U.S. Department of State: Public Diplomacy Grants Program

The U.S. Consulate Cape Town Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. Applications may be submitted at any time for consideration before the closing date of this annual program statement on August 15, 2020. Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis and awards will be made on an ad hoc rate pending the availability of funds, therefore applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Background:  

The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Cape Town is soliciting proposals for small grants from non-profit institutions, non-governmental organizations, or non-profit private or public academic institutions. These proposals must focus on one or more of the priority areas specified below and be located in our Consular District of the Eastern, Northern, or Western Cape provinces. 

The purpose of this small grants program is to strengthen ties and build relationships between the U.S. and South Africa through activities that highlight shared values, goals and cooperation. All proposed projects must include an American element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. values, perspectives, and policies.

Grant proposals should address at least one of the following program priority areas:

• Female entrepreneurs (particularly in the creative and technology sectors);

• Educational projects encouraging youth (above age 14) to explore STEM fields;

• Projects that develop or strengthen linkages between U.S. and South African universities;

• Projects that strengthen US-government sponsored exchange alumni networks;

• Projects developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S.- government sponsored exchange program.

• Projects that address gender-based violence;

• Projects that promote the history of U.S. based activism against apartheid;

• Projects that promote shared histories between Americans and South Africans;

• Projects that link to or expand American Corners and American Spaces activities.

• Projects that promote trade and economic ties between the U.S. and South Africa.

Participants and Audiences:

Intended participants and target audiences are youth (above age 14) and adults, located in either the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, or Western Cape. PAS Cape Town is particularly interested in projects that are based in smaller regional cities within these provinces. For proposals focusing on other provinces, please look for other Public Diplomacy Small Grants funding opportunity announcements on the Embassy website at https://za.usembassy.gov/education-culture/public-diplomacy-small-grants-program-2/.

Please read the full announcement before submitting an application. Applications should be submitted by email to capetowngrants@state.gov.