U.S. Embassy Lusaka - Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI): Annual Program Statement | PAS LUSAKA FY22 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS LUSAKA FY22 01

The U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS) under the U.S. Department of State, opened an Annual Program Statement grant opportunity inviting organizations to propose programs that strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States and Zambia. The funding is offered as discretionary grants under Funding Opportunity Number PAS LUSAKA FY22 01 (CFDA 19.040). This announcement functions as an annual mechanism to encourage competition for new awards, with PAS expecting to make about six awards and a maximum award size (ceiling) of $25,000 per grant.

The application process is intentionally structured in two stages. First, interested organizations submit a Statement of Interest (SOI), which is essentially a short concept note explaining the program idea, its objectives, and how it supports the overall goal of U.S.-Zambia relationship-building. Only applicants with eligible, competitive SOIs are then invited to submit a full proposal. For this cycle, SOIs were accepted through April 15, 2022, and selected SOI applicants were to be notified by email by May 6, 2022, at which point PAS would provide the instructions and requirements for the full application package.

PAS is looking for proposals from non-profit and non-governmental organizations that advance core U.S. government priorities in Zambia. The areas emphasized include promoting democracy and good governance, supporting inclusive economic prosperity, strengthening health systems, and advancing peace and security. A key expectation is that every strong proposal will include a clear U.S. connection. This U.S. component can take several forms, such as encouraging participation in U.S. exchange programs, using or sharing lessons learned from U.S. exchanges, showcasing U.S. culture and values, or otherwise improving public understanding of the United States. Applicants are expected to spell out this U.S. link directly rather than leaving it implied.

The Embassy places strong weight on results and measurement. Competitive concepts are expected to define what success looks like, when outcomes should be achieved, and how the Embassy can verify or measure progress. Grant recipients should expect active oversight, including regular reporting requirements and periodic site visits by Embassy officials to monitor implementation and results. The opportunity also signals a preference for practical, impact-oriented activities rather than event-only programming, noting that proposals centered on holding conferences are generally not viewed favorably.

Program ideas can fall across a broad set of priority themes. These include expanding inclusion for people with disabilities and other underserved or marginalized groups through sports, civic engagement, and economic participation; increasing political awareness and participation (including among youth); promoting civic education and youth engagement in democratic processes, volunteerism, and community service; using film and the arts to promote democracy and accountability; strengthening press freedom and independent media, including journalism training and professional development; combating corruption; advancing the empowerment of women and youth; promoting entrepreneurship and business development; supporting human rights; using sports diplomacy or shared sports interests to build connections; and increasing the number of Zambians pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States.

Finally, the Embassy indicates that target participants and audiences may vary depending on the topic, and proposals are judged in part on whether the applicant presents a clear, well-reasoned audience strategy. Inclusivity is a consistent evaluation factor, with attention to appropriate inclusion across gender, religion, age, and disability, along with other dimensions relevant to reaching marginalized or underrepresented communities.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Zambia in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), business and commerce, community development, environment, health, other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Lusaka - Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI): Annual Program Statement" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 03, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 15, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $25,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for PAS LUSAKA FY22 01

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