PAS Lusaka Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI): American Spaces Small Grants Program

Purpose of Small Grants: American Spaces Zambia invites proposals for programs at one of our three cultural centers that strengthen ties and build relationships between the U.S. and Zambia through activities that highlight shared values, goals, and cooperation. The U.S. Embassy operates three American Spaces in Zambia: · The American Center at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, · The American Corner at National Institute of Public Administration in Lusaka, · And The American Corner at Copperbelt University in Kitwe. Programs funded through this small grants opportunity should be conducted primarily at one of our three American Spaces and leverage the resources and audiences of those Spaces. American Spaces promote critical thinking and thoughtful discussion of issues important to the U.S. relationship with Zambia and U.S. global interests. They do this in keeping with the U.S. commitment to a core tenet of democracy: upholding a citizen’s right to free access to information. American Spaces counteract negative perceptions and disinformation about the United States, and they offer opportunities to build bridges of mutual respect and understanding between the host country and the people of the United States. All programs must include a strong, central American element, or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) (separate and beyond any involvement with the U.S. Embassy or its American Corners) and have as a primary goal the promotion of increased understanding of American values, perspectives, and policies and relationship building between Americans and Zambians. Note: Proposed programs may take place virtually or in-person with public health protocols in place, or a combination of both. American Spaces is currently seeking proposals in the following priority areas: · Science and technology, including programs that incorporate 3D printing, robotics, coding, graphic design, engineering, and scientific discovery. Preference is given to an organization that can coordinate ongoing Makerspace programming at our American Corners (NIPA and CBU) over the course of the grant period; · Promoting democracy and political participation among the public and/or youth, including leadership development, civic education, and the promotion of human rights; · Promoting entrepreneurship and small business development; · Support continuing engagement with U.S. government exchange program alumni and connecting them to local audiences through alumni programs in which credible, local voices can share firsthand information about the United States and American values.