U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso announces PDS Annual Program

PDS Burkina Faso invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and BURKINA FASO through cultural 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.

Priorities

• Climate: Proposals in this area should promote cooperation and seek to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, including through reducing global deforestation, and transition to renewable energy sources. Proposals may also increase collaboration and/or share best practices on meeting U.S. and Italian commitments on climate change.
• Democracy and Democratic Values: Proposals in this area should strengthen and reinforce the practice of democratic principles within Burkina Faso (such as countering gender-based violence, reducing extremism promoting human rights, and combatting intolerance of marginalized groups) and/or strengthen the capacity of Burkinabe civil society in fostering democratic values, promoting good governance, and renewing trust in democracy.
• Economic Prosperity: Proposals in this area should promote transparent and rules based trade, and investment in sustainable growth. Though not required, proposals with a focus on women’s economic empowerment will receive favorable consideration.
• Countering Disinformation: Proposals in this area should increase target audiences’ understanding of and ability to counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation that undermines faith in democratic governance. Proposals that support increased awareness of disinformation among the media and journalists are welcome.
• Programs that seek to promote a better understanding of diversity, inclusion, religious freedom, gender rights, persons with disabilities, underrepresented or otherwise disadvantaged communities, and/or other aspects of human rights.
• Creative programs that advance one or more of the priority areas listed above, to include but not be limited to, economic empowerment, youth development, peace and security.
• Programs promoting English language capacity through projects that encourage the usage and learning of English language as a tool for civic and economic development.
• Programs that increase transparency, media professionalism, access to diverse new sources, media literacy, etc. Projects may develop the capacity of Burkinabe media, a tradition of fact-checking and research for journalists and/or media consumers, capitalize on social media use for greater transparency, and/or expand such programs beyond the capital and secondary cities.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $300,000 pending funding availability
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000
• Number of awards anticipated: 15 awards (dependent on amounts)
• Length of performance period: 1 year

Eligible Projects

• Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
  • Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;
  • Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions;
  • Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
  • Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
  • Civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights;
  • New media concepts projects aimed at reaching wider audiences;
  • Youth community service projects that promote democratic processes and encourage volunteerism;
  • Development of initiatives aimed at maintaining contacts with alumni of U.S. exchange programs.

Ineligible Projects

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • 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 an organization; or
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs;
  • Scholarships to support educational opportunities or study for individuals.

Eligible Country

• Priority Region: All regions in Burkina Faso.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply include all that apply, and indicate US, foreign, or both. For example:
  • Registered Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Public and private educational institutions
  • Individuals
  • Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
• All proposals should focus on engaging Burkinabe in Burkina Faso. Proposals will be evaluated based on a well-reasoned strategy for the intended audience, as well as appropriate inclusivity, whether based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Application Requirements 

• Please ensure:
  • The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
  • All documents are in English
  • All budgets are in U.S. dollars
  • All pages are numbered
  • All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
  • All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.