PAS Lusaka American Spaces Notice of Funding Opportunity | PD LUS ASSF FY21

Opportunity Information: Apply for PD LUS ASSF FY21

The PAS Lusaka American Spaces Notice of Funding Opportunity is a small grants program run by the U.S. Embassy to Zambia, Public Affairs Section (PAS), under the U.S. Department of State. It offers discretionary grant funding to support programs delivered through the Embassy's American Spaces network in Zambia. Applications were accepted on a rolling basis up to June 30, 2021, with the deadline set to allow time for review, processing, and awards before the U.S. government fiscal year ended on September 30, 2021. The opportunity is listed under funding opportunity number PD LUS ASSF FY21, with an award ceiling of USD 10,000 and an expectation of one award.

The main purpose is to fund projects proposed by Zambian non-profit and nongovernmental organizations that advance U.S. goals in Zambia through the American Spaces program, especially initiatives that deepen understanding of the United States through the exchange of ideas and information between Zambians and Americans. The Embassy frames American Spaces as platforms that encourage critical thinking and constructive discussion on issues relevant to the U.S.-Zambia relationship and broader U.S. interests, while also promoting democratic principles such as free access to information. A key part of the program's intent is to counter disinformation and negative perceptions about the United States by providing credible engagement opportunities and building mutual respect between local audiences and Americans.

Projects funded under this NOFO are expected to take place primarily at one of the Embassy's three American Spaces: the American Center at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, the American Corner at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) in Lusaka, or the American Corner at Copperbelt University in Kitwe. Proposals are expected to leverage these venues' resources, visibility, and audiences rather than operating independently elsewhere. In addition, successful proposals must include a clear U.S.-related component. That U.S. component could involve encouraging participation in U.S. exchange programs, featuring exchange alumni sharing what they learned, highlighting U.S. culture and values, presenting U.S.-based models and best practices, or otherwise building more accurate understanding of the United States.

The Embassy emphasizes results-driven programming and accountability. Strong applications are expected to define anticipated results, specify when those outcomes should occur, and explain how the Embassy can measure them. Awardees should be prepared for ongoing monitoring through regular reporting and potential site visits by Embassy officials. The program also signals that it generally does not look favorably on proposals whose primary activity is holding conferences, implying a preference for more interactive, sustained, and community-facing programming formats.

The types of projects encouraged align closely with the core mission of American Spaces. Priority activities include providing accurate and engaging information about the United States (including its history, culture, society, values, and foreign policy), supporting English language learning by improving access to speakers and learning resources (including computers and internet), and expanding access to reliable guidance for students interested in studying at U.S. colleges and universities. The Embassy also seeks cultural and people-to-people programs that build understanding and respect, as well as programming that keeps U.S. government exchange alumni engaged and connected to local communities so they can serve as credible voices on U.S. society and democratic values.

Beyond these American Spaces priorities, applicants are encouraged to incorporate broader U.S. Embassy goals in Zambia. These include inclusion of people with disabilities (including through sports, civic engagement, and economic participation), political awareness and participation (especially among youth), civic education and youth involvement in democratic processes, volunteerism and community service, and democracy and accountability initiatives that use film or the arts. The NOFO also highlights interest in strengthening press freedom and independent media through professionalism and journalism training, combatting corruption, empowering women and youth, supporting entrepreneurship and business development, advancing human rights, and using sports diplomacy or shared interest in sports as a bridge-building tool. Increasing the number of Zambians pursuing higher education in the United States is also explicitly encouraged.

The intended participants and audiences are primarily youth ages 18 to 35 and young professionals, with a stated emphasis on reaching women within those groups. In eligibility terms, the opportunity is aimed at Zambian non-profit and nongovernmental organizations, while individuals, companies, and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Overall, the grant is designed for locally led, measurable programs that use the American Spaces as hubs for learning, civic and cultural engagement, and credible U.S.-Zambia connection building, with a clear link to U.S. themes and a practical plan for demonstrating outcomes.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Zambia in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "PAS Lusaka American Spaces Notice of Funding Opportunity" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 28, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 30, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for PD LUS ASSF FY21

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