Description
We are pleased to announce that U.S. Mission Morocco is considering proposals for American Spaces Support Funding ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 USD to carry out programming at one or both of Mission Morocco’s two American Spaces. American Spaces serve as the primary cultural and information hubs established by the U.S. government abroad, offering free and open access to communities worldwide with an interest in gaining insights into the United States. In Morocco, there are two such spaces: Dar America, located in Casablanca, and the American Space Oujda (ASO), situated in Oujda. Dar America and the ASO have the responsibility of providing vibrant programming that fosters stability and prosperity in Morocco, all while engaging a wide range of audiences. The programming goals from the previous year encompassed the enhancement of soft skills, entrepreneurship, and climate change training. In the fiscal year 2023, the programming extended to over 332 virtual and in-person initiatives and events, drawing in up to 15,466 attendees, both virtually and in-person, across the two spaces. Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to the availability of funding. B. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: For FY2024, American Spaces Morocco wish to continue to implement impactful programs focused on English language learning, digital transformation empowerment, soft skills development, STEAM training, countering disinformation, and environment and climate change awareness. Key Programming descriptions: • Enhancing English Language Learning: Implement a comprehensive English Language Learning (ELL) program designed to empower individuals from diverse communities to acquire and improve their English language learning. The aim is to create an inclusive and immersive learning environment, addressing the linguistic needs of participants while fostering cultural understanding. • Digital Transformation Empowerment: Provide individuals and small businesses with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate the digital landscape, fostering innovation, economic growth, and digital inclusion. • Professional Development for Moroccan Youth: Promote professional and soft skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation through mentoring and training to promote positive community engagement and increase employability. • Science, Technology, Engineering, arts, and Math (STEAM) Programming: Create innovative STEAM programs to engage youth at Morocco’s American Spaces while utilizing the existing Makerspaces. • Environment and Climate Programming: Expand understanding of environmental and climate change challenges through engaging and hands-on programming. • Countering Disinformation: Promote media literacy and other skills to help young people effectively identify online disinformation. The primary target audience is young Moroccans, aged 18 – 30 and the principal method of engagement will be through in-person programming at the American Spaces. Virtual engagement may be a part of the overall strategy, augmenting in-person programming, when possible, and acting as the primary method of engagement, when necessary. Preference will be given to proposals that prioritize and maximize the needs of the audience while limiting overhead, equipment, and other expenses that do not directly support program participants. A successful proposal will develop a robust monthly calendar of activities spanning at least eight months and directly address at least one of the six key programming areas. Prospective grantees may plan programming activities at one or both American Spaces. Please see below an example of a monthly calendar. See attached copy of the NOFO for full information.