U.S. Embassy Praia Public Affairs Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy Praia 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 cultural ties between the U.S. and Cabo Verde through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. PAS invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect this goal. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI, which is a concise 2-3-page concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for PAS to evaluate prior to requiring the development of full proposal applications. Upon review of eligible SOIs, PAS will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications. Purpose: PAS Praia invites SOIs for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Cabo Verde 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 PAS Small Grants Program projects 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. · Municipal and regional libraries that are interested in becoming an American Space; · Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S. sponsored or supported educational or professional exchange program; · Programs that support Americans studying in Cabo Verde and; · Programs that strengthen U.S. college and university relationships with local higher education institutions, American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams), businesses, and/or regional organizations. Priority Program Areas: · English Language Learning; · Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, with priority given to projects that seek to increase U.S. Businesses’ trade and investment with Cabo Verde; · Partnerships between U.S. and Cabo Verde institutions committed to education, academic research, and cross-cultural academic exchanges; and · Strengthen democratic values, specifically social inclusion, transparency, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press.