepreneurship and innovation in business.
• Technology and Innovation: activities that support technical innovation and cooperation in such areas as public health and medical fields, agricultural technology, cybersecurity, applied artificial intelligence, and space exploration; and/or programs to expand STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education.
• Education and Human Capacity: activities that promote educational partnerships and cooperation between U.S. and Indonesian education institutions (high school and above), leadership and soft skill development, human capital development, and educational, exchange, and training opportunities for U.S. and Indonesian students and teachers.
• Environmental Issues and Climate Crisis: activities that increase awareness of regional and global environmental challenges, climate change, and sustainable development; and/or promote innovation in support of combating climate change or supporting alternative energy sources.
• Combating Disinformation: activities that encourage identification of and resistance to dis/misinformation or hoaxes, knowledge of reliable sources for accurate factual information, cybersecurity awareness, and associated critical thinking skills.
• Diversity and Inclusivity: activities that promote the value of human diversity and inclusiveness of Indonesians in business, academia, government, and civil society. Areas of diversity include race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other status.

• Proposals received between November 28, 2023 and February 29, 2024 will be reviewed in March 2023
• Proposals received between March 1, 2024 and April 30, 2024 will be reviewed in May 2023
•  Proposals received between May 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024 will be reviewed in June 2024

Projects may begin no sooner than March 1, 2024 and no later than December 31, 2024. Application must be submitted 3 months before project start date.

Solicitation limitations:

Primary organizations can submit up to two (2) applications in response to the NOFO. Internal Applications are available on InfoReady.

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

U.S. Mission to Uganda: U.S. Embassy Kampala Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Kampala Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.

The objectives of the Public Diplomacy Grant Program are to promote understanding and foster positive relations between the people of Uganda and the United States; reinforce shared values on the topics listed below; and connect high potential Ugandan youth and young professionals (aged 16 to 35) as well as established professional leaders to the American people. 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.

Priority Program areas:

• Strengthen media practitioners and institutions with U.S. principles and methods for achieving free, accurate, and objective media practices.
• Strengthen media practitioners and consumers ability to detect and combat mis/disinformation.
• Foster shared U.S. values on civic engagement and democratic principles among youth and young professionals, including civic education programs.
• Link Americans and Ugandans to foster increased awareness of effects and solutions to address climate change.
• Increase Ugandans’ awareness of and appreciation for USG engagement with Uganda.
• Increase knowledge of STEM skills, particularly for young girls and women and gain appreciation for U.S. leadership in these areas
• Increase business skills for young entrepreneurs and gain appreciation for deep U.S. experience in fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Strengthen ties between U.S. and Ugandan institutes of higher education.

Types of activities that may be considered for funding include, but are not limited to:

• Programs that reinforce and amplify lessons learned by alumni of State Department-funded exchange programs (both American and Ugandan alumni).
• Youth engagement and leadership programs.
• Workshops, seminars, trainings, and master classes on American themes or issues of mutual interest mentioned in the above goals of the program.
• Programs to empower young women.
• Radio, television, and social media training and programming in support of the above program objectives.
• Programs designed as a partnership between a Ugandan and U.S. organization.
• Initiatives in support of the above program objectives that make creative use of the Mission’s American Center in Kampala or Nile Explorer bus, a mobile classroom that provides extracurricular learning opportunities in STEM and other subjects through visits to underserved communities across Uganda.

Awards: $5,000 to $40,000; proposals for awards over $40,000 and up to $200,000 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applications will be reviewed twice during Fiscal Year 2024. The deadlines for application are:

• Feb 15, 2024
• May 15, 2024