U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY LITHUANIA, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy Lithuania PAS Small Grants Program
Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-LH500-FY20-01
Deadline for Applications: Rolling FY2020
CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs
Total Amount Available: Variable
Maximum for Each Award: $15,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Small Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.
Purpose of Small Grants: PAS invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Lithuania, highlight our shared values, and promote bilateral cooperation in pursuit of our common goals. All programs must include an American cultural element or connections with American experts, organizations or institutions that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
Priority Program Areas: PAS is currently accepting proposals that support the following Embassy goals and priorities:
- Commemorating significant observances and historical events in ways that demonstrate their relevance and importance to modern audiences, including:
- The Year of Vilna Gaon and Lithuanian Jewish History
- The 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- The 80th anniversary of the Sumner Welles declaration
- The 50th anniversary of the Environmental Protection Agency
- Promoting democratic values, human rights, tolerance and an inclusive society
- Supporting independent media and civil society in countering disinformation and developing media literacy and critical thinking
- Encouraging entrepreneurship and economic growth in under-served areas
All programs must have an American element and must reach a Lithuanian audience. Preference will be given to proposals that are part of long-term initiatives, reach audiences of strategic importance, and/or can demonstrate a sustained positive impact in the community.
The following types of programs, activities and expenses are not eligible for funding:
- Paying to complete activities already begun;
- Ongoing salary costs;
- Office equipment;
- Programs that promote particular political parties, religious beliefs or companies;
- Requests by organizations and individuals who are neither Lithuanian nor American;
- Fundraising campaigns and charity projects that give away money or property;
- Construction projects;
- Alcoholic beverages
- Projects aimed only at primary institutional development or capacity building of the organization; and
- Projects that duplicate existing efforts.
Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding:
Authorizing statutes for the funding opportunity are:
1) Fulbright-Hays Act, which allows the U.S. Department of State to use funds for the purpose of supporting international exchanges that address issues of mutual interest to the United States: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/iegps/fulbrighthaysact.pdf
2) Smith-Mundt Act, which specifies the terms under which the U.S. government can engage global audiences: https://www.state.gov/about-us-u-s-advisory-commission-on-public-diplomacy/
The source of funding is FY2020 Public Diplomacy Funding.
More information about the programs and requirements: https://lt.usembassy.gov/education-culture/small-grants-program/
