At a glance
Africa Regional Services Paris will fund small grants for U.S. citizen speakers, artists, athletes, and coaches to do in-person or virtual outreach in sub-Saharan Africa. The program supports public diplomacy topics such as security, economic prosperity, innovation, energy security, critical minerals, American arts and sports, and migration, and programs must be in English and either French or Portuguese. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizen individuals based in the United States, Africa, Brazil, or Europe; organizations, for-profit entities, green-card holders, and non-U.S. citizens are not eligible. The announcement expects 8 to 10 awards ranging from $500 to $12,000, with $50,000 total available, and no cost sharing is required. Funding is limited to sub-Saharan Africa, and being on the roster does not guarantee an award.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
Priority Region: Sub-Saharan Africa Africa Regional Services (ARS) Paris, part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, invites U.S. citizen speakers, artists, and athletes/coaches to submit Statements of Interest (SOIs) for inclusion on the ARS U.S. Speaker Program roster. Roster members may be selected for small program specific grants to conduct in-person and virtual outreach across sub-Saharan Africa. The ARS Speaker Program supports U.S. foreign policy goals in Africa by strengthening security, supporting shared prosperity, and promoting American excellence. In line with the Department’s Freedom 250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Decade of Sport in America programs are encouraged to: Share the American story and 250 years of American excellence in innovation, technology, and culture; and celebrate American achievement in sports. Lead the next era of results driven U.S.–Africa partnership. This Annual Program Statement seeks U.S. citizen individuals with demonstrated expertise who can deliver programs in English and either French or Portuguese. Priority Program Areas include security; economic prosperity, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship; energy security, and critical minerals; and American arts, sports, and creative industries as engines of economic opportunity. Selected individuals will be added to the ARS roster following review and interview. Being on the roster does not guarantee funding; individual grants will be made only when a specific U.S. embassy or consulate request matches a roster member’s expertise and availability. SOIs must be submitted using the dedicated form available at https://forms.office.com/g/NyK95VxSH9 . All supporting documents (credentials/testimonials/endorsements, U.S. passport and a CV or résumé) must be emailed to arsspeaker@state.gov . Make sure the email subject line says “SOI” with your full name. Incomplete Statements of Interest will be rejected.
Who can apply
- Individuals