Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS MSU PASPDGP FY20
The 2020 Public Diplomacy Grants Program is a small-grants opportunity offered by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the U.S. Embassy in Maseru, Lesotho (U.S. Department of State). It opened on February 21, 2020, and invited proposals from Basotho individuals and organizations for projects that advance public diplomacy goals and U.S. Embassy priorities in Lesotho. Funding is competitive and depends on the availability of U.S. government funds. The Embassy specifically highlighted three programming lanes: activities hosted through the American Corner and the YALI Leadership and Innovation Hub (including networking events planned for October 2020 through February 2021), outreach programming delivered in districts outside Maseru under an "American Corner on the road" model, and grants that convene and activate U.S. Government (USG) exchange alumni.
At its core, the program is designed to strengthen mutual understanding between the United States and Lesotho while supporting practical community-facing outcomes. Proposed projects are expected to connect in a meaningful way to American culture and values, or to increase understanding in Lesotho of American society. The Embassy emphasized several thematic priorities that proposals should address. One major priority is expanding opportunity and development for Basotho youth and women through professional skills-building, leadership development, innovation and entrepreneurship, and structured networking, mentorship, or internship pathways. A second priority is strengthening democratic institutions by encouraging citizen participation in governance, increasing voter participation, improving professional media coverage, and ensuring attention to minority or disadvantaged populations. A third priority is supporting Lesotho's push toward HIV/AIDS epidemic control by promoting prevention and healthy lifestyles, sharing accurate information on transmission, prevention, care, and treatment, reducing stigma, and encouraging dialogue on related topics such as LGBTI rights and ending gender-based violence.
The Embassy also built in expectations about access and nationwide reach. Projects must reinforce mutual understanding by presenting accurate information about the U.S.-Lesotho partnership, building connections with Basotho communities, and supporting cross-cultural heritage and creative expression (traditional and modern arts) while also fostering English language proficiency. In addition, proposals must include a plan to share information publicly through social media or traditional media, and they are expected to include at least one public dialogue or networking event at the American Corner in Maseru (located at the State Library) plus at least one activity outside Maseru district so that more Basotho can access public diplomacy programming and learn about grant opportunities. For proposals specifically framed as "American Corner on the road," at least 50 percent of activities must take place outside Maseru district.
The types of projects the Embassy typically funds are fairly broad, as long as they clearly align with the priorities and show a realistic plan for implementation and results. Examples listed include programs that expand or build on U.S.-Lesotho exchange initiatives; efforts that strengthen government and civil society capabilities; youth community service projects that promote volunteerism; civic education and human rights projects supporting democratic processes; youth-focused recreation, leadership, professional development, entrepreneurship, and education programs; arts and cultural programming; new media concepts designed to reach wider audiences; media training; and radio or television programming that supports the stated priorities. At the same time, the notice is clear about what generally will not be funded. Proposals are discouraged if they lack a sustainability plan or a way to monitor results, if they function mainly as social welfare assistance, if they are meant to finish work started with other funding, or if they create the appearance of political partisanship or support for a single party. International travel is generally not supported unless strongly justified within the project. The program also avoids paying substantial radio or TV broadcast fees, funding U.S. citizen exchange programs with foreign countries, or covering projects that primarily pay salaries or basic logistics (such as venue rentals and refreshments) without strong program substance.
Awards are issued as grants, with individual award amounts ranging from a $500 minimum to a $10,000 maximum, and a typical award size noted as approximately $2,000 to $3,000. The Embassy reserved the discretion to award more or less than these amounts depending on application quality and what best serves U.S. government interests. Projects must be completed within one year or less. The Embassy indicated it may consider noncompetitive continuation funding beyond the initial budget period if funds are available, performance has been satisfactory, and continued support is deemed in the U.S. government interest.
Eligibility is limited to Basotho who are currently residing in Lesotho, and projects must take place in and be focused on Lesotho. The Embassy encouraged applications from across civil society, including NGOs, academic institutions, local civil society representatives, and individuals. Cost-sharing is encouraged, meaning applicants should describe any additional funding sources or in-kind contributions that will support the proposed work.
Applications were accepted in English and required a full project narrative and a detailed budget. Proposals could be submitted by email to GrantsMaseru@state.gov (with the subject line formatted as "Public Diplomacy Grant [Your name]") and were also accepted in hard copy delivered either to the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section or to the American Corner at the State Library (2nd Floor). The submission deadline was March 27, 2020. Applicants were advised not to submit originals they needed returned, since return of documents was not guaranteed.
Proposals were reviewed for completeness, clarity, coherence, and attention to detail, then evaluated against specific criteria. Reviewers looked for strong and relevant goals and objectives tied to Embassy priorities, an innovative and workable approach within the proposed timeline, evidence that the applicant has the organizational capacity and expertise to deliver the activities, and a credible sustainability plan showing how impact will continue after the grant ends. Budget quality also mattered: applicants needed to show that costs were reasonable, well-justified, and aligned with the proposed activities and expected results, including any cost-share or in-kind support.
If selected, awards would be formally issued and administered by a U.S. government Grants Officer, with the signed award agreement serving as the authorizing document. Shortlisted applicants could expect notification within roughly 30 days after the March 27, 2020 closing date. Recipients would be required to submit program and financial reports at intervals specified in the award agreement, and funding disbursements could be tied to timely submission of those reports. For official questions, the federal agency contact listed for this opportunity was Madingane Maliehe, reachable at GrantsMaseru@state.gov.Apply for DOS MSU PASPDGP FY20
- The Department of State, U. S. Mission to Lesotho in the humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "2020 Public Diplomacy Grants Program" 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 Feb 26, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 27, 2020. (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 $10,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Individuals.
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FAQs: 2020 Public Diplomacy Grants Program (U.S. Embassy Maseru, Lesotho)
What is the 2020 Public Diplomacy Grants Program?
It is a small-grants program run by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the U.S. Embassy in Maseru, Lesotho (U.S. Department of State). The program supports projects that advance public diplomacy goals and U.S. Embassy priorities in Lesotho, with an overall aim of strengthening mutual understanding between the United States and Lesotho while also supporting practical, community-facing outcomes.
When did this grant opportunity open and when was the deadline?
The opportunity opened on February 21, 2020. The submission deadline was March 27, 2020.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to Basotho individuals who are currently residing in Lesotho and Basotho organizations. Projects must take place in Lesotho and be focused on Lesotho. The Embassy encouraged applications from across civil society, including NGOs, academic institutions, local civil society representatives, and individuals.
Do projects have to be implemented in Lesotho?
Yes. Projects must take place in and be focused on Lesotho.
What kinds of activities did the Embassy specifically highlight?
The Embassy highlighted three programming lanes: (1) activities hosted through the American Corner and the YALI Leadership and Innovation Hub (including networking events planned for October 2020 through February 2021), (2) outreach programming in districts outside Maseru under an "American Corner on the road" model, and (3) grants that convene and activate U.S. Government (USG) exchange alumni.
What are the main thematic priorities applicants were expected to address?
The notice emphasized three main priority areas: (1) expanding opportunity and development for Basotho youth and women (skills-building, leadership development, innovation and entrepreneurship, and structured networking/mentorship/internship pathways), (2) strengthening democratic institutions (citizen participation, voter participation, professional media coverage, and inclusion of minority or disadvantaged populations), and (3) supporting Lesotho's push toward HIV/AIDS epidemic control (prevention and healthy lifestyles, accurate information on transmission/prevention/care/treatment, stigma reduction, and encouraging dialogue on related topics such as LGBTI rights and ending gender-based violence).
How should a project connect to public diplomacy?
Proposed projects were expected to connect in a meaningful way to American culture and values, or to increase understanding in Lesotho of American society, and to reinforce mutual understanding by presenting accurate information about the U.S.-Lesotho partnership and building connections with Basotho communities.
Are there expectations related to nationwide reach and access beyond Maseru?
Yes. Proposals were expected to include at least one activity outside Maseru district so that more Basotho can access public diplomacy programming and learn about grant opportunities.
Is an activity at the American Corner in Maseru required?
Yes. Proposals were expected to include at least one public dialogue or networking event at the American Corner in Maseru, located at the State Library.
What does "American Corner on the road" mean for activity locations?
For proposals specifically framed as "American Corner on the road," at least 50 percent of activities must take place outside Maseru district.
Is there a requirement to share information publicly?
Yes. Proposals must include a plan to share information publicly through social media or traditional media.
Does the program support arts, culture, and English language activities?
Yes. The Embassy expected projects to support cross-cultural heritage and creative expression (traditional and modern arts) and to foster English language proficiency, as part of broader public diplomacy goals.
What types of projects were considered a good fit?
Examples listed include: programs that expand or build on U.S.-Lesotho exchange initiatives; efforts that strengthen government and civil society capabilities; youth community service projects that promote volunteerism; civic education and human rights projects supporting democratic processes; youth-focused recreation, leadership, professional development, entrepreneurship, and education programs; arts and cultural programming; new media concepts designed to reach wider audiences; media training; and radio or television programming that supports the stated priorities.
What types of proposals were discouraged or generally not funded?
The notice discouraged or generally avoided funding proposals that: lack a sustainability plan or a way to monitor results; function mainly as social welfare assistance; are meant to finish work started with other funding; create the appearance of political partisanship or support for a single party; include international travel without strong justification; pay substantial radio or TV broadcast fees; fund U.S. citizen exchange programs with foreign countries; or primarily pay salaries or basic logistics (such as venue rentals and refreshments) without strong program substance.
Is international travel allowed under this grant?
International travel was generally not supported unless it was strongly justified within the project.
What is the funding amount for individual awards?
Awards ranged from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $10,000. The typical award size was noted as approximately $2,000 to $3,000.
Is the funding competitive and guaranteed?
Funding is competitive and depends on the availability of U.S. government funds. The Embassy also reserved discretion to award more or less than the stated typical amounts depending on application quality and what best serves U.S. government interests.
How long can a project last?
Projects must be completed within one year or less.
Can a project receive continuation funding after the first award period?
The Embassy indicated it may consider noncompetitive continuation funding beyond the initial budget period if funds are available, performance has been satisfactory, and continued support is deemed in the U.S. government interest.
Is cost-sharing required?
Cost-sharing was encouraged. Applicants were asked to describe any additional funding sources or in-kind contributions that would support the proposed work.
In what language were applications accepted?
Applications were accepted in English.
What application materials were required?
Applications required a full project narrative and a detailed budget.
How could applicants submit a proposal?
Proposals could be submitted by email to GrantsMaseru@state.gov (with the subject line formatted as "Public Diplomacy Grant [Your name]") or submitted in hard copy delivered to the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section or to the American Corner at the State Library (2nd Floor).
Should applicants submit original documents?
Applicants were advised not to submit originals they needed returned, because return of documents was not guaranteed.
How were proposals reviewed and evaluated?
Proposals were first reviewed for completeness, clarity, coherence, and attention to detail. They were then evaluated based on: strong and relevant goals and objectives tied to Embassy priorities; an innovative and workable approach within the proposed timeline; evidence of organizational capacity and expertise to deliver activities; a credible sustainability plan; and budget quality (reasonable, well-justified costs aligned with activities and results, including any cost-share or in-kind support).
When would applicants hear back after submitting?
Shortlisted applicants could expect notification within roughly 30 days after the March 27, 2020 closing date.
Who issues and administers the award if a proposal is selected?
Awards would be formally issued and administered by a U.S. government Grants Officer, and the signed award agreement would serve as the authorizing document.
What reporting requirements apply to grant recipients?
Recipients would be required to submit program and financial reports at intervals specified in the award agreement. Funding disbursements could be tied to timely submission of those reports.
Who is the official contact for questions about this opportunity?
The federal agency contact listed was Madingane Maliehe, reachable at GrantsMaseru@state.gov.
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