American Spaces Support Funds Program

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy Harare is soliciting applications for the American Spaces Support Funds Program to support public diplomacy activities at the American Corner Gweru in Zimbabwe, with an application deadline of August 2, 2026. One award is anticipated, ranging from $10,000 to $14,000, pending fund availability.

Eligible applicants are Zimbabwean nonprofit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations, but excluding for-profit entities. All organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov.

No cost share is required. The cooperative agreement carries an anticipated 12-to-18-month performance period, with project start within 45 days of funding approval. All activities must take place in Zimbabwe and serve Zimbabwean audiences.

The program prioritizes structured, results-oriented programming that showcases American leadership in innovation, free speech, and entrepreneurship. Applicants must organize interactive activities focused on technology access, entrepreneurship training, innovation events, sports activities, and cultural programs reflecting American values. All proposals must include an American cultural component and demonstrate clear connection to American experts, organizations, or institutions.

Evaluation criteria weight program idea quality and feasibility (30 points), organizational capacity and previous grant record (25 points), project planning and objective achievement (20 points), budget appropriateness (10 points), monitoring and evaluation plans (10 points), and sustainability (5 points). Administrative costs are capped at 10 percent of the amount requested from the U.S. government unless the organization holds a NICRA agreement. Applicants will be notified within 120 days of the deadline.

This opportunity falls under CFDA 19.022 (Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants). Post-award reporting includes quarterly program and financial reports due within 30 days of each reporting period, with final certified reports due 120 days after project completion.