The U.S. Embassy Port of Spain Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State (PAS POS) is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. Purpose
PAS POS invites proposals that further contribution to the three pillars of bilateral collaboration between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago (TT): Security, Accountable Governance, and Inclusive Growth.
All programs must include an American 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.
Proposals must include a clear plan to measure and evaluate the impact of the program; proposals that fail to include a monitoring and evaluation plan will not be considered.
Preference will be given to proposals that include target audiences outside the urban center of Port of Spain or that involve a grantee providing multiple sub-grantee projects to organizations submitting proposals in accordance with embassy priorities and regulations.
The U.S. Government is committed to programs and activities that advance diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility.
Priority Program Areas
Security
Support programs that address root causes of gang membership and violent extremism and provide alternatives to criminal involvement.
Governance
Support programs focused on transparency and accountability.
Support anti-corruption efforts and investigative journalism.
Support programs promoting transparency, accountability, e-governance, and strengthening democratic institutions.
Support programs that support Venezuelan refugees living in TT.
Support programs that enhance opportunities and protections for vulnerable communities, including refugees, women, children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the LGBTQI+ community.
Support programs that advance protection and quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Support local civil society organizations to strengthen diversity and rights for vulnerable and marginalized people, including members of the LGBTQI+ community, victims of gender-based violence, refugees and migrant populations, and persons with disabilities.
Inclusive Growth
Support programs that contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economic growth.
Support programs that improve transparency and public asset management, and more efficient business practices.
Promote science cooperation for better natural resource stewardship to mitigate impacts of climate change, strengthen resilience against climate change, and create conditions to lower carbon emissions.
Support programs that advance smart agriculture methods to counter climate change-aggravated risks and increase food security.
Funding Information
Total available funding: US$200,000
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of US$5,000 to a maximum of US$20,000
Length of performance period: up to 12 months
Number of awards anticipated: 15 awards (dependent on amounts)
Anticipated program start date: Jan 1, 2024
Participants and Audiences
In deciding which projects to support, the Embassy will consider the full range and diversity of Trinbagonian and U.S. organizations. The Public Affairs Section will also seek to target geographically and demographically diverse audiences throughout both islands.
American and Trinbagonian individuals and institutions with a proven track record of executing superior cultural and educational events and programs will receive preference. Preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate the long-term sustainability of the project and that include some form of cost-sharing with the partner institution(s) and private sector engagement that will allow the programs to become sustainable in future iterations. Preference will also be given to proposals where multiple organizations are collaborating on projects under a single grantee. Strong proposals will include impact assessment, in addition to results evaluation, at the conclusion of the grant period.
Eligibility Criteria
Proposals from non-profits, NGOs, academic institutions, and social enterprises with offices headquartered in TT will be given preference. Please note that they will also accept applications from U.S.-based institutions, but they must show that they have already obtained on-the-ground support from a local organization.
For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
Ineligible
The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
For-profit trade activities
Commercial projects
Scientific research
Projects whose primary aim is the institutional development of the organization
The purchase of space or buildings in support of program activities
