Small Grants Program for Alumni of U.S. Government Exchange Programs

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program to support proposals from alumni of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs. This Notice of Funding Opportunity is only open to Kenyan alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs. This is a funding announcement outlining the funding priorities, focus themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Priority Region: None

Program Objectives:

PDS Nairobi invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Kenya and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must advance a U.S. linkage including for example a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, economic models, and perspectives on U.S.-Kenya partnership.

Priority Program Areas: Proposals must address one of the following key program areas:

1. Economic Prosperity - Advances the prosperity of the United States and Kenya through a fair and reciprocal economic partnership, the strengthening of Kenya's business climate, support for its startup ecosystem, clean energy solutions and climate change resiliency, and education that skills the next generation of workers.

2. Democracy and Governance - Deepens the bilateral relationship on a broad range of common interests including the respect for human rights, safeguarding civic space, rule of law, public accountability, anti-corruption efforts, shared democratic values, and protection of fundamental freedoms.

3. Celebrating 60 Years of U.S.-Kenya Partnership - 2024 is the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya ties, a milestone to celebrate as well as build upon. Amplify what the United States and Kenya are accomplishing together across various fields, including but not limited to the trade and investment partnership, climate action and renewable energy, public health advancements, education, shared values, and security cooperation.

Participants and Audiences:

Kenyans who may be in any of the following categories;

• Kenyans between the ages of 16 and 35, including students, civil society leaders and social influencers;

• Business leaders and rising entrepreneurs;

• Established opinion leaders, including cultural influencers and academic institution leadership.

Eligible Applicants

• Alumni of U.S. Government sponsored exchange programs. Both individuals and alumni associations (registered non-profit) are welcome to apply.
• Applicants should register as members of the U.S-Kenya Alumni Association for verification of their Alumni Status by June 1, 2024.