Embassy of the United States in London: Promoting American Studies Grant

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. 

Grants Officer

Cultural Affairs Office

Embassy of the United States of America

London, United Kingdom
Email:LondonGrants@state.gov