U.S. Department of State PDS Nairobi Small Grants Program for U.S.-Kenya Ties

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Nairobi) 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, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes in focus, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. 

Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Nairobi invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, academic, and professional ties between the United States and Kenya through programming and exchanges that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, and/or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Priority Program Areas:

1. Promote Rule of Law, Democracy, and Good Governance

• Promote rule-of-law, democracy, and good governance by focusing on issues such as rule-of-law, democratic governance, civic participation, media literacy, media independence, prevention  of corruption, prevention of gender-based violence, and prevention of violent extremism

2. Advance Environmental Justice

• Address the significant and adverse health, environmental, economic, climate, and other cumulative impacts of pollution and environmental degradation, especially on communities that  are marginalized or underserved

3.Advance Inclusive Societies

• Ensure all members of a society, especially women and girls as well as members of marginalized and underserved communities, can access and participate equally in educational  opportunities, civil society, and economic activity. 

Priority Regions: 

1. At least one third (or thirty three percent, 33%) of grant activities must occur in one or more of the following counties:

a. Bungoma

b. Busia

c. Kajiado

d. Kitui

e. Meru

f. Siaya

g. Turkana

h. Uasin Gishu

2. The remaining two thirds (or sixty six percent, 66%) of grant activities may occur in one or more of Kenya’s five largest metropolitan areas:

a. Nairobi

b. Mombasa

c. Nakuru

d. Kisumu

e. Eldoret

Primary Participants and Audiences:

• Kenyans aged 15-30, including students;

• Emerging voices, including civil society leaders and social influencers;

• Business leaders and entrepreneurs;

• Established opinion leaders, including cultural or academic institution leadership; or

• Underserved and underrepresented groups and communities. 

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 or specific academic research;

• Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; 

• Scholarships or tuition assistance;

• Commercial or for-profit activities, including seed money; or

• Programs that duplicate existing programs.