U.S. Embassy Lusaka Grant for Strengthening U.S.-Zambia Relations and Priority Programs

The U.S. Embassy Zambia Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in applying for funding for program proposals that strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States and Zambia. PAS Zambia invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit Statements of Interest outlining program concepts that reflect this goal. This is an Annual Program Statement, which is an annual funding opportunity to generate competition for new awards. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

The submission of a Statement of Interest (SOI) is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit an SOI, which is a concise concept note that describes your program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. Upon review of eligible SOIs, PAS will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications. SOIs may be submitted for consideration through April 15, 2022.

Successful SOI applicants will be notified via email by May 6, 2022. Instructions on the requirements of a full application submission will be provided at that time.

Purpose of Small Grants: PAS invites proposals from non-profit and non-governmental organizations for projects that support core U.S. government priorities in Zambia, including promoting democracy and good governance, building inclusive economic prosperity, strengthening health systems, and advancing peace and security. 

Successful proposals will include a component that relates to the United States. This could be a component that promotes participation in U.S. exchange programs and sharing of experiences during U.S. exchange programs, sharing of models and ideas learned during U.S. exchange programs, promotion of U.S. culture and values, or components that promote a better understanding of the United States. Successful proposals will clearly describe the U.S. component of the program.

Successful proposals will clearly define the anticipated results of the program, when results will be expected, and how the U.S. Embassy can measure the anticipated results. Successful grantees will proactively show progress towards results through regular reporting to the U.S. Embassy. U.S. Embassy officials will visit project activities regularly to monitor progress. 

This grants program generally does not favorably review proposals to hold conferences. 

Priority Program Areas (in no specific order):

• Promoting inclusion of people with disabilities and from other underserved or marginalized groups through sports, civic engagement, economic activity, and other aspects of society.
• Promoting political awareness and participation among the public and/or among youth;
• Promoting civic education and youth participation in civics, democratic processes, volunteerism, and community service;
• Promoting democracy and accountability through film or the arts;
• Fostering press freedom, independent media, professionalism in the media, including through journalism training programs;
• Combatting corruption;
• Empowerment of women and youth;
• Promoting entrepreneurship and business development;
• Human rights;
• Promoting sports diplomacy or a shared interest in sports; and
• Increasing Zambians’ pursuit of higher education in the United States.

Participants and Audiences:

Programs may be geared to a variety of audiences, depending on the topic. Proposals will be evaluated based on a well-reasoned strategy for the intended audience, as well as appropriate inclusivity, whether based on gender, religion, age, or disability.