The U.S. Mission to Venezuela is forecasting a grant opportunity titled "Venezuela Annual Program Statement," aimed at strengthening cultural, educational, and media support programs that foster people-to-people ties between the United States and Venezuela. The program seeks applications from eligible entities, including registered not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and governmental institutions, to propose initiatives that promote democratic initiatives, economic empowerment, and cultural exchange, with a focus on themes such as freedom of speech, independent media, and grassroots activism. With a total funding amount of $500,000 available for up to 10 awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, interested applicants must submit a concise Statement of Interest by August 7, 2021, to VAUCultural@state.gov for consideration.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) that strengthens people-to-people ties between the United States and the people of Venezuela through cultural, educational, and media support programs that highlight shared values and promote a peaceful, democratic transition.This is a two-part process. Applicants should first submit a SOI. This is not a full proposal, but a concise, one-to-three-page concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application.The VAU Public Affairs Section (PAS) will review SOIs and invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications.Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants: PAS VAU invites proposals for communications, cultural and educational programs that support democratic initiatives and economic empowerment in Venezuela, highlight shared values, and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must convey an element of U.S. culture, history, and/or shared values. Competitive proposals should also include a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and/or increased cooperation between the people of the United States and Venezuela even after the program has concluded.Priority Program Areas: PAS VAU will prioritize grant proposals that address the following themes:&#9679; Cultural Projects: Cultural activities engage the public, especially youth, to bridge cultures, deepen cultural ties and understanding, discuss topics of importance, and promote the free exchange of ideas. The VAU is interested in supporting arts and culture projects that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Venezuela. Examples of possible programs include writing workshops (including comics), artist collaborations, gaming workshops or programs, theatre/filmmaking/storytelling clubs, dance performances or competitions, or similar events and activities.&#9679; Supporting freedom of speech and expression, including via civic education.&#9679; Strengthening independent media through media literacy, training, and other engagement.&#9679; Ensuring participation of citizens in the democratic process through education and outreach.&#9679; Economic growth and entrepreneurship, particularly for marginalized women, youth..&#9679; Supporting grassroots activism that promotes human rights, democratic governance, and/or addresses Venezuelan citizens&#8217;.needs due to the man-made humanitarian crisis.&#9679; Promoting inclusive social development, particularly through empowering women and girls, persons with disabilities, and Afro-Venezuelans.The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: &#9679; Programs relating to partisan political activity;&#9679; Charitable or development activities;&#9679; Construction programs;&#9679; Programs that support specific religious activities;&#9679; Fund-raising campaigns;&#9679; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs&#9679; Scientific research;&#9679; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or&#9679; Programs that duplicate existing programs.&#9679; Complete salaries for personnel.Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: The Statutory Authority for this program announcement is the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding is FY2021 Public Diplomacy Funding.B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATIONNumber of awards anticipated: 10 awards (dependent on amounts)Award amounts: $10,000 to $100,000.Total available funding: $500,000Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2021 Public Diplomacy FundingAnticipated program start date: Before March 31, 2021This notice is subject to availability of funding.Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in one year or less.Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Individual award, Fixed Amount Award, or Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that PAS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation.C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION1. Eligible Applicants:&#9679; Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations, with programming experience&#9679; Individuals&#9679; Non-profit or governmental educational institutions&#9679; Governmental institutionsFor-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.2. Cost Sharing or MatchingCost sharing is not required.D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION The VAU Public Affairs Section will accept proposals from now through August 7, 2021. PAS will accept proposals throughout the year and will review proposals monthly, with responses sent out by the 15th of the month after receiving the proposal. All application materials must be submitted by email to VAUCultural@state.govAll SOIs should ensure that the following requirements are met:Please follow all instructions below carefully. SOIs 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:&#9679; The SOI clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity&#9679; All documents are in English&#9679; All budgets are in U.S. dollarsThe following document is required: 1. Statement of Interest (not to exceed three pages) that includes:o The name of the organization seeking funding;o Program activity locations;o The total amount of funding requested from PAS, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program cost (PAS funds + cost-share or other contributions);o Program length;o A synopsis of the program, including a brief statement on how the program will have a demonstrated impact and engage relevant stakeholders;o A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the program&#8217;s objectives and the activities, including a timeline of activities, and expected results that contribute to each objective; and,o A brief description of the applicant(s) that demonstrates the applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award.E. APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications, considering the following criteria:Quality and Feasibility of Program Idea: Is the proposed program needed? Will it meet program objectives and make an impact?Program Planning: Is the program designed to solve the stated problem and achieve the objectives? Are the timeline and activities well structured?Embassy priorities: Do the project goals relate to and support VAU&#8217;s priority areas?Ability to Achieve Objectives/Institutional Capacity: Does the applicant demonstrate the organization&#8217;s or individual&#8217;s expertise and previous experience in administering programs?Successful applicants will be contacted by VAU PAS and invited to submit a full proposal. Instructions on the requirements of a full application submission will be provided at that time.

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