Opportunity Information: Apply for AFMDG 21 01

The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), under the U.S. Department of State, released an Annual Program Statement announcing funding through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. The overall purpose is to support public-facing, people-to-people projects that advance U.S. values, deepen mutual understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian communities and institutions, and contribute to Embassy priorities such as transparency and good governance, economic prosperity, and the sustainable development and stewardship of natural resources. In practical terms, the program is looking for activities that build relationships, strengthen civic and professional capacity, and communicate shared priorities in ways that resonate locally while still connecting clearly to U.S. perspectives.

A central requirement is that every funded project must include a clear U.S. cultural element or a concrete partnership with the United States, such as participation by U.S. experts, collaboration with U.S. organizations or institutions, or other credible U.S.-based linkages. That U.S. component is not meant to be symbolic; it should be integrated into the project design so the target audiences gain a stronger understanding of U.S. policy, viewpoints, or approaches in the relevant field. Proposals that naturally embed American expertise, joint programming, or sustained exchange tend to fit this model best because they create direct engagement rather than one-way messaging.

The Embassy frames eligible project formats broadly, giving applicants flexibility to propose activities that match local needs. Illustrative examples include academic or professional lectures, seminars, and speaker events; trainings, workshops, and short courses that build professional or academic skills; youth engagement initiatives; artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; cultural heritage conservation and preservation efforts; professional and academic exchanges; and communication campaigns focused on themes like human rights, democracy, and environmental issues. These examples are not exhaustive, but they signal the kinds of public diplomacy outcomes the Embassy wants: improved skills and networks, stronger institutions and civil society ties, and more informed public conversations connected to democratic values and sustainable development.

Projects are expected to be time-bound and manageable, with a completion timeline of 24 months or less. While the initial award period is capped at that timeframe, the Embassy notes that it may consider continuation funding beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis. Any continuation would depend on the availability of funds, evidence of strong performance and results, and a judgment that extending the work aligns with the Department of State's interests. This essentially means well-run projects that demonstrate impact and remain strategically relevant may have an opportunity to scale or continue without restarting the process in a brand-new competition.

From the funding details provided, the opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number AFMDG 21 01) is categorized as discretionary support and can be awarded as either a grant or a cooperative agreement, indicating the Embassy may be more or less involved in implementation depending on the project. The award ceiling is listed at $20,000, with an expectation of around five awards, which suggests relatively small, targeted projects rather than large multi-year programs. The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 19.040, and the issuing agency is the Department of State, U.S. Mission to Madagascar.

Eligibility is described broadly to include U.S., Malagasy, and/or Comorian educational, cultural, and other nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals, as long as the proposal aligns with the program's public diplomacy aims and includes the required U.S. element. The notice lists the eligible applicant category generally as "Others," implying that a range of nontraditional applicants may be considered if they can demonstrate capacity to carry out the project and deliver measurable outcomes.

Applications had to be submitted directly to the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section by email at AntanPASGrants@state.gov. The opportunity record indicates it was created on April 15, 2021, with an original closing date of June 30, 2021.

  • The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Madagascar in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros PDS Annual Program Statement" 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 Apr 15, 2021.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 30, 2021. (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 $20,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
Apply for AFMDG 21 01

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this grant opportunity?

This opportunity is the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement for its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. It supports public-facing, people-to-people projects that advance U.S. values and deepen mutual understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian communities and institutions.

Who is offering the funding?

The issuing agency is the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to Madagascar, through the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section (PDS).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is AFMDG 21 01.

What CFDA number is associated with this program?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 19.040.

What is the overall purpose of the program?

The program aims to support projects that advance U.S. values, build mutual understanding, and contribute to Embassy priorities such as transparency and good governance, economic prosperity, and sustainable development and stewardship of natural resources.

What types of outcomes is the Embassy looking for?

Based on the description, the Embassy is looking for outcomes such as stronger relationships and networks, strengthened civic and professional capacity, stronger institutions and civil society ties, improved skills, and more informed public conversations connected to democratic values and sustainable development.

Is a U.S. component required in every project?

Yes. Every funded project must include a clear U.S. cultural element or a concrete partnership with the United States. Examples include participation by U.S. experts, collaboration with U.S. organizations or institutions, or other credible U.S.-based linkages.

What does the Embassy mean by a "U.S. cultural element" or "concrete partnership"?

The U.S. component is expected to be substantive and integrated into the project design, not just symbolic. The goal is for target audiences to gain a stronger understanding of U.S. policy, viewpoints, or approaches in the relevant field through direct engagement.

What kinds of projects are eligible?

The Embassy describes eligible formats broadly. Illustrative examples include lectures, seminars, and speaker events; trainings, workshops, and short courses; youth engagement initiatives; artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; cultural heritage conservation and preservation; professional and academic exchanges; and communication campaigns focused on themes like human rights, democracy, and environmental issues.

Are the listed project examples the only allowable activities?

No. The examples are described as illustrative and not exhaustive, indicating applicants may propose other public diplomacy activities that fit the program purpose and requirements, including the required U.S. element.

What geographic or community focus does the program emphasize?

The program focuses on projects that deepen mutual understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian communities and institutions.

How long can a project run?

Projects are expected to be time-bound and manageable, with a completion timeline of 24 months or less.

Can projects be extended beyond 24 months?

The initial award period is capped at 24 months, but the Embassy notes it may consider continuation funding beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis. Continuation would depend on availability of funds, strong performance and results, and alignment with Department of State interests.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $20,000.

How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of around five awards.

Is this funding a grant or a cooperative agreement?

The opportunity states awards may be made as either a grant or a cooperative agreement, which suggests the Embassy's level of involvement in implementation may vary by project.

What does "discretionary support" mean in this notice?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary support. The notice does not provide additional detail beyond that classification.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described broadly and includes U.S., Malagasy, and/or Comorian educational, cultural, and other nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals, as long as the proposal aligns with the public diplomacy aims and includes the required U.S. element.

The notice lists the eligible applicant category as "Others." What does that imply?

The notice indicates the eligible applicant category generally as "Others," suggesting a wide range of applicants, including nontraditional applicants, may be considered if they can demonstrate capacity to carry out the project and deliver measurable outcomes.

What are some priority themes the Embassy highlights?

The Embassy highlights priorities such as transparency and good governance, economic prosperity, and the sustainable development and stewardship of natural resources. It also gives examples of communication campaign themes including human rights, democracy, and environmental issues.

How should applicants demonstrate alignment with public diplomacy goals?

Based on the notice, proposals should clearly connect activities to public-facing, people-to-people engagement; show how they advance U.S. values and mutual understanding; and explain how the required U.S. component will help audiences understand U.S. policy, viewpoints, or approaches in the topic area.

How were applications submitted?

Applications had to be submitted directly to the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section by email to AntanPASGrants@state.gov.

What was the application deadline?

The record indicates the original closing date was June 30, 2021.

When was the opportunity posted or created?

The opportunity record indicates it was created on April 15, 2021.

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