Promoting a Better Understanding of the United States through American Studies

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The Embassy of the United States in London invites eligible organizations to submit proposals to develop and implement a small grants program to foster American studies in the United Kingdom through exchanges, speaker programs, and conferences. Initiatives should be designed to promote a more accurate and positive image of the United States. Strictly subject to the availability of funds, the Embassy of the United States in London expects to select one program implementer for a grant award up to $150,000. In this solicitation, the Embassy of the United States in London seeks proposals to develop and administer a small grants program to support the study of the United States in the United Kingdom in primary and secondary schools and universities. The grants program should: - Encourage more demand for the pursuit of American studies as a specialized field of study; - Seek to promote American studies as a field of study among women and within black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and schools; - Recruit for and spread awareness of American studies as a field of study for primary and secondary school students, with a focus on diversity; - Encourage work in the field of American studies across academic societies and within universities; - Support program activities throughout the United Kingdom, particularly outside of London. Proposals should outline how the program implementer will manage, administer, and evaluate projects through small grants up to $15,000 or its equivalent in pounds sterling.  Proposals should also define an award selection process based on merit, geographic and thematic diversity, feasibility of proposed programs, impact to beneficiaries, monitoring and evaluation techniques, project sustainability, and cultivation of lasting and productive relationships between participants from the United States and the United Kingdom. Ideally, the most competitive proposal would dedicate the largest portion of the budget to the small grants segment. Applicants must have the demonstrated experience and ability to provide guidance to and monitor projects that would focus on building a more accurate understanding of the United States to include: - Faculty development and exchange; - Non-partisan programming on the 2020 U.S. election; - Curriculum development at all education levels, especially primary and secondary levels; - Student exchanges; - Speaker programs; - Film or other arts programming; and - Conferences. The projects selected for funding and monitored by the successful applicant must support the mission strategic goals of the Embassy of the United States in London. More information can be found under the “Program Description” section of the following website: https://uk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/london/ukpa/grants-programs/ In addition, the program implementer will: - Consult with the grants staff of the Embassy of the United States in London on best practices in grant-making; - Develop a small grants program taking into account the priorities outlined above; - Develop an application process, publicize it widely in the United Kingdom, and offer information and coaching sessions on the application process to potential applicants; - Convene a committee that reflects the diversity of the program, including higher education experts, to review proposals and select projects; - Seek concurrence from the Embassy of the United States in London on selected projects; - Solicit applications for projects up to $15,000 or its equivalent in pounds sterling. Lead a grant review panel to select and award applicants based on merit, feasibility of proposed collaboration, impact to beneficiaries, monitoring and evaluation techniques, and sustainability. Determine the most appropriate funding mechanism for each program and issue grants or payment to selected recipients; - Manage small grant administration for selected projects and required reporting; - Provide quarterly reporting with a budget update to the Embassy of the United States in London on program activities; - Serve as the primary point of contact and source of information for American studies programs in the United Kingdom; - Manage all logistical elements of the program, including facilitating Americans’ travel to the UK and British travel to the United States in accordance with U.S. government travel regulations, should proposals include such activities. Selected small grant projects must take place in the United Kingdom, though they may include a U.S.-based component. Program Objectives: The Embassy of the United States in London expects the program to: - Inspire and enable young people to learn more about the government, culture, history, and people of the United States; - Identify, connect with, and encourage programs focused on the United States’ culture and history in communities that may not otherwise have the resources to sustain such programming. - Introduce and enhance participants’ knowledge of and interest in American studies as a specialized field of study; - Inspire more members of underrepresented communities (particularly women and BAME communities) to explore the American studies as a specialized field of study; - Provide participants with an improved understanding of the United States and its government, society, history, and culture; - Give British participants cultural insights into the United States. If applicable, please plan for dietary restrictions, such as awareness of halal or vegetarian requirements, and for reasonable accommodation for participants with disabilities. Participants and Audiences: Students of all ages (particularly those in schools with fewer resources to provide exposure to American studies), teachers, academics, scholars, and researchers of American studies.

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