Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program

u.s. embassy

Relevent Country: Ghana

The U.S. Embassy Ghana Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
Purpose of Small Grants: to strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States and Ghana through activities that highlight shared values, goals, and cooperation.  All programs must include a strong, American element, and/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 aligned with priority areas.

Examples of Public Diplomacy Small Grants Programs include, but are not limited to:

  • Academic or professional speaker programs involving an American speaker, either in person or virtual;
  • Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, or exhibitions involving the work of American artists or American subject matter;
  • Programs developed by U.S.-government sponsored educational or professional exchange program alumni that advance priority goals;
  • Roundtables, panels, and workshops focused on U.S. policy priorities; or media training.

Priority Program Areas

Improve Accountable Governance, Strengthen Democratic Institutions, and Promote Human Rights

  • increase transparency in the public sector and civic engagement
  • protect human rights
  • support anti-corruption efforts
  • strengthen the judicial sector

Protect Press Freedom

  • offer professional development for journalists
  • promote media literacy among priority audiences
  • combat and expose disinformation

Engage Youth and Marginalized Communities to Bolster Peace and Security

  • counter violent extremism and gender-based violence
  • promote social inclusion
  • reduce discrimination in all its forms

Promote Opportunity and Sustainable, Inclusive Economic Growth

  • support entrepreneurship
  • promote environmental protection, alternative energy, climate mitigation
  • expand Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) learning opportunities

Funding Information

  • Length of performance period: 6-18 months
  • Number of awards anticipated: 8 to 10 awards (dependent on amounts)
  • Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $35,000
  • Total expected available funding: up to $225,000
  • Participants and Audiences: Programs may be geared to a variety of audiences, depending on the topic.  Statements of Interest will be evaluated based on a well-reasoned strategy for addressing intended audience, as well as appropriate inclusivity, whether based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from the United States and Ghana, including:
  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
  • Individuals
  • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
  • Governmental institutions

Ineligibility Criteria

  • The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable, development, or social welfare activities;
  • Construction programs;
  • Programs that support specific religious activities;
  • Fundraising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for or against specific legislation or programs;
  • Scientific research;
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Source: https://gh.usembassy.gov/education-culture/public-affairs-small-grants/u-s-embassy-ghana-public-affairs-secton-notice-of-funding-opportunity/