The U.S. Embassy Harare Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
PD Harare invites proposals for projects that strengthen networks between the people of the United States and the people of Zimbabwe through exchanges highlighting their shared goals and values. All programs must include an American component, such as an American expert engagement (physical or virtual) in Zimbabwe or Zimbabweans traveling to the United States to collaborate and exchange best practices in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. perspectives. Projects that incorporate strong American components into their design will be prioritized over other proposals.
Objectives
PD Harare encourages applicants to apply to this opportunity unless the idea better fits an individual 2025 NOFO. This Annual Program Statement welcomes proposals in areas that:
Promote democratic principles including freedom of speech and civic participation; particularly if they share best practices for citizen advocacy or explore the challenges modern media houses face in a digital economy and the ethical standards needed to gain public confidence.
Advance an inclusive economy; particularly connecting social entrepreneurs and the creative community with online marketing tools.
Deepen U.S.-Zimbabwean university partnerships; particularly if they bolster stronger research capacity and explore opportunities for increased internationalization of tertiary education in Zimbabwe.
Promote understanding and use of emerging technology for Zimbabweans to make the most of innovation to promote development.
Deepen U.S.-Zimbabwean professional networks through organized workshops and rekindling alumni exchange partnerships and networks to solve new problems.
Foster social inclusion of underserved communities, such as disabled persons, minority ethnic groups, LGBTQI+, and those in remote rural areas.
Priorities
Mission Goal 1: Zimbabwe improves accountable, democratic governance that serves an engaged citizenry and respects fundamental human rights.
Mission Goal 2: Zimbabwe has a market-oriented economy that provides an opportunity for all Zimbabweans to prosper.
Funding Information
Total available funding: $250,000 USD pending funding availability
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of US$10,000 to a maximum of US$40,000 with the majority in the US$15,000-30,000 range
Number of awards anticipated: 10 awards (dependent on amounts)
Length of performance period: 2 to 18 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;
Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or
Programs that duplicate existing programs.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
PD Harare accepts applications from both the United States and Zimbabwe, with a preference towards local applicants;
Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, trusts and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience;
Individuals; and/or
Non-profit or governmental educational institutions.
Ineligibility Criteria
For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
