U.S. Embassy Abuja PAS Annual Program Statement

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Abuja 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: PAS Abuja invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Nigeria through cultural, information 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 programs include, but are not limited to:

Academic and professional lectures, seminars

Exchanges and speaker programs

Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions, media events

Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs

Training and empowerment programs

Leadership, youth and sports programs

Initiatives that support democratic values such as freedom of the press

Programs that advance peace, security and national unity

Priority Program Areas:

PAS will prioritize grant program proposals that:

Promote Nigeria's democratic governance, unity and stability, such as:

o Citizen involvement at state and local levels, including state elections

o Youth political activism

o Transparency and accountability in election administration, vote counting, and public sector accountability at the level of elected state legislative officials

o Civil society engagement and capacity building

o Media resources and verification techniques and election reporting best practices

o Strengthening democratic practices and institutions drawing on the U.S. experience

Strengthen human capital to promote inclusive economic growth and development through programs, in cooperation with American Spaces Nigeria, such as:

o Empowerment programs to teach digital skills and green entrepreneurship

o Mentorship series to increase employability and professional literacy

o STEM education benefiting schoolgirls from marginalized communities

o Leadership and peacebuilding through sports

o In-person and virtual study through U.S. institutions of higher learning

o Improve and expand English language learning through curriculum development and teacher training

o Community service and public awareness campaigns about climate change

Support Nigeria's response to the COVID19 pandemic and other infectious diseases via:

o Awareness campaigns

o Media messaging

o Sexual and Gender Based Violence awareness, prevention, and response

Promote the preservation, restoration, and protection of Nigeria's diverse cultural heritage sites, objects, and traditions through:

o Training and capacity-building for local professionals

o Educational and cultural exchange for curators and art conservators

o Campaigns to improve public awareness

Nurture networks of U.S. exchange program alumni among Nigerian citizens regarding priority program themes. through public observance of key dates on U.S. Mission programming calendar, including:

o June 5: World Environment Day

o July 18: Nelson Mandela Day

o July 30: World Day against Trafficking in Person

o Aug 12: International Youth Day

o Sept 15: International Day of Democracy

o Oct 27: International Religious Freedom Day

o Nov 21: Global Entrepreneurship week

o Nov 27: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

o Dec 3: International Day for Persons Living with Disabilities

o Dec 10: International Human Rights Day

Participants and Audiences:

This funding opportunity focuses on programs for northern Nigeria and its audiences.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

Programs relating to partisan political activity;

Charitable or social welfare projects;

Tuition support

Individual travel to conferences

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:

Authorizing statutes for the funding opportunity are:

1) Fulbright-Hays Act, which allows the Department of State to use funds for the purpose of supporting international exchanges that address issues of mutual interest to the United States and host nations: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/iegps/fulbrighthaysact.pdf

2) Smith-Mundt Act that outlines the terms by which the U.S. government engages global audiences: http://www.state.gov/pdcommission/library/177362.htm