The U.S. Consulate General, Public Affairs Section in Chennai is soliciting proposals from legally recognized non-profit, non-governmental organizations that meet U.S. and Indian technical and legal requirements to develop and implement public diplomacy programs.

The U.S. Consulate General Chennai Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State oversees a range of cultural and educational initiatives throughout South India that are supported by the U.S. government, with the goal to foster stronger bilateral and regional ties through diverse public diplomacy programs.  PAS Chennai’s geographic focus includes three states in South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala) and the Union Territories of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.  Their program priorities are broad and include economic growth, military and non-military security, sustainable energy, health, higher education, science and technology, regional cooperation, and fostering shared values.

Examples of small projects include, but are not limited to:

• U.S. experts conducting speaking tours/public talks or roundtable discussions in India.
• Projects showcasing U.S. models or curricula.
• Development of initiatives aimed at maintaining contact with alumni of exchange programs.
• Creative projects that advance one or more of the priority areas.

Project Goal: The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement programs that foster stronger bilateral and regional ties through diverse public diplomacy programs on topics related to economic growth, countering disinformation, disaster management, and active citizenship.  Applications should include an American element or connection with an American expert, organization, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Program Priority Areas

While proposals may address multiple project objectives, each proposal should focus primarily on one of the following priority project areas.

• Inclusive Economic Growth: Activities that build India’s entrepreneurship ecosystem through women’s economic empowerment. Improve the connections between U.S. and Indian businesses, and/or expand economic opportunities for women, youth, and underserved populations.
• Countering Disinformation: Projects that reinforce journalistic standards to counter disinformation; support freedom of information; encourage transparency; promote critical thinking; and instill media ethics through educational methods and materials. Journalists and citizens will be better equipped to evaluate and hold to account all sources of information.
• Disaster Management: Activities related to building capacity in community volunteers, leaders, and first responders who can take effective action before, during, and after an emergency. Increase understanding of all-hazards mitigation and management and build civic participation, good governance, and resilient communities.
• Active Citizenship: Projects that support human rights, racial/ethnic equality, women’s empowerment, diversity, and social inclusion in civil society, with special focus on youth and grassroot communities.

Preference will be given to proposals that include target audiences in Tier 3 and 4 cities of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

Project Objectives: [Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely]: This should be outlined in the specific proposal(s) by the applicant.

Project Audience: All applicants for awards must specify their target audience (gender/age/social class/geographic breakdown) and estimate the expected audience reach through direct contact and, if possible, through indirect contacts (via social media or traditional media).

Funding Information

• Minimum Award Amount: $5,000
• Maximum Award Amount: $25,000

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • Civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Think tanks
  • Public and private educational institutions
  • Individuals
  • Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
• Please choose organization nationality and type: International Not-for-Profit Organization.
• Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
• Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.
• Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

Applicants must ensure:

• All documents are in English
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars and calculated @ USD 1 = INR 68
• All pages are numbered
• All materials are submitted in .pdf format
• Applicant has read the Standard Terms and Conditions applicable to all Grants and Cooperative agreements. Included in the package here.
• Forms SF-424, SF-424A and SF-424B are completed and submitted with the application. These forms are included in the package.
• Applicants submitting proposals over $100,000 must also submit Standard Form LLL (SF-LLL), Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.