Program Objectives: These small grants intend to strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States, Angola, and São Tomé and Príncipe through activities that highlight shared values, goals, and cooperation. All proposals must have a strong American cultural element, or a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Some examples of U.S. Policy include, but are not limited to, ensuring fair economic and trade relationships, curbing illegal immigration, and celebrating American innovation in energy, science, technology, cybersecurity, and AI.

Examples of PAS-funded programs include, but are not limited to:

●       Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs.

●       Artistic and cultural programs, joint performances, and exhibitions involving the work of American artists or American subjects.

●       Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs.

●       Programs that expand PDS American Corners and American Spaces activities.

●       Professional and academic exchanges and programs.

●       Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S.-government sponsored educational or

professional exchange program.

●       Experiential learning activities (e.g. Model UN, Model Government).

Note: Proposed programs may take place virtually or in-person with public health protocols in place, or a combination of both.

Priority Program Areas for Angola:

U.S.- Angola Partnership: Activities to promote a deeper understanding of the United States’ long support for Angola’s development, prosperity, security and strengthen our bilateral relationship. Target audiences include Organizations and Individuals who may be unaware of U.S. initiatives in Angola.

Skills for Success: Activities to promote professional skills such as resume writing, digital literacy, basic financial literacy, public speaking, communication skills, and entrepreneurship drawing on American and Angolan examples, to encourage successful participation in the global economy. Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with English Clubs, American Spaces, or U.S. exchange alumni to conduct these activities. Target audiences include but are not limited to: Individuals who will soon complete or have completed formal education; and/or graduate/undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math with a strong interest in improving their English or pursuing graduate study in the United States.

Priority Program Areas for São Tomé and Príncipe:

Improve Economic Growth: Activities that connect and sustain networks between small to medium sized businesses, to promote local entrepreneurial growth to advance competitiveness and job creation and improving the business environment for potential U.S. investment.

Reinforce Mutual Understanding between the U.S. and São Tomé and Príncipe: Present accurate information on the U.S. and build connections between American and Santomean institutions at all levels; support the promotion of American cultural heritage; and foster English language proficiency for strategic audiences, entrepreneurs, and mid-career professionals in government service.

Participants and Audiences:

Proposals must identify a clearly defined target audience that the project seeks to influence. Well-defined audiences are countable and accessible through the project’s activities. Proposals should specify the changes in knowledge, understanding, attitudes, or behavior change in attitudes or behavioral action that they seek with the project – and how they plan to measure these outcomes.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

●       Programs relating to partisan political activity.

●       For-profit programs.

●       Charitable or development activities.

●       Construction programs.

●       Programs that support specific religious activities.

●       Fund-raising campaigns.

●       Lobbying for specific legislation or programs.

●       Scientific research.

●       Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or

●       Programs that duplicate existing programs.

●       Programs that support or promote DEIA