Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS COL AFCP LG 2018

  • The Department of State in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR U.S. AMBASSADORS FUND FOR CULTURAL PRESERVATION (AFCP) 2018 LARGE GRANTS COMPETITION" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.025.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Nov 08, 2017.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 06, 2017. (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 $480,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 12 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
Apply for PAS COL AFCP LG 2018

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Opportunity Summary:

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, announced the 2018 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Large Grants competition under funding opportunity number PAS COL AFCP LG 2018 (CFDA 19.025). The program is focused on large-scale, partnership-based cultural preservation efforts, specifically projects that protect and preserve significant cultural heritage sites in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The Embassy encourages prospective applicants to coordinate with its Public Affairs Section while shaping their ideas, with the aim of developing strong proposals that fit AFCP priorities and meet the program's technical and administrative expectations.

Eligibility is limited to reputable, accountable, non-commercial organizations with demonstrated capacity to manage cultural preservation projects. Examples named in the announcement include non-governmental organizations, museums, ministries of culture, and similar institutions. U.S.-based nonprofit organizations may also apply if they qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code. A key requirement is that applicants must be registered and active in SAM.gov, and they must be able to show relevant experience and the organizational capability needed to carry out complex preservation work and manage grant funds responsibly.

This competition is structured in two stages. In Round 1, applicants submit a project abstract rather than a full proposal. Only those whose abstracts pass the initial review are invited to Round 2, where they submit a fully developed project proposal. The abstract stage functions as a screening step, so the initial submission needs to clearly convey the heritage significance of the site or resource, the preservation approach, the partnership structure, and the applicant's capacity to deliver a project of this size. Applicants selected for Round 2 will receive detailed instructions from Embassy officials on how to prepare and submit the full proposal package.

The funding scale is substantial compared to typical small-grant cultural programs. The floor (minimum) award amount is USD 200,000 per project, and historical awards for new large-scale projects since 2008 have ranged from USD 200,000 to USD 979,000. The notice lists an average award amount of about USD 480,000, and the opportunity data also cites an award ceiling of USD 480,000 and an expectation of approximately 12 awards. Taken together, these figures indicate the program is designed for significant, multi-partner preservation interventions that require strong project management, credible technical plans, and clear accountability.

Key dates and submission instructions are straightforward. Project abstracts for Round 1 were due by December 6, 2017 (the original closing date). Applicants with successful abstracts would then be expected to submit full proposals by February 1 (the notice lists February 1, 2017, which appears inconsistent with the 2018 competition timeline and is likely a typographical error; applicants would normally confirm the correct year directly with the Embassy). For questions or to submit abstracts, applicants were directed to contact the Grants Applications Manager at ColomboPDGrants@state.gov and to use "AFCP 2018 Large Grants Program" in the email subject line. The Embassy also pointed applicants to its grant opportunities webpage (https://lk.usembassy.gov/embassy/grant-opportunities/) for complete proposal requirements and additional guidance.

FAQs: 2018 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Large Grants (U.S. Embassy Colombo)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is the 2018 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Large Grants competition announced by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. The opportunity is listed under funding opportunity number PAS COL AFCP LG 2018 and CFDA 19.025.

What is the program trying to fund?

The program supports large-scale, partnership-based cultural preservation projects. It focuses on efforts to protect and preserve significant cultural heritage sites (and related cultural heritage resources) in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Which countries are the focus of this competition?

The competition specifically targets cultural preservation work in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

What types of projects are emphasized?

The announcement emphasizes large-scale, partnership-based preservation efforts. The intent is to support significant interventions that require strong project management, credible technical planning, and clear accountability for preservation outcomes and grant funds.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to reputable, accountable, non-commercial organizations that can demonstrate the capacity to manage cultural preservation projects. Examples mentioned include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), museums, ministries of culture, and similar institutions.

Can U.S.-based organizations apply?

Yes. U.S.-based nonprofit organizations may apply if they qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code.

Are individuals or for-profit entities eligible?

The notice limits eligibility to non-commercial organizations. Individuals are not listed among the eligible entity types in the information provided.

What registration is required before applying?

Applicants must be registered and active in SAM.gov. This is described as a key requirement for eligibility.

What organizational capabilities are expected from applicants?

Applicants are expected to show relevant experience and organizational capability to carry out complex preservation work and manage grant funds responsibly. The opportunity is positioned as suitable for organizations with proven capacity and accountability.

How is the application process structured?

The competition is run in two stages. Round 1 requires submission of a project abstract (not a full proposal). Only applicants whose abstracts pass the initial review are invited to Round 2, where they submit a fully developed project proposal.

What is submitted in Round 1?

Round 1 requires a project abstract. The abstract serves as a screening step and should clearly communicate the cultural heritage significance, the preservation approach, the partnership structure, and the applicant's ability to deliver a project of this size.

Why is the abstract stage important?

Because it functions as a screening step. Only applicants with successful abstracts are invited to submit a full proposal in Round 2, so the abstract needs to be clear and compelling on the core elements of the project and the applicant's capacity.

What happens if an abstract is selected?

Applicants selected for Round 2 receive detailed instructions from Embassy officials on how to prepare and submit the full proposal package.

How much funding is available per project?

The minimum (floor) award amount is USD 200,000 per project. The notice also references historical large-grant awards for new projects since 2008 ranging from USD 200,000 to USD 979,000, and an average award amount of about USD 480,000. The opportunity data also cites an award ceiling of USD 480,000.

What do the award figures suggest about the size of projects?

The stated minimum award of USD 200,000 and the historical range up to USD 979,000 indicate the program is aimed at significant, large-scale preservation interventions rather than small or limited-scope activities.

How many awards are expected?

The opportunity data cites an expectation of approximately 12 awards.

Should applicants coordinate with the Embassy before submitting?

Yes. The Embassy encourages prospective applicants to coordinate with its Public Affairs Section while shaping project ideas, with the goal of developing strong proposals that align with AFCP priorities and meet technical and administrative expectations.

What was the Round 1 deadline for abstracts?

Project abstracts for Round 1 were due by December 6, 2017 (the original closing date stated in the information provided).

What was the deadline for full proposals (Round 2)?

Applicants with successful abstracts were expected to submit full proposals by February 1. The notice reportedly lists February 1, 2017, which conflicts with the 2018 competition timeline and is likely a typographical error. The information provided advises applicants to confirm the correct year directly with the Embassy.

How do applicants submit questions or send abstracts?

Applicants were directed to contact the Grants Applications Manager at ColomboPDGrants@state.gov for questions or to submit abstracts.

Is there a required email subject line?

Yes. Applicants were instructed to use the subject line "AFCP 2018 Large Grants Program" in their email.

Where can applicants find complete proposal requirements and guidance?

The Embassy pointed applicants to its grant opportunities webpage for complete proposal requirements and additional guidance: https://lk.usembassy.gov/embassy/grant-opportunities/

What is the CFDA number and why is it included?

The CFDA number provided is 19.025. It is included as an identifier associated with this U.S. government funding program in the information provided.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number provided is PAS COL AFCP LG 2018.

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