U.S. Embassy, Conakry- PD Annual Program Statement

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A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Conakry/ Bureau of Public Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications for Public Diplomacy Grants. Please follow all instructions below. Applications may be submitted at any time for consideration before the closing date of this Annual Program Statement on April 30, 2022. Awards will be made on a rolling basis, pending the availability of funds. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Background: The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Conakry is soliciting proposals for grants from not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions that focus on one of the priority areas specified below. Applicants should pay close attention to these priorities, the Public Affairs Section’s goals, and target audiences when developing their proposals. Public diplomacy programming includes communications with international audiences, cultural programming, educational exchanges, promoting education including science, technology and math education, and international visitor programs. Due to the volume of applicants and inquiries, PAS does not accept letters of intent, concept papers, or requests for meetings prior to application. This program will be funded under the appropriate Public Diplomacy or Foreign Assistance Act authorization. All programming is subject to the statutory limitations of the funding determined. Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Conakry invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Guinea through cultural and exchange 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. policy and perspectives. Examples of Public diplomacy programs include, but are not limited to: • Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; • Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; • Professional and academic exchanges and programs; • Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S. sponsored or supported educational or • professional exchange program; • Programs that strengthen U.S. college and university relationships with local higher education institutions, American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams), businesses, and/or regional organizations. • New media concepts projects aimed at reaching wider audiences; • English language programs; • Programs that strengthen government, public and private sector capacity and collaboration. • Youth community service projects that promote democratic processes and encourage volunteerism; • Civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights; • Proposals that support the proliferation of tolerant voices of traditional and community leaders; • Arts and culture programs that feature an element of increasing understanding of American culture or American-Guinea cooperation; • More information about the Public Affairs Section can be found at: https://gn.usembassy.gov/embassy/conakry/ Priority Program Areas: Funding is available for projects that address the priority areas below and focus on Public Affairs’ key audiences, including civil society organizations, entrepreneurs/innovators, journalists, women, and youth (14-30 years old). Grant proposals should address one or more of the six Public Affairs priority areas: 1. Strengthening Civil Society: through the promotion of local cultural heritage, traditional and modern art forms, and other forms of creative expression; support for civil society organizations, educational institutions; or the emerging leaders in these fields through linkages with U.S. counterparts. 2. Supporting Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship: through projects that promote human/workers’ rights, women’s empowerment, corporate social responsibility, access to finance, and support for entrepreneurs. Particular emphasis should be placed on strengthening chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs, and core private sector industries through interactions or linkages with U.S. counterparts. 3. Fostering Regional Stability: through projects that support academic, art and cultural, civil society, and other exchanges and projects by strengthening ties between the United States, Guinea, and regional neighbors; thus assisting in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations. 4. Boosting Democracy, Human Rights, and Good Governance: Through projects that encourage participation in building democracy and civil society, especially for women, religious or ethnic minorities, and youth. 5. Promoting English Language Capacity: through projects that encourage the usage and learning of English language as a tool for civic and economic development. 6. Stimulating Women Empowerment: through projects that encourage and promote the role of women in the civic, public, and business sectors. In addition to the specific requirements listed above by program area, all proposals must: 1. Clearly indicate the primary activity area to which it is being submitted for consideration; 2. Focus on the key public diplomacy audiences and activities specified in the areas, provide programs for underserved geographic regions of Guinea, as well as non-elite schools (if applicable); 3. Clearly delineate how elements of their program will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant; 4. Provide a traditional and/or social media plan for marketing program activities and outcome, if applicable; 5. Identify the cities/districts in which activities will take place; 6. Identify specific outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period; 7. Identify any tools (surveys, beneficiary interviews, focus groups, etc.) that will be developed for Monitoring and Evaluation purposes. Applicants must also demonstrate competency to manage all financial aspects of the project, including participant costs and transparent arrangements of sub-grant relationships with partner organizations, if applicable. Participants and Audiences: All proposals should focus on engaging Guineans in Guinea. Proposals that reach marginalized communities and youth are encouraged. Programs that are ineligible or are not typically funded include, but are not limited to: a. profit-generating projects; b. scholarships to support educational opportunities or study for individuals*; c. paying to complete activities begun with other funds; d. financial support for fundraising campaign or fund development projects; e. projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship/support to an individual or single party in electoral campaigns; f. political party and lobbying activities; Programs relating to partisan political activity; g. programs solely focused on purchasing supplies; h. construction programs; i. scientific research; j. projects that support specific religious activities; k. microloans/microfinance projects, distribution of seed money for enterprises, and legal/land rights-focused programs are not allowable; l. charitable or development activities; m. programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or n. programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year funding: Funding authority rests in relevant legislation. The source of funding is FY2022 Public Diplomacy Funding.

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