U.S. Embassy Guatemala’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce funding now available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
Purpose of Small Grants
PDS Guatemala invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, professional, and/or scientific ties between the United States and Guatemala through cultural, educational, and/or exchange programming that highlights the shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural or educational 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 projects that may be eligible to receive funding through the PDS Small Grants Program include, but are not limited to:
Academic and professional lectures, seminars, workshops, trainings, and speaker programs
Freedom of the press and media
Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions
Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs
Professional or academic exchanges and programs
English language programs
Entrepreneurship programs
Goals
All proposed activities must take place in Guatemala. Virtual and/or hybrid programs that focus on Guatemalan audiences may also be considered. Proposed activities must support one or more of the following Embassy goals:
Strengthen democratic institutions in Guatemala; promote transparency, the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts.
Empower disenfranchised groups to generate inclusive economic prosperity, especially as it pertains to preventing irregular migration.
Advance media freedom in Guatemala.
Mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Protect and support human rights.
Themes
Priority consideration will be given to proposals that specifically address one or more of the following themes:
Empowerment of Guatemalan women and/or girls. The U.S. Government is committed to diversity and social inclusion and to promoting gender equity. They welcome proposals that seek to educate and/or increase civic engagement and participation by Guatemalan women or girls, especially from indigenous communities and/or rural/non-urban areas of the country and/or areas marked by high rates of irregular migration.
Empowering and connecting diverse Guatemalan communities. The U.S. Government is committed to ensuring that U.S. government programs and exchanges are inclusive of Guatemalans of all backgrounds, including original communities, Garifuna communities, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and Guatemalans with disabilities. They welcome proposals that offer ways to include and promote the participation of all Guatemalans.
Expanding independent media. The U.S. Government is committed to media freedom in Guatemala. A free and independent press protects the rights of citizens and ensures the communities are well informed. This includes promoting community-based reporting in regions and Mayan languages, expanding press opportunities for the next generation of journalists, exchanges between U.S. and Guatemalan news agencies, improving English language skills, counter disinformation, and building overall capacity.
Reducing the root causes of irregular migration to the United States. Human smugglers spread misinformation and create false expectations about the ease and safety of irregular migration to the United States, which involves a perilous journey for all involved, particularly for minors. They welcome proposals that facilitate and encourage potential migrants to build their futures in Guatemala.
Foster Mutual Understanding between the people of Guatemala and the United States.
Funding Information
Requests for funding amounts between USD $10,000 and $100,000 will be considered in an open application process.
Eligibility Criteria
PDS encourages applications from the United States and Guatemala:
Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
Individuals
Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
Note: For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
Ineligible
The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
Activities that do not contain a distinctly U.S. policy connection
Programs that relate to partisan political activity
Charitable or development activities
Construction programs
Programs that support specific religious activities
Fundraising campaigns
Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
Scientific research
Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization
