The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador Public Affairs Section is offering this grant to support projects led by Inspira Ecuador network alumni.

The Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Embassy in Quito and U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil, under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State, are pleased to announce available funding through the Public Diplomacy Federal Awards Program. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) specifically targets alumni of U.S. Embassy/Consulate and U.S. government programs who fall under the Inspira Ecuador network. This is an open competition, outlining funding priorities, strategic themes of importance, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.   

Inspira Ecuador is a network of Ecuadorian alumni of U.S. government/U.S. Mission programs. An alumni is a person who has participated in a U.S. Department of State funded exchange program, a program funded by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Ecuador, or a person who has received a grant for Public Diplomacy funds. Alumni may apply as individuals or through their organizations (if educational or non-profit) for projects that encourage climate change action, promote diversity and inclusion, revive the economy through entrepreneurship and innovation, combat disinformation, promote volunteerism, among other ideas.   

The Public Affairs Sections in Quito and Guayaquil invite proposals that engage with other alumni in the Inspira Ecuador network and support their communities through projects that highlight shared values between the United States and Ecuador. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element, or connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Please carefully follow all instructions below. 

Program Objectives:  

Alumni should outline how they will ensure all projects address one or more of the following strategic outcomes: 

• Advance and defend democratic principles and human rights through: 
• Fortifying democratic institutions and promoting democratic values and universal freedoms.  
• Promoting equal rights, social inclusion, and respect for human dignity of all people, especially members of marginalized communities.  
• Promote mutual, inclusive, and sustainable economic prosperity through: 
• Expanding equal access to economic opportunities for marginalized groups.  
• Strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships to address global challenges, including climate change through: 
• Pursuing environmental priorities to conserve biodiversity, protect vital ecosystems, and address challenges posed by climate change. 

Special consideration will be given to:  

• Projects that clearly demonstrate alumni leadership and community engagement.  
• Projects that support English language learning.  
• Project that strengthens the Inspira network.   
• Projects that promote diversity and inclusion for underserved communities. 
• Projects that support efforts to combat climate change.  
• Projects that engage with diverse alumni individuals through mini grants.  
• Alumni applying in teams.  
• Projects that include a volunteer component. 

Participants and Audiences: 

All proposals should clearly indicate their intended participants and audiences.