Description
Deadline for Applications: On a rolling basis. The Merit Panel Review will meet three times (February, April, and June 2021) during the funding cycle to review the applications submitted. This annual program statement ends on June 30, 2021 (11:59 p.m. East Africa time). PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Nairobi) 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 in focus, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Nairobi invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, academic, and professional ties between the United States and Kenya through programming and exchanges that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, and/or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: 1. Reinforce U.S. – Kenyan Shared Values: • Reinforce U.S.-Kenyan shared values through funding proposals that explore, expand, and reflect on historical and contemporary connections between U.S. and Kenyan cultural institutions and groups 2. Advance Regional and Global Security • Advance mutual security goals through funding proposals that promote peaceful dispute and conflict resolution and build lasting partnerships and collaborations that bridge tribal, religious, and regional divides 3. Promote Economic Prosperity through Innovation and Entrepreneurship • Promote shared economic prosperity and stability through funding proposals that foster an equitable and transparent economy in Kenya, reinforce shared values of entrepreneurship and innovation, promote economic opportunities and empowerment of underserved communities and youth, and explore the benefits of expanded trading opportunities between the United States and Kenya, especially through a Free Trade Agreement 4. Promote Rule of Law, Democracy, and Respect for Individual Liberty • Promote rule-of-law, democracy, and respect for individual liberty through funding proposals that focus on rule-of-law, democratic governance, civic participation, fighting corruption, and media literacy and media independence 5. Promote Health Cooperation • Promote rapid and sustainable development through funding proposals that focus on advancing health cooperation and creating a healthy society through collaborative solutions to existing and emerging health concerns Participants and Audiences: • Youth (15-30), including students; • Emerging voices, including civil society leaders and social influencers; • Business leaders and entrepreneurs; • Established opinion leaders, including cultural and/or academic institution leadership; • Residents of underserved communities and regions outside of Nairobi. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: • Programs relating to partisan political activity; • Charitable or development activities; • Construction programs; • Programs that support specific religious activities; • Fund-raising campaigns; • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; • Scientific or specific academic research; • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or • Programs that duplicate existing programs.