U.S. Embassy Nairobi Public Diplomacy Section Annual Program

PDS Nairobi invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Kenya and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must advance a U.S. linkage  including, for example, a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s  in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, economic  models, and perspectives on the U.S.-Kenya partnership.

Priority Areas

• The following are the four priority program areas:
  • Economic Prosperity: Advances the prosperity of the United States and Kenya through a fair and reciprocal economic partnership, the strengthening of Kenya’s business climate, support for its startup ecosystem, clean energy solutions and climate change resiliency, and education that skills the next generation of workers.
  • Democracy and Governance: Deepens the bilateral relationship on a broad range of common interests including respect for human rights, safeguarding civic space, rule of law, public accountability, anti-corruption efforts, shared democratic values, and protection of fundamental freedoms.
  • U.S. – Kenya Creative Economy Partnership: Engage creative economy leaders, the Kenyan public, the investor community, and government officials in support of creative economy development and U.S.-Kenya partnership.
  • U.S. – Kenya Higher Education Partnership: Launching and strengthening of long-term joint initiatives between Kenyan and U.S. universities, especially focused on technology, joint research, and private-sector job growth.

Funding Information

• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $50,000
• Number of awards anticipated: Subject to availability of funds
• Length of performance period: Six to Twelve months.

Ineligible Activities

• 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 or specific academic research;
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or
  • Scholarships or tuition assistance
  • Commercial or for-profit activities, including seed money; or
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following registered U.S. and Kenyan organizations and individuals are eligible to apply:
  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non governmental organizations
  • Non-profit educational institutions
  • Individuals
  • Governmental institutions
• Participants:
  • Kenyans who may be in any of the following categories:
    • Kenyans between the ages of 16 and 35, including students, civil society leaders and social influencers;
    • Business leaders and rising entrepreneurs;
    • Established opinion leaders, including cultural influencers and academic institution leadership.

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.