The U.S. Embassy Havana Public Affairs Section (PAS) has announced that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program.
Eligibility is limited to those who qualify to receive U.S. grants, and have the ability to develop and implement their proposed programs in Cuba.
Priority Program Areas
1. Proposals that will encourage the growth of small business in Cuba. Proposals must demonstrate knowledge of Cuba’s economic and entrepreneurial ecosystem and should detail existing partnerships in Cuba. Proposals should also outline activities that prepare small business owners for growth and sustainability of their enterprises through efficiency, creativity, customer service, and innovation, with preference for project models that work in the Cuban small business environment. Applicants may propose project activities in a variety of areas, but applications must describe clearly and succinctly how proposed activities will improve the likelihood of success for existing start-ups.
2. Proposals that support agriculture; protect plant and animal health; and advance the understanding of scientific and environmental challenges, including but not limited to:
a. Agriculture / Plant and Animal Health — Programs that address shared agricultural concerns including plant and animal sanitation, agricultural trade, irrigation, soil conservation, and prevent the spread of animal and plant pathogens in the U.S. and Cuba through the exchange of information, best practices, scientific collaboration, research, and monitoring.
b. Environment — Programs that pertain to sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, endangered marine life, coral reef resilience; wildlife conservation and terrestrial protected areas; collection and exchange of information and joint research in the fields of meteorology, oceanography, and air pollution;
c. Health — Programs that increase cooperation in the battle against communicable and non-communicable diseases affecting both U.S. and Cuban populations, including but not limited to Zika, cancer, and diabetes.
3. Proposals that promote cultural exchange; enhance mutual understanding; contribute to increased technical expertise in cultural professions and the arts; raise awareness for shared history, traditions, and values; and help build arts management capacity.
Activities that are NOT eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:
a. Projects that support specific religious or political activities
b. Charitable or development activities
c. Construction projects
d. Projects that duplicate existing projects
e. Fees and travel cost to attend conferences
f. Ongoing salary costs
g. Paying to complete activities begun with other funds
Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding:
Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt and the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, a congressional act commonly referred to as Fulbright-Hays. The source of funding is FY2017 Public Diplomacy Funding.
Federal Award Information
a. This notice is subject to availability of funding.
b. Award floor and ceiling: $1,000 – $100,000
c. Awards to organizations and individuals are anticipated.
d. Anticipated project start date: After 09/15/2017
e. Length of performance period: Most projects will be completed within one year, but longer projects will be considered
f. Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2017 Public Diplomacy Funding
g. Funding instrument type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, or Cooperative Agreement (level of substantial involvement will depend upon program)
