The U.S. Embassy Ethiopia Public Diplomacy Section is offering this grant to strengthen cultural ties and promote bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Ethiopia.

The U.S. Embassy Ethiopia Public Diplomacy (PD) section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a public engagement program. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise (2-page maximum) SOI designed to clearly communicate program idea, objectives, and an estimated budget. This is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decisions are made.

Purpose of Small Grants: PD Ethiopia invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Ethiopia through cultural, media, and exchange programs that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element or connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, values, and perspectives.

Examples of PD grant programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs
• Artistic and cultural workshops, performances, and exhibitions
• Programs developed by alumni of U.S.-sponsored exchange programs
• Programs that strengthen relationships between Ethiopian and U.S. universities, businesses, and/or organizations
• Media training

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.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is intended to inform individuals, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions about opportunities from the Public Diplomacy section to support projects in at least one of the following thematic areas: 

·       Efforts to support Ethiopia’s economic and political reforms, including support for civil society, democracy, and governance, and/or election processes

·        Helping media professional, media educators, and the public learn how to discern reliable sources of information and identify mis- and disinformation. etc. 

·        Promoting economic growth, especially via entrepreneurship, innovation, and promoting education about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)

·        Engaging emerging and under-represented populations, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities through leadership, education, English language, culture, and other programs 

·       Promoting tolerance and peace through reintegration and reincorporation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

·       Promoting fair and peaceful elections

·       Promoting effective leadership and civic engagement

·    Promoting sustainable policies to protect the environment.