Economic Advancement for Zimbabwe Creative Industries 2023 | AF HAR FY23 06

Opportunity Information: Apply for AF HAR FY23 06

Economic Advancement for Zimbabwe Creative Industries 2023 is a U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe (Public Diplomacy Section) grant competition under the U.S. Department of State aimed at helping Zimbabwean creative entrepreneurs and cultural organizations grow into more professional, financially sustainable, and connected businesses. The opportunity focuses on strengthening the creative economy by improving business skills, expanding the practical use of digital tools and e-commerce, and promoting cultural heritage, identity, and diversity. A central expectation is that funded programs do more than deliver training or events; they should build lasting institutional capacity and stronger networks among independent creative and cultural organizations so that the sector becomes more profitable and resilient for a wide range of practitioners.

A required feature of every proposal is a strong U.S.-Zimbabwe connection. Applicants must design programs that actively build ties and relationships between the two countries, with a clear American element at the core of the project. That American component can come through collaboration with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions, and it must be distinct from routine involvement with the U.S. Mission itself or American Corners. Partnerships can be virtual or in-person, and applicants do not need to have partners formally confirmed at the time of application, but they do need to explain clearly how the U.S. connection will strengthen the program and create mutual benefit. The underlying idea (the opportunitys theory of change) is that if Zimbabwean creatives adopt digital technologies and e-commerce more effectively, build professional networks with U.S. creative enterprises, and gain solid business and industry knowledge, they will be better positioned to develop a sustainable and more globally competitive creative sector.

All proposals must meet two core objectives. First, they must help develop Zimbabwes creative economy in ways that emphasize sustainability, inclusion, and professionalism. Second, they must strengthen collaboration and build durable networks between Zimbabwean and U.S. creative enterprises, with an emphasis on relationships that last beyond the grant period. The Embassy also encourages proposals to include practical deliverables such as boosting the use of digital creation and distribution tools, supporting online sales and monetization, addressing intellectual property rights, and showcasing cultural heritage from both Zimbabwean and American communities. Additional encouraged elements include training participants to build viable creative businesses (business planning, scaling up, learning from U.S. business models, and industry networking) and sharing guidance on how to plan and manage international artistic tours, including the monetary, logistical, and partnership requirements involved in touring in the United States. Any project involving international travel should be designed with flexibility to adjust for changing public health or travel restrictions.

Projects must engage Zimbabwean creative and cultural organizations and their audiences, and the opportunity places value on inclusive programming. Applicants are encouraged to intentionally include women, youth, people living with disabilities, and rural communities. Strong proposals should demonstrate how the project will expand public participation in cultural life while also improving the economic prospects of creative practitioners and organizations.

In terms of funding, the Embassy anticipates making two awards, each up to USD 25,000, for a total of USD 50,000 available (subject to funding availability). The performance period is expected to run 12 to 18 months from the date of award, with an anticipated start around July 2023. Funding is provided through 2023 Public Diplomacy Funds (Smith-Mundt), and the instrument may be issued as a grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement.

Eligibility is limited to non-profit oriented entities, including Zimbabwean or U.S. media organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible. Cost sharing is not required, but it is encouraged, which can help demonstrate commitment and sustainability. To receive an award, applicant organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov, and they must obtain an NCAGE or CAGE code as part of the required registrations.

To apply, applicants request the application package by emailing PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov, and forms are also available via grants.gov. Proposals must be submitted in English and should clearly align with the opportunity goals, while giving a tight, practical description of who will be served, what will happen, why it matters, when and where activities will take place, how implementation will work, and what the project will cost. A detailed budget is required in U.S. dollars, including a budget narrative and a budget table that breaks down unit costs, quantities, and totals. Standard federal forms are required, including SF-424 (or SF-424-I for individuals, if applicable), SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with the programs own required application and budget forms. Applicants should also include letters of support from partners describing roles and responsibilities. If the organization plans to charge indirect costs and has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), the latest NICRA must be attached; if there is no NICRA, indirect or overhead costs are capped at 10 percent of the budget. Any official permissions needed for activities should also be included.

The submission window opened November 1, 2022, and proposals were due by January 31, 2023. Applications can be emailed to PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov with the subject line "EAZCI Grant Proposal." Proposals are reviewed competitively by the Public Diplomacy Grants Committee based on technical and substantive criteria and the availability of funds. Unsuccessful applicants are to be notified by email no later than September 30, 2023, and qualified proposals may be kept on file for up to 12 months in case additional funding becomes available. After submitting an application, applicants are advised that State Department staff cannot discuss the competition with them until the review process is complete.

Finally, awardees must be prepared to follow U.S. government grant rules and reporting requirements. This includes compliance with relevant federal regulations (including 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 600), Department of State standard terms and conditions, and branding/marking requirements such as U.S. flag branding where applicable. Recipients will need to submit both financial and program reports, and future disbursements may depend on satisfactory reporting and accounting of funds already spent. For questions about the process, applicants can contact the Public Diplomacy Section in Harare at PublicDiplomacyGrants-Zim@state.gov.

• The U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe in the arts sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Economic Advancement for Zimbabwe Creative Industries 2023" 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 2022-11-01.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-01-31. (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 $25,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for AF HAR FY23 06

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