Notice of Funding Opportunity
American Documentary Tour in Lithuania
Request for Proposals
The U.S. Embassy Vilnius is looking for proposals for a grant of up to $25,000 from event managers, non-governmental organizations, and/or cultural organizations to develop and implement a program advocating for human rights and a strong civil society in Lithuania, particularly in rural and remote communities throughout the country. The main element of the program is showcasing American documentaries that discuss topics such as entrepreneurship, American arts and culture, sports, science, and human rights issues (e.g. LGBTQI, disability rights, health, rule of law, and gender). The film slate to be featured, is part of the film diplomacy program “American Film Showcase,” sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
Expected Outcomes
The program aims to strengthen Lithuanian civil society through films that focus on human rights issues and other relatable topics. Additionally, the program would specifically target and integrate communities that have not had much exposure to intercultural learning experiences or American cinema. The program would also present opportunities for local experts, NGOs and cultural institutions for further collaboration through panel discussions and lectures that can accompany the films.
In coordination with the U.S. Embassy your proposal should include the following activities:
- Developing a tour schedule (6-12 months) that includes free public screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and / or other community outreach activities in multiple cities across Lithuania. When choosing the locations, proper evaluation is needed to determine the highest potential for community engagement and successful partnerships with local organizations in the community. In addition, facilities suitable for public screenings should be taken into consideration.
- All related activities should raise awareness about the importance of human rights and promote the American tradition of storytelling.
- Providing logistical support for the tour, such as arranging venues, subtitling the films (preferably for audiences with hearing disabilities) managing tickets and/ or invitations, and other related activities.
- Planning and preparing an effective communication strategy to attract target audiences; developing marketing materials and media engagements to advertise the program.
- Identifying and communicating with experts and specialists to be invited to the panels, workshops or other activities, as part of the program, this can include American experts as part of the grant budget.
Submission process:
The following documents are required for applications from organizations:
- Public Affairs Grant Proposal (PDF, 1.3MB) (form provided)
- U.S. Embassy Vilnius Grant Budget Spreadsheet (XLS, 890KB) (form provided)
- Budget narrative, explaining how the budget line-items will be used and what they will cover (applicant may provide this in any format, such as a Word or PDF document)
In addition to the required information in the template, your proposal should also includea clear project timeline, a detailed outline of the key components of the program, and a tour schedule, including discussion panels or community outreach activities. Your proposal should also name key partners – institutions and experts who would be involved in the project, if applicable.
The deadline for application is August 23, 2019. Please send the forms to VilniusGrants@state.gov with “American Documentary Tour in Lithuania” and the applicant organization’s name in the subject line.
Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing is not required. Please note that funds from any other federal U.S. government source may not be used to match funds applied for under this funding program or vice-versa.
Required Registrations:
The following registrations must be completed before an award is granted under this notice. The registrations do not need to be complete at the time of application. Applicants should include a notice and evidence in their application packet that the registration process is ongoing.
All organizations applying for grants must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:
- Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)
- NCAGE/CAGE code
- SAM.gov registration
All applicants will receive confirmation of the receipt of their proposal within one week of the submission date. If you do not receive such an email, please contact the Embassy at +370 5 2665494 to confirm your documents were received.
If a proposal is selected, the following additional forms are required:
- Application Form for Organizations SF-424
- Budget Information for Non-Construction programs, SF-424A
- Assurances for Non-Construction programs, SF-424B
- DUNS, NCAGE and SAM.gov registration
Eligibility:
- Lithuanian and U.S. non-profit organizations can apply.
- Commercial companies or third country organizations and individuals (non-Lithuania and non-American) are not eligible for grants.
For more information please contact Greta Armonaitytė at ArmonaityteG@state.gov, tel. 8 5266 5470, or Meghan Luckett at LuckettM@state.gov
