NOFO: Administrative Support for American Spaces in Sri Lanka

There are three awards associated with this funding opportunity: Two support American Corner Kandy with 1) Administrative AND 2) programmatic support for American Corner Kandy; and One supports American Center Colombo with programmatic support. They seek a SINGLE grantee to implement all three awards (through a Cooperative Agreement; with significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance). The grantee would issue any necessary subawards or sub-grants to support the two American Spaces throughout the grant period.

Goal 

• Bolster Sri Lankan civil society to promote democratic governance and respect for human rights; foster sustainable economic growth by building the capacity of the Sri Lankan workforce to meet market demand through education – including English language – and other skills development; enhance the leadership skills of youth through targeted initiatives.

Project Objectives

• The American Spaces program’s goal is to provide resources and programming in the following areas:
  • Build U.S.-Sri Lanka friendship and regional stability: Increase Sri Lankan’s understanding of the United States, U.S. policy in the region, and the U.S. as an important and positive partner for Sri Lanka.
  • Develop Future Leaders: Empower talented Sri Lanka youth to become leaders in their local community and nation;
  • Promote peace, democracy, reconciliation, and human rights;
  • Empower Youth: Enable young Sri Lankans to develop their skills in English language; in entrepreneurship; in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education; and in media literacy; and
  • Empower Women: Enable young women to develop their skills and advocate for their interests, while also promoting women’s rights in the local community.

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: One year (with possibility of up to two, 12-month extensions based on performance and funds availability)
• Number of awards anticipated: 3 awards; The successful applicant will be required to manage three awards (1. Administrative support for ACK; 2. Programmatic support for ACK; 3. Programmatic support to ACC) to execute the project outlined in this NOFO.
• PDS anticipates awarding three awards from this NOFO to one applicant. Applicants should submit one proposal and budget for the full scope of this NOFO.
• PDS will work with the selected applicant pre-award to divide costs into three budgets for the three awards.
• Award amounts: Individual awards may range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 Total available funding: $100,000 (anticipated total for all three awards)

Ineligibile Funding

• Projects relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or development activities;
• Construction projects;
• Projects that support specific religious activities;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
• Scientific research or surveys;
• Commercial projects;
• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
• Projects that duplicate existing projects; or
• Illegal activities

Eligibility Criteria

• Total available funding: $100,000 (anticipated total for all three awards)
• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • Civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Think tanks
  • Public and private educational institutions

Ineligibility Criteria

• For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO.
• Applicants must be registered in Sri Lanka. International organizations, Sri Lankan government entities and individuals are not eligible to apply.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka.