NOFO: Public Affairs Annual Program Statement (Trinidad and Tobago)

Deadline: 02-Aug-2024

The U.S. Embassy Port of Spain Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State (hereafter referred to as “PAS POS”) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Purpose 

• PAS POS invites proposals that contribute to the three pillars of bilateral collaboration between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago (TT): security, good governance, and inclusive growth. All programs must include significant use of and meet the programmatic requirements of the American Center at U.S. Embassy Port of Spain. Programs may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid. Proposals must include a clear plan to measure and evaluate the impact of the program. Proposals that fail to include a monitoring and evaluation plan will not be considered. Consideration will be given to proposals that include opportunities to engage with U.S. embassy exchange program alumni. The U.S. Government is committed to programs and activities that advance diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility.

PAS POS’s Priority Program Areas

• Security:
  • Support programs that address root causes of gang membership and violent extremism and provide alternatives to criminal involvement.
• Governance
  • Support programs focused on transparency and accountability.
  • Support anti-corruption efforts and investigative journalism.
  • Support programs promoting transparency, accountability, egovernance, and strengthening democratic institutions.
  • Support programs that support Venezuelan refugees living in TT.
  • Support programs that enhance opportunities and protections for vulnerable communities, including refugees, women, children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the LGBTQI+ community.
  • Support programs that advance protection and quality of life for persons with disabilities.
  • Support local civil society organizations to strengthen diversity and rights for vulnerable and marginalized people, including members of the LGBTQI+ community, victims of gender-based violence, refugees and migrant populations, and persons with disabilities.
• Inclusive Growth: 
  • Support programs that contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economic growth.
  • Support programs that improve transparency and public asset management, and more efficient business practices.
  • Promote science cooperation for better natural resource stewardship to mitigate impacts of climate change, strengthen resilience against climate change, and create conditions to lower carbon emissions.
  • Support programs that advance smart agriculture methods to counter climate change-aggravated risks and increase food security.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: US$17,000
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of US$500 to a maximum of US$3400
• Length of performance period: up to 12 months
• Number of awards anticipated: 5 awards (dependent on amounts)
• Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024

Participants and Audiences

• In deciding which projects to support, the embassy will consider the full range and diversity of Trinbagonian and U.S. organizations. The Public Affairs Section will also seek to target geographically and demographically diverse audiences throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
• American and Trinbagonian individuals and institutions with a proven track record of executing superior cultural and educational events and programs will receive preference. Strong proposals will include an impact assessment in addition to a results evaluation at the conclusion of the grant period.

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals from NGOs, academic institutions, U.S. embassy exchange program alumni, and social enterprises with offices headquartered in TT will be given preference. Please note they will also accept applications from U.S.-based institutions, but they must show that they have already obtained on-the-ground support from a local organization.
• For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply

Ineligible

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • For-profit trade activities
  • Commercial projects
  • Scientific research
  • Projects whose primary aim is the institutional development of the organization
  • The purchase of space or buildings in support of program activities
  • Development projects
  • Construction projects
  • Individual travel to conferences
  • Scholarships to support educational opportunities or study for individuals

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.