U.S. Embassy in Harare Public Diplomacy Section: American Spaces Programming Grant

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Public Diplomacy (PD) section at the U.S. Embassy in Harare of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications for a grant award to deepen understanding of the United States through interactive, engaging programming at the American Spaces in Zimbabwe. The PD section invites proposals from eligible organizations for projects beginning no earlier than October 2024. The deadline for this NOFO, AF-HAR-FY24-11, is Monday, July 15, 2024. Please follow all instructions below.

American Spaces are U.S. Department of State supported cultural and information centers around the world that provide free and open access for members of local communities to learn more about the United States, develop skills, and access a wide range of resources. They are designed, configured, and equipped to promote critical thinking, innovation, and thoughtful discussions of issues important to the United States and host countries. American Spaces programming showcases the breadth and depth of American values, ideals, culture, and perspectives on a variety of themes.

Priority Region:

Project activities must take place at the American Spaces in Bulawayo and Gweru, Zimbabwe.

Program Objectives:

PD Harare invites proposals to implement impactful programs focused on civil society sustainability, investigative journalism, entrepreneurship and innovation, media literacy, and climate resilience at the American Spaces to forge enduring connections between the United States and emerging leaders. Grant proposals must convey an American cultural element, support a priority program area (see program focus below) or include a 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:

A successful proposal will include a robust calendar of activities through serial programming spanning at least eight (8) months and directly address the following key programming areas:

1. Civil Society Sustainability.
2. Entrepreneurship.
3. Investigative journalism.
4. Photography/Videography Skills Building.

5. Climate Resilience.

Participants and Audiences:

The U.S. Mission American Corner programs audiences are emerging leaders and young professionals, ages 18 – 30.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period:    8 to 12 months

Number of awards anticipated:   One (1) award

Award amounts:                           Maximum of $17,800.00

Total available funding:                $17,800.00

Type of Funding:                          19.022 – Educational & Cultural Exchange Programs

Anticipated programs start date: September 15, 2024

Funding Instrument Type:             Grant 

THIS NOTICE IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)

We are committed to fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) within our

programs. We encourage applications from local associations that embrace and demonstrate a

commitment to diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender,

sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, and geographic location. We believe

that diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our communities and lead to more

innovative solutions to shared challenges. Therefore, we actively seek to support projects and

initiatives that promote equity and foster inclusion.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

To Request Application Package:

Email PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov; an automatic reply with the application forms will be sent. Forms are also available at www.grants.gov

Required Registrations:

All organizations (not individuals) whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov.  

Steps to acquire UEI and registration:

·        https://login.gov create an account. To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account.

·        https://www.SAM.gov  registration which will generate a unique entity identifier (UEI)

The UEI are assigned when an organization registers or renews its registration in SAM.gov Organizations should renew their registration once a year to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active SAM registration. 

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

·        Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. 

·        Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed.

If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application will be deemed ineligible. 

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required. 

Submission Dates and Times

PD Harare will accept proposals starting June 26, 2024. All applicants should submit their proposals prior to July 31, 2024 for consideration. 

Other Submission Requirements

All application materials may be emailed to PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov  

(with “PD AMERICAN SPACES GRANT PROPOSAL” in the subject line).

FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS 

 If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: 

PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov and enter “PD American Spaces Program” in the subject line. 

For programmatic questions, please contact: Kenneth Mangemba Mangembakt@state.gov