U.S. Department of State: Kinshasa Public Diplomacy Small Grants for U.S.-DRC Engagement

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization per deadline. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

A.   The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa Public Diplomacy Section (PD Kinshasa) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement (APS), outlining funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

1.    Purpose of Small Grants: PD Kinshasa invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Programs should create opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and highlight shared values. All programs must include a U.S. element, such as an expert, organization, cultural element, or institution, that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

2.    Priority Program Areas: PD seeks to engage the public, decision-makers, civil society leaders, and opinion-shapers at all levels of Congolese society with the goal of broadening understanding of U.S. policies, culture, history, society, and values. U.S. Mission in Kinshasa priorities include: 

§ Promote stability and durable peace, particularly in eastern DRC: Activities that promote conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence among Congolese communities, both of which are vital to democratic progress and economic prosperity.

§ Preserve the Congo Basin Rainforest, including through environmentally sound and sustainable economic growth: Activities that support the people of the Congo Basin, balancing economic opportunities for local communities with environmental concerns.

§ Strengthen democracy and good governance: Non-partisan activities that promote an understanding of U.S. democracy and how the United States and the DRC share democratic values.

§ Encourage prosperity, trade, and investment: Activities that support the expansion of U.S. exports and investments, improve the connections between U.S. and Congolese businesses, and/or expand economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, and financial independence among women, youth, and underserved populations. Activities that raise awareness of corruption and how to combat it.

§ Support media freedom/countering disinformation: Activities that support promotion of media freedom, media training, and countering misinformation/disinformation.

§ Share values and interests: Activities that promote the U.S.-DRC relationship and build people-to-people ties, including but not limited to commemorations of key historic events and commemorative programs, or shared appreciation for cultural excellence.

Examples of PD Small Grants:

·       Academic and professional lectures, seminars, or speaker programs;

·       Workshops to counter violent extremism and disinformation;

·       Interactive programs that stimulate economic growth, promote entrepreneurship, and provide economic opportunities;

·       Professional and academic exchanges, cultural and English language programs.

3.    Participants and Audiences: All applicants for awards must stipulate who their target audience is (age/gender/geographic breakdown) and estimate the expected audience reach through direct contact and, if possible, indirect contact (via social media or traditional media).

4.    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; 

·       Programs that duplicate existing initiatives. 

5.    Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding is .7 Public Diplomacy Funding.