U.S. Embassy in Lesotho: 2018 Public Diplomacy Grants Program

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Deadline: 8 June 2018

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Lesotho is seeking proposals for funding under the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy [JB emphasis] Grants program that includes:

• Public Diplomacy Project Proposals
• Proposals for Programming at the American Corner & YALI Leadership Innovation Hub
• USG Exchange Alumni Project Proposals

Public Diplomacy grants are intended for individuals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, and academic institutions. They support projects that:

• Strengthen democratic processes and institutions, especially civil society and the media;
• Promote opportunity and development in relation to Basotho youth and women and in areas related to HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness; or
• Reinforce the bridge of mutual understanding and shared vision between the U.S. and Lesotho.

Public Diplomacy grant proposals must have a connection to American culture and values or should be directed to increasing understanding in Lesotho of American culture and society.  Proposals should also be related to one or more of the following U.S. Embassy priorities:

• Strengthen Democratic Institutions: encourage active citizen participation in government; promote increased voter participation in democratic processes at all levels; encourage professional media coverage; and increase attention to minority and disadvantaged populations.
• Promote opportunity and development: (in relation to youth and women) promote professional skills and leadership development; encourage innovation and entrepreneurship; create networking, mentorship and internship opportunities, HIV/AIDS prevention and healthy lifestyles; present accurate information on transmission, prevention, care, and treatment; reduce stigma; support awareness and dialogue about related issues like LGBTI rights and ending gender-based violence.
• Reinforce Mutual Understanding between the United States and Lesotho: present accurate information on the U.S.-Lesotho partnership; build connections with Basotho at all levels; support the promotion of Basotho and American cross-cultural heritage, traditional and modern art forms, and other forms of creative expression; and, foster English language proficiency.
• Building Capacity and Awareness across the Country: Include plans to share information publically via social or traditional media, hold a public dialogue or networking event at the American Corner in Maseru (located at the State Library), and at a minimum of one location outside of Maseru district to ensure more Basotho have access to public diplomacy programming and grant information.

Funding Information

• Floor of Individual Award Amounts: $500
• Ceiling of Individual Award Amounts: $10,000
• Note: Typical Award Amount: Between $2000-3000

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be Basotho currently residing in Lesotho. The programs must take place and be focused on Lesotho.
• Applications are encouraged from all sectors: committed and organized civil-society organizations, local representatives of civil society, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals.
• Applicants are encouraged to provide cost-sharing from additional sources in support of proposed projects; applications should explain clearly other likely sources of funding or in-kind participation.

How to Apply

Proposals should be submitted via email at the address given on the website.

Eligible Country: Lesotho

For more information, please visit U.S. Embassy in Lesotho.