U.S. Embassy KAMPALA PAS Request for Statements of Interest: Annual Program Statement

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY KAMPALA, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title:            U.S. Embassy KAMPALA PAS Request for Statements of Interest: Annual Program Statement

Funding Opportunity Number:     DOS-UG-PAS-FY20-2

Deadline for Applications:             Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed periodically. Upcoming reviews are scheduled for July 8, 2020, and August 10, 2020

CFDA Number:                               19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs

Estimated total program funding: $250,000

Award Ceiling:                               $50,000

Award floor:                                     $5,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Kampala Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in applying for

funding for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Uganda

through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral

cooperation. PAS invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications

outlining program concepts that reflect this goal.

This is a two-part process. Applicants should first submit a SOI. This is not a full proposal, but a concise, one-to-three-page concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. PAS will review SOIs and invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications.

Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants:

PAS Kampala invites proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Uganda through cultural, exchange, and media support programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must convey an element of U.S. culture, history, and/or shared values. Competitive proposals should also include a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and/or increased cooperation between the people of the United States and Uganda even after the program has concluded. 

Priority Program Areas:

PAS Kampala will prioritize grant proposals that address the following themes:

●    Cultural Projects: Cultural activities engage the public, especially youth, to bridge cultures, deepen cultural ties and understanding, discuss topics of importance, and promote the free exchange of ideas. The U.S. Embassy is interested in supporting arts and culture projects that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Uganda. Examples of possible programs include writing workshops, artist collaborations, theatre/filmmaking/storytelling clubs, travelling productions, dance or sports performances or competitions, or similar events and activities.

o  The U.S. Embassy is particularly interested in promoting U.S. and Ugandan cooperation in the area of film. Particular consideration will be given to projects that support filmmaking in Uganda such as screenwriting workshops, training in different aspects of film production, screenplay or short film competitions, or screenings and discussions of U.S. and Ugandan films. 

●      Projects that increase educational opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), entrepreneurship, and critical thinking and debate.

●      Supporting freedom of speech and expression, including via civic education.

●      Strengthening independent media through media literacy, training, and other engagement.

●      Ensuring participation of citizens in the democratic process through education and outreach.

●      Economic growth and entrepreneurship, particularly for marginalized women and youth.

●      Promoting inclusive social development, particularly through empowering women and girls and promoting the participation of women in governance.

●      Engaging underserved populations, including persons with disabilities, through art, sports, culture, and other creative, entrepreneurial, and educational opportunities.

●      Promoting tolerance and peace through dialogue.

●      Promoting sustainable policies and grassroots advocacy to protect the environment, particularly air quality and wildlife conservation.

●      Strengthening community resilience to extremism through preservation / promotion of traditional cultural practices that reinforce community stability and peace.

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 research;

●                            Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or

●                            Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding:

The Statutory Authority for this program announcement is the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding is FY2020 Public Diplomacy Funding.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Number of awards anticipated: Five to 10 awards

Award amounts:                     $5,000 to $50,000.

Total available funding:        $250,000

Type of Funding:                   Fiscal Year 2020 Public Diplomacy Funding

Anticipated program start date: Before July 1, 2021

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in one year or less.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Individual award, Fixed Amount Award, or Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that PAS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. 

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants:

●      Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations, with programming experience

●      Individuals

●      Non-profit or governmental educational institutions

●      Governmental institutions

For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.  

1. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The U.S. Embassy Kampala Public Affairs Section will accept proposals from now through August 7, 2020. A grants committee including U.S. Embassy employees will review eligible applications on July 8, 2020 and August 10, 2020. All application materials must be submitted by email to Kampalagrants@state.gov.

All SOIs should ensure that the following requirements are met:

Please follow all instructions below carefully. SOIs that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application

Please ensure:

●       The SOI clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

●       All documents are in English

●       All budgets are in U.S. dollars

The following document is required:

1. Statement of Interest (not to exceed three pages) that includes:

o   The name of the organization seeking funding;

o   Program activity locations;

o   The total amount of funding requested from PAS, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program cost (PAS funds + cost-share or other contributions);

o   Program length;

o   A synopsis of the program, including a brief statement on how the program will have a demonstrated impact and engage relevant stakeholders;

o   A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the program’s objectives and the activities, including a timeline of activities, and expected results that contribute to each objective; and,

o   A brief description of the applicant(s) that demonstrates the applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA

A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications, considering the following criteria:

1. Quality and Feasibility of Program Idea: Is the proposed program needed? Will it meet program objectives and make an impact?
2. Program Planning: Is the program designed to solve the stated problem and achieve the objectives? Are the timeline and activities well structured?
3. Embassy priorities: Do the project goals relate to and support U.S. Embassy Kampala’s priority areas?
4. Ability to Achieve Objectives/Institutional Capacity: Does the applicant demonstrate the organization’s or individual’s expertise and previous experience in administering programs?

Successful applicants will be contacted by PAS and invited to submit a full proposal. Instructions on the requirements of a full application submission will be provided at that time.