U.S. Embassy Lusaka PAS Annual Program Statement | PD LUSAKA APS FY21

Opportunity Information: Apply for PD LUSAKA APS FY21

The U.S. Embassy Lusaka Public Affairs Section (PAS) Annual Program Statement describes a rolling small-grants opportunity run by the U.S. Department of State in Zambia under the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program (Funding Opportunity Number: PD LUSAKA APS FY21). The overall purpose is to support projects led by Zambian nonprofit organizations that advance U.S. public diplomacy goals in Zambia, especially activities that strengthen mutual understanding of the United States while also supporting priorities connected to democracy and governance, inclusive economic prosperity, and peace and security. A key expectation is that proposals are not just generally beneficial, but clearly tied to these strategic themes and framed in a way that supports U.S. mission objectives in the local context.

A central requirement is that every competitive proposal must include a meaningful "U.S. component." In practice, this means applicants need to show how the project will promote a better understanding of the United States or connect participants to U.S. ideas, experiences, or people. Examples mentioned include encouraging participation in U.S. exchange programs, creating platforms for alumni of U.S. exchanges to share lessons learned, adapting models or approaches observed in the United States, and integrating U.S. culture and values in a substantive, program-relevant way. The Embassy expects applicants to describe this U.S. component explicitly rather than leaving it implied.

PAS emphasizes results and accountability. Strong applications are expected to define anticipated outcomes, specify when those outcomes should occur, and explain how progress will be measured in a practical way that the U.S. Embassy can verify. Grantees should be prepared for active monitoring, including regular reporting and possible site visits by Embassy staff. The program also signals that it generally does not look favorably on proposals that are primarily conferences, suggesting a preference for hands-on, sustained programming with tangible outputs and measurable changes rather than one-off events.

In terms of thematic priorities, the Embassy highlights a fairly wide set of focus areas. These include inclusion of persons with disabilities (including through sports, civic engagement, and economic participation), political awareness and participation (particularly among the public and youth), civic education and youth engagement in democratic processes, volunteerism and community service, and using film or the arts to promote democracy and accountability. Additional priorities include press freedom and strengthening independent media through professionalism and journalism training, anti-corruption efforts, empowerment of women and youth, entrepreneurship and business development, human rights, sports diplomacy or shared sports initiatives, and encouraging more Zambians to pursue higher education in the United States. The primary target audiences are youth ages 18 to 35 and young professionals, with a strong emphasis on including and benefiting women across these categories.

The award structure is designed for relatively small, short-term projects. Performance periods generally range from three to twelve months, and projects are expected to be completed within 12 months or less. Award amounts range from USD 2,000 to USD 23,000, with the notice indicating an anticipated number of awards of up to about 10 depending on funds (the opportunity summary also references an expectation around 6 awards). Funding is provided as either a Grant or a Cooperative Agreement, and all awards are subject to the availability of funds. The anticipated project start date is not fixed and is listed as to be determined.

Eligibility is limited to Zambian registered nonprofit entities, including civil society organizations, NGOs, and think tanks with relevant programming experience, as well as nonprofit educational institutions. Individuals, companies, and for-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. Cost sharing or matching is not required, which can lower barriers for smaller organizations, but applicants still need to present a realistic and well-justified budget tied to activities and outcomes.

Applications were accepted on a rolling basis with stated deadlines of December 31, 2020; March 31, 2021; and June 30, 2021, timed to allow awards to be processed before the end of the U.S. government fiscal year on September 30, 2021. Application forms are made available through the Embassy website (https://zm.usembassy.gov/passmallgrants/), and completed application packages must be submitted by email to LusakaPASGrants@state.gov. For administrative eligibility, organizations must have a DUNS number and an active registration in SAM.gov, which are standard U.S. government requirements for award recipients under this type of federal assistance authority (authorized under the U.S. Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948, also known as the Smith-Mundt Act).

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Zambia in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Lusaka PAS 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 Jan 29, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 30, 2021. (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 $23,000.00 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 PD LUSAKA APS FY21

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