PAS Lusaka Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI): American Spaces Small Grants Program | PAS ASSF LUSAKA FY22 02

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS ASSF LUSAKA FY22 02

The PAS Lusaka Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI): American Spaces Small Grants Program is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant opportunity run by the U.S. Mission to Zambia to support small, public-facing programs delivered through the American Spaces network in Zambia. The core aim is relationship building between the United States and Zambia through activities that highlight shared values, common goals, and cooperation, while also encouraging critical thinking, open discussion, and free access to information. A central theme running through the opportunity is public diplomacy: proposals are expected to help strengthen mutual understanding, counter negative perceptions and disinformation about the United States, and create practical connections between Zambian communities and American ideas, people, and institutions.

Programs must be designed to take place primarily at one of three American Spaces operated by the U.S. Embassy in Zambia: the American Center at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, the American Corner at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) in Lusaka, or the American Corner at Copperbelt University (CBU) in Kitwe. Applicants are expected to leverage the spaces themselves, meaning proposals should show how they will use the venues, built-in audiences, and available resources at these centers rather than operating independently elsewhere. The opportunity also allows flexibility in delivery format: activities may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid, as long as any in-person components follow applicable public health protocols.

A non-negotiable requirement is a strong and clear American component. Projects must include a central American element or a connection to American experts, organizations, or institutions that is separate from any direct involvement of the U.S. Embassy or the American Corners. In practice, this means the project design should intentionally incorporate American perspectives, expertise, partnerships, or content, and it should be clearly tied to improving understanding of American values, viewpoints, and policies while creating direct people-to-people connections between Americans and Zambians.

The Embassy identified several priority programming areas for proposals. One major focus is science and technology programming, especially hands-on or skills-based activities that can include 3D printing, robotics, coding, graphic design, engineering, and scientific discovery. Within this area, there is a stated preference for an organization capable of coordinating ongoing Makerspace programming at the NIPA and CBU American Corners across the grant period, suggesting the Embassy is looking not only for one-off events but also for repeatable sessions or a sustained series that keeps the makerspaces active and useful to local participants. Additional priority areas include programming that promotes democracy and political participation, particularly for the public and youth, with examples such as leadership development, civic education, and human rights promotion. The program also welcomes proposals that build entrepreneurship and small business skills, reflecting an interest in practical economic empowerment and innovation. Finally, there is an emphasis on supporting continued engagement with U.S. government exchange program alumni by connecting alumni to local audiences through credible, locally grounded programs where alumni can share firsthand experiences of the United States and communicate American values in an authentic way.

From the funding details provided, awards were relatively small, with a ceiling of USD 8,000 per award and an anticipated total of about six awards. The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity categories span arts and cultural affairs, business and commerce, and science and technology/research and development (CFDA 19.040). The notice was created on March 10, 2022, with an original closing date of April 15, 2022. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional clarification expected in the full notice, implying that a range of nontraditional or non-governmental applicants may be considered depending on the specific eligibility language in the application instructions.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Zambia in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), business and commerce, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "PAS Lusaka Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI): American Spaces Small Grants Program" 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 Mar 10, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 15, 2022. (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 $8,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for PAS ASSF LUSAKA FY22 02

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