The U.S. Department of State’s Public Affairs Section is offering grants to foster cultural and professional ties with the Dominican Republic.

This notice is subject to availability of funding

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Purpose of Grants: PAS Santo Domingo invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, professional, and scientific ties between the U.S. and Dominican Republic through cultural, professional 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.

Priority Program Areas:

Proposals should align with our Mission Goals from these priority areas:  

 ·A more inclusive Dominican Republic with strong institutions that stand against authoritarianism. 

· A secure and healthy Dominican Republic that supports U.S. security. 

· An economically stable Dominican Republic that that remains a strong U.S. commercial partner.

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.

2. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

· Eligible Applicants: The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from the United States and Dominican Republic.

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

o Individuals

o Non-profit or educational institutions

3. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

a. Content and Form of Application Submission

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

Content of Application Please ensure that:

·        The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.

·        All documents are in English.

·        All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

·        All pages are numbered.

·        All documents are formatted to 8 1⁄2 x 11 paper, and

·        All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following MANDATORY application forms are required:

 ●      SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals)

●      SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) and Budget Justification (see below)

●      SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

Please note applicants can download all of the above forms at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1

b. Summary Cover Sheet: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

c. Proposal (10 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

● Proposal Summary:

● Introduction to the Organization or Individual Applying:

● Problem Statement:

● Program Goals and Objectives:

● Program Activities:

● Program Methods and Design:

● Proposed Program Schedule:

● Key Personnel:

● Program Partners:

● Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:

● Future Funding or Sustainability:

● Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Plan;

d. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

e. Submission Dates and Times: The Public Affairs Section will accept proposals until July 31st, 2023 and will review proposals as funding becomes available.

f. Funding Restrictions: Award funds cannot be used for construction, vehicle purchases, property rental, etc.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

g. Other Submission Requirements: All application materials must be submitted by email to SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov

6. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PAS at: SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov

For more information, please check: https://do.usembassy.gov/es/education-culture-es/oportunidades-de-financiamiento/