Association Burkinabè de Fundraising

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy BURKINA FASO of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.

Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Burkina Faso invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and BURKINA FASO through cultural and exchange programs that highlight shared values and foster bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element or a link to American experts, organizations or institutions in a specific field that will foster a better understanding of American policies and perspectives.

Priority programme sectors

• Programmes aimed at strengthening the understanding and practice of democracy, human rights and good governance. This may include projects that encourage participation in the promotion of civil society, particularly for women, religious minorities and young people.
• Programmes that aim to promote a better understanding of diversity, inclusion, religious freedom, gender rights, people with disabilities, under-represented or otherwise disadvantaged communities and other aspects of human rights.
• Creative programmes that advance one or more of the priority areas to include, but not limited to, economic empowerment and youth development, peace and safety.
• Programmes promoting English language skills through projects that encourage the use and learning of the English language as a tool for civic and economic development.
• Programmes that increase transparency, media professionalism and access to diverse sources of information. Projects can develop Burkinabe media, fact-checking and research for journalists or media consumers, capitalise on the use of social media for greater transparency and/or extend these programmes beyond the capital and secondary towns.

Information on funding

• Total amount available: 300,000 $ subject to availability of funds)
• Maximum for each award: 25,000 $ (exceptional proposals of more than 25,000 $ may receive funding subject to the availability of funds)
• Length of performance period: up to 12 months

Examples of the SSP Small Grants Programme include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Academic and professional conferences, seminars and speaker programmes;
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programmes;
• Professional and university exchanges and programmes;
• Civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights;
• New media concept projects designed to reach a wider audience;
• Community service projects for young people that promote democratic processes and encourage volunteering;
• Development of initiatives to maintain contact with alumni from their exchange programmes.

Eligibility criteria

• Target audiences for PAS Burkina Faso include national and regional media; NGOs and think tanks; underserved communities; Universities; government officials (state, district and municipal officials; policy makers, civil servants); cultural and educational leaders; next generation leaders (e.g., innovators, digital influencers, campus leaders). All proposals must focus on the engagement of Burkinabè in Burkina Faso. Proposals will be assessed on the basis of a well-reasoned strategy for the target audience, as well as appropriate inclusivity, whether based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability.
• The Public Affairs Section is encouraging applications from the United States and Burkina Faso, with Burkina Faso as the implementing country.
• Registered not-for-profit organisations, including think tanks and civil society or non-governmental organisations with programming experience
• Individuals
• Government or not-for-profit educational establishments
• For-profit government institutions or commercial entities are not eligible.

Ineligible

• The following types of programmes are not eligible for funding:
• broadcasts relating to partisan political activities;
• Charitable or development activities;
• Building programmes;
• Programs that support specific religious activities;
• Fundraising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programmes
• Scientific research;
• Programmes aimed primarily at the growth or institutional development of the organisation; or
• programmes that duplicate existing programmes;
• Profit-generating projects;
• Scholarships to support educational or study opportunities for individuals. Individuals interested in an educational exchange or study opportunities in the United States.

For more information, please visitUnited States Embassy in Burkina Faso.