U.S. Embassy Lebanon PAS Small Grants NOFO | LBN PAS FY21 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for LBN PAS FY21 01

The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the U.S. Department of State, is offering funding under its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program as described in the opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Lebanon PAS Small Grants NOFO" (Funding Opportunity Number: LBN PAS FY21 01). This is a discretionary funding opportunity that can be awarded as either a grant or a cooperative agreement, and it supports public diplomacy programs designed to strengthen mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Lebanon. The program is framed as an Annual Program Statement, meaning it lays out the Embassy's funding priorities, strategic themes, and the process applicants must follow when submitting proposals.

The core purpose of the small grants is to support cultural and exchange programming that builds connections between U.S. and Lebanese communities and highlights shared values and constructive engagement. PAS Lebanon is looking for projects that promote social cohesion among diverse populations, encourage civic engagement, showcase U.S. values through social and economic entrepreneurship, and help local audiences learn more about the United States. A central requirement is that every proposed project must include a clear American component. That American element can take the form of U.S. cultural content or direct involvement from U.S.-based experts, organizations, or institutions tied to the specific field of the project. The intent is not only cultural exchange in a general sense, but also programming that increases understanding of U.S. policy perspectives and how the United States approaches key issues.

In terms of thematic priorities, the Embassy highlights three main program areas. The first focuses on strengthening social cohesion and civic engagement, which may include efforts that bring together different communities, support dialogue, and encourage participation in community life and public decision-making. The second priority is showcasing U.S. values through social and economic entrepreneurship, which points to programming that supports innovation, business creation, and socially driven economic solutions while drawing meaningful connections to U.S. experiences, practices, or partners. The third priority aims to inform local audiences about the United States, which could include educational, cultural, or media-focused projects that present accurate information and deepen understanding of American society, institutions, and viewpoints.

The opportunity also lists several example subthemes to illustrate what competitive proposals might focus on. These examples include democracy and good governance, disability rights and awareness, protecting human rights, investing in arts and culture, preserving cultural heritage, developing cultural capital, and promoting media literacy. These are not presented as a strict or exhaustive list, but rather as a set of directions that fit well within the Embassy's public diplomacy goals and the broader aim of building constructive ties between Lebanese audiences and U.S. people and institutions.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity falls under activity categories such as arts, community development, education, environment, and humanities, and it is associated with CFDA number 19.040. The listed award ceiling is $75,000, and the Embassy anticipated making about four awards under this announcement. The posting indicates it was created on November 9, 2020, with an original closing date of June 30, 2021. Eligibility is noted broadly as "Others," with the expectation that applicants consult the additional eligibility details and the "Related Documents" section for application requirements, required forms, and any specific submission instructions.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Lebanon in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), community development, education, environment, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Lebanon PAS Small Grants NOFO" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 09, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 30, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $75,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for LBN PAS FY21 01

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