About

The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grant Program.

Goals and Objectives

• Objective of Small Grants

  • PDS Burkina Faso invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Burkina Faso through cultural and exchange programming that highlights common values and promotes bilateral cooperation. 

  • All programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. 

  • These programs must promote cultural ties and shared values, build strong international relationships, and enhance America's global influence while fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. The programs should contribute to global stability and security, encourage bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange, thereby enhancing America's global leadership and influence.

• Examples of PDS Small Grants Programs include, but are not limited to: 

  • Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs. 

  • Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions. 

  • Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs. 

  • Professional and academic exchanges and programs. 

  • Civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights.

  • Media projects aimed at reaching wider audiences. 

  • Youth community service projects that promote democratic processes and encourage volunteerism.

Priority Program Areas

• Good Governance: Proposals should strengthen and reinforce the practice of good governance within Burkina Faso (and/or strengthen the capacity of Burkinabe civil society in fostering democratic values, promoting accountability and transparency, human rights, and renewing trust in democracy). 

• Economic Prosperity: Proposals should promote transparent and rules-based trade, and investment in sustainable growth. 

• Countering Malign Narratives: Programs should promote transparency, counter malign narratives, media professionalism, access to diverse news sources, and media literacy. Projects may develop the capacity of Burkinabe media, foster a tradition of fact-checking and research for journalists and/or media consumers, capitalize on social media use for greater transparency, and/or expand such programs beyond the capital and secondary cities. 

• Promoting English Language: Proposals should encourage the usage and learning of the English language as a tool for civic and economic development. The programs should demonstrate that enhancing English language skills fosters better communication and collaboration, promotes mutual understanding, and opens economic opportunities.

• Creative Programs: Proposals should advance one or more of the priority areas listed above, including but not limited to economic empowerment, human rights, peace and security, and demonstrate innovation. The programs should build international partnerships, promote stability and human rights, and drive economic growth and innovation.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $300,000 Pending funding availability

• Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000

Duration

• Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in a year or less.

Participants and Audiences

• PDS Burkina Faso’s target audiences include national and regional media; NGOs and think tanks; 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).

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: 

  • Programs relating to partisan political activity. 

  • Charitable or development activities.

  • Construction programs. 

  • Programs that support specific religious activities. 

  • Fund-raising campaigns

Eligibility

• The following organizations are eligible to apply and must indicate affiliation: U.S., foreign, or both. For example:

  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.

  • Public and private educational institutions.

  • Individuals.

  • Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

• All proposals should focus on engaging Burkinabe in Burkina Faso. Proposals will be evaluated based on a well-reasoned strategy for the intended audience.

Post Date: May 09, 2025