U.S. Embassy Cairo PAS Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy Cairo Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement (APS), outlining funding priorities, strategic themes of focus, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, which runs from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020.

PAS Cairo invites proposals from individuals, civil society organizations, think tanks, cultural and arts organizations, government institutions, and academic institutions for programs that strengthen the cultural ties between the U.S. and Egypt through cultural 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 the kinds of activities that can be funded under the PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:

· Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;

· Artistic and cultural workshops, performances, exhibitions, or activities to develop the creative economy in Egypt;

· Workshops, training, and competitions to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Egypt;

· Sports workshops, joint athletic competitions, or sports management training;

· Training activities and programs that support science and technology education or STEAM skills;

· Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;

· Professional and academic exchanges and programs;

· Professional development workshops and training;

· Civic engagement 

Priority Program Areas:

Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following program areas:

1. U.S.–EGYPT BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP -- Programs that seek to promote a greater understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society to Egyptian audiences; activities that promote shared values and interests between the American and Egyptian people; and projects that build people-to-people ties. 

2. REGIONAL SECURITY -- Programs that address issues of regional security and enhanced stability, strengthen community resilience to extremism, or increase public understanding of the U.S.-Egypt security partnership.

3. ECONOMIC GROWTH -- Programs related to economic growth and prosperity, inclusive socio-economic development, skills development, entrepreneurship, technology/innovation, intellectual property rights, and economic empowerment of women and youth, and underserved populations in Egypt.

4. SOCIAL ISSUES -- Programs that support an engaged civil society, promote a deepened understanding of diversity and inclusion, and encourage tolerance and peace through dialogue.

5. EDUCATION -- Programs that promote study in the United States, the building of linkages between American and Egyptian academic institutions, and training opportunities for Egyptian students or faculty.

Participants and Audiences:

All programs should target primarily Egyptian audiences. Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including age, gender, geographic location, and numbers anticipated to be reached. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, and secondary audiences include those reached indirectly – for example, via social media or traditional media.

Specific audiences who are considered a priority for awards funded under this APS include:

· Young leaders in the 18-30 year-old age ranges;

· Entrepreneurs and those involved in strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Egypt;

· Women and girls;

· Minority, peripheral, and/or disadvantaged communities;

· Audiences residing outside of Greater Cairo or Alexandria;

· Alumni of U.S. Embassy-sponsored cultural exchange programs

For additional information regarding federal funding information, eligibility information, application and submission information, submission dates and times, and application review information, please visit U.S. Embassy Cairo's website.