U.S. Embassy Libreville PDS Annual Program Statement

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Libreville Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) 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 we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Gabon through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or 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. Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to: · Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; · Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; · Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; · Professional and academic exchanges and programs; Priority Program Areas: · Enhance Capacity to Preserve the Environment and Biodiversity to Counter the Effects of Climate Change · Deepen U.S. – Gabon People-to-People Ties o Programs that seek to explain U.S. policies, culture, and values to Gabonese audiences · Increase Civic Engagement in Gabonese Society 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; or · Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt. The source of funding is FY2023 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: Up to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 2 or 3 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $12,500 Total available funding: $25,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2023 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: From July/August 2023 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, or Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in two years or less. PDS will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from U.S. and Gabon: · Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience. · Individuals Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Governmental institutions For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. 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 more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Please see link below for additional information.