About

The U.S. Embassy Paramaribo Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is accepting applications for the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.

Priority Areas

• Programs that reinforce democratic governance, civic participation, electoral integrity, or anti-corruption initiatives.

• Programs that raise awareness of risks posed by authoritarian influence in media, infrastructure, or politics, and encourage transparency and sovereignty.

• Training and mentorship programs that encourage local entrepreneurship—especially when aligned with American-style innovation and capitalist values.

• Initiatives that bolster local capacity to fight transnational crime, enhance border security, and promote citizen safety in ways that benefit both the U.S. and Suriname.

• Programs that promote American culture and values through English education and strengthen local understanding of U.S. systems and opportunities.

• Programs that develop local energy independence, especially using U.S. technologies or expertise, and build climate resilience with a focus on economic impact.

• Programs that support cultural exchange that highlight the deep and ongoing ties between the United States and Suriname and our shared democratic values.

Funding Information

• While the Public Affairs Section will consider proposals up to $10,000, projects that are smaller in scope are more likely to be awarded.

Eligible Activities

• Empowerment, leadership, and education programs reflecting the priority areas.

• Bringing an American expert, speaker, trainer, or performer to Suriname.

• Conferences on American themes or issues of mutual interest.

• Exhibitions of works by Americans or on American themes.

• Radio, television, and social media programming in support of the above objectives.

• Other creative ways to tell U.S. stories and connect U.S. and Suriname audiences.

Ineligible Activities

• Ongoing salary costs;

• Office equipment;

• Paying to complete activities begun with other funds;

• Projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship/support to individual or single party electoral campaigns;

• Citizen exchange programs with foreign countries;

• Travel to the U.S.;

• Social welfare projects;

• Political party activities;

• Projects that support specific religious activities;

• Scientific research;

• Fundraising campaigns;

• Commercial projects;

• Trade activities; and

• Projects aimed primarily at the institutional development of the organization

Ineligibility Criteria

• For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply

Eligibility

• The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S. and Surinamese:

  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience

  • Individuals

  • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions

  • Governmental institutions

Post Date: May 05, 2025