NOFO: Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program in Mali

The U.S. Embassy Bamako Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding will be available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.

Purpose of Small Grants

PAS Bamako invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Mali by promoting bilateral cooperation and highlighting shared values and shared interests. All programs must advance one of the key priorities listed below and must promote an element of American culture or have a connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased ties between the United States and Mali and foster understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives. The PAS Small Grants program is NOT a vehicle to fund development projects, nor can these grants be used to support for-profit entities.

Key Priority Areas and Audiences

The purpose of projects funded under the annual program statement is to strengthen ties between Americans and Malians as we work together to make progress toward the goals outlined below:

• Strengthening open, credible, independent media and communicators with professionalizing and self-regulating mechanisms for high-quality and trustworthy reporting through media literacy, training, and other engagements;

• Increasing counter-disinformation capacity for media and non-traditional information sources through advanced investigative techniques, tools, training, information environment analysis, and other engagements;

• Forming conflict- zone ready- journalists for more transparent and open reporting through training and other engagements;

• Reinforcing existing Sister City relationships or other relationships between U.S. and Malian institutions (e.g. universities or museums);

• Empowering youth for civic engagement in the democratic process;

• Promoting inclusive social development, particularly by empowering women and girls;

• Promoting tolerance, peace, and reconciliation efforts;

• Growing English language interest, education, and study.

Funding Information

• Minimum Award: $5,000

• Maximum Award: $250,000

• Average Award: Below $25,000

• Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 24 months or less, including sufficient time for post-program evaluation and follow-up.

Eligible Projects

Examples of PAS Small Grants Program projects include, but are not limited to:

• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs

• Media literacy training of journalists and journalist students

• Civic engagement and social activism programs

Ineligible

The following types of programs are NOT eligible for funding form the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bamako:

• 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.