Funds Opportunity: How to Apply for Diplomacy Grant – The U.S. Embassy Abuja is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.
Please carefully follow all instructions below.
Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Abuja invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties
between the U.S. and Nigeria through cultural, information 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.
Examples of PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
• Academic and professional lectures, seminars
• Exchanges and speaker programs
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions, media events
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs
• Training and empowerment programs
• Leadership, youth and sports programs
• Initiatives that support democratic values such as freedom of the press
• Programs that advance peace, security and national unity.
Also Read: Ambassador’s Self Help Grants
Priority Program Areas:
PAS will prioritize grant program proposals that:
• Promote Nigeria’s democratic governance, unity and stability, such as:
. Citizen involvement at state and local levels, including state elections
. Youth political activism
. Transparency and accountability in election administration, vote counting, and
public sector accountability at the level of elected state legislative officials
. Civil society engagement and capacity building
. Media resources and verification techniques and election reporting best practices
. Strengthening democratic practices and institutions drawing on the U.S.
experience
• Strengthen human capital to promote inclusive economic growth and development
through programs, in cooperation with American Spaces Nigeria, such as:
. Empowerment programs to teach digital skills and green entrepreneurship
. Mentorship series to increase employability and professional literacy
. STEM education benefiting schoolgirls from marginalized communities
. Leadership and peace building through sports
. In-person and virtual study through U.S. institutions of higher learning
. Improve and expand English language learning through curriculum development
and teacher training
. Community service and public awareness campaigns about climate change
• Support Nigeria’s response to the COVID19 pandemic and other infectious diseases via:
. Awareness campaigns
. Media messaging.
Also Read: Academy For Women Entrepreneurs
. Sexual and Gender Based Violence awareness, prevention, and response
• Promote the preservation, restoration, and protection of Nigeria’s diverse cultural
heritage sites, objects, and traditions through:
. Training and capacity-building for local professionals
. Educational and cultural exchange for curators and art conservators
. Campaigns to improve public awareness
• Nurture networks of U.S. exchange program alumni among Nigerian citizens regarding
priority program themes.
Through public observance of key dates on U.S. Mission
programming calendar, including:
. June 5: World Environment Day
. July 18: Nelson Mandela Day
. July 30: World Day against Trafficking in Person
. Aug 12: International Youth Day
. Sept 15: International Day of Democracy
. Oct 27: International Religious Freedom Day
. Nov 21: Global Entrepreneurship week
. Nov 27: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
. Dec 3: International Day for Persons Living with Disabilities
. Dec 10: International Human Rights Day
Participants and Audiences:
This funding opportunity focuses on programs for northern Nigeria and its audiences.
The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
• Programs relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or social welfare projects;
• Tuition support
• Individual travel to conferences
• Construction programs;
• Programs that support specific religious activities;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs.
Also Read: Entrepreneurship Programme for Women in Agriculture
Scientific research;
• Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the
organization; or
• Programs that duplicate existing programs.
Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding:
Authorizing statutes for the funding opportunity are:
1) Fulbright-Hays Act, which allows the Department of State to use funds for the purpose of
supporting international exchanges that address issues of mutual interest to the United
States and host nations:
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/iegps/fulbrighthaysact.pdf
2) Smith-Mundt Act that outlines the terms by which the U.S. government engages global
audiences: http://www.state.gov/pdcommission/library/177362.htm
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Length of performance period: 12 to 24 months
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000
Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2022 Public Diplomacy Funding
Anticipated programs start date: September 2022.
This notice is subject to availability of funding.
Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Fixed Amount Award. In rare instances a Cooperative
Agreement may be used in cases requiring a higher level of involvement from PAS staff in
managing the award. The PAS Abuja grants management team will provide further information regarding Cooperative Agreements as needed.
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 24 months or less.
C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION
1. Eligible Applicants
The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S. and Nigerian:
• Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-
governmental organizations with programming experience
• Individuals
• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
• Governmental institutions For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost-sharing is not required.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal
is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible
for funding.
In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet, as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.
Individuals are not required to have a DUNS number or be registered in SAM.gov.
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
1. Address to Request Application Package
Application package is available at www.grants.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this
announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.
Content of Application
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 Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.
The following documents are required:
1. Mandatory application forms
• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-
I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals)
SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)
• SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)
2. Summary Coversheet: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization address,
proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, amount requested, and
brief purpose of the program (250 words maximum).
3. Proposal (10 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that
anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may
use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below
• Proposal (Executive) Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program,
including program objectives and anticipated impact.
• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and
present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all
previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.
• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be
addressed and why the proposed program is needed
• Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to
achieve. What aspect of the relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria will be improved?
The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals.
These should be achievable and measurable.
• Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the
objectives.
• Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to
solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.
• Proposed Program Schedule: The proposed timeline for the program activities.
Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel
involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this
program?
• Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations
and sub-awardees.
• Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful
grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to
ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to
make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?
• Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond
the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.
4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate
sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.
5. Attachments
• 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
Letters of support from program partners (i.e., external organizations) describing the roles
and responsibilities of each partner
• Official permission letters, if required for program activities.
Required Registrations:
All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:
• Unique Identifier Number from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)
• NCAGE/CAGE code
• www.SAM.gov registration
Step 1: Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed
simultaneously)
DUNS application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number from Dun & Bradstreet, if your organization does not have one already, you may obtain
one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB123DD47
D19158B75F. http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
NCAGE application: Application page here
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx.
Instructions for the NCAGE application process:
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCA
GE.pdf
For help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423
For help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766
Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.
Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM by logging onto:
https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The Public Affairs Section will accept and review proposals according to the following schedule:
• Proposals received between March 15 and May 31 will be reviewed by July 15, with
responses going out by August 1.
4. Other Submission Requirements
All application materials must be submitted by email to PASAbujaGrants@state.gov. Questions
regarding the applications should also be directed to the same account.
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
Criteria
Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined
below. The criteria listed are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.
Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of its ability to undertake the program. Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.
Embassy priorities: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy PAS’s priority areas or target audiences.
Budget: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to
achieve proposed activities.
Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provide milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the
proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those
will be measured.
Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the
program.
2. Review and Selection Process
A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. Feedback will be provided to
successful applicants. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified
via email.
F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Federal Award Notices.
The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start.
incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.
If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.
Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.
government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.
Payment Method: Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry out the
program activities.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
Terms and Conditions: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.
These includes;
2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard
Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at: https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-
the-procurement-executive/. Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.
3. Reporting
Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PAS
at: PASAbujaGrants@state.gov.
Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are
addressed in the NOFO. Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff — both in the Department and at embassies overseas — may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.
H. OTHER INFORMATION
Guidelines for Budget Justification
Personnel: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will
be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be
spent on the program
Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program. If the program involves
international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.
Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the
program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the
program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.
Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are
needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget
under Equipment.
Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.
Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.
Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.
“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.
Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.
