The U.S. Embassy Eswatini Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
Purpose of Small Grants
PD Eswatini invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Eswatini through cultural 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 PD Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;
Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions;
Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
Programs developed by an alumnus of a U.S.-sponsored or supported educational or professional exchange program.
Priority Program Areas
Entrepreneurship & Economic Growth
A continuum of activities that support innovation and entrepreneurship, in particular startups in the social entrepreneurship space that are sustainable and contribute to job creation; activities that encourage trade and investment and other partner relationships between entities in the United States and Eswatini to promote economic growth and prosperity.
Education
Activities that promote quality higher education, collaboration between U.S. and Eswatini higher educational institutions, skills training, leadership and soft skills development, workforce and technical skills development, sharing of common values and inspiration, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), and general awareness of international standards and trends in education.
Good Governance/Citizen Participation in Democracy
Activities aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in local, municipal, provincial, and national governments; freedom of speech; a free and responsible media, voter participation, and civic responsibility.
Human Rights and Dignity
Activities that encourage women’s empowerment and gender equality, build respect for underserved and underrepresented individuals, empower marginalized and disadvantaged communities, and encourage social inclusion, access to resources, and fundamental human rights for all.
Funding Information
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $10,000
Length of performance period: Up to 12 months
Participants and Audiences
The intended target audiences generally include:
Women
Students/Youth (18-35 years)
Civil society
Persons with disabilities
Journalists/writers
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer and questioning
(LGBTIQ+)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should be Emaswati or currently residing in Eswatini, although exceptions could apply. The programs must take place in, and be focused on, Eswatini. Applications are encouraged from all sectors.
The following entities are eligible to apply:
Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations with programming experience
Individuals
Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
Governmental institutions
For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
Ineligible
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
