The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2025 Grants Program, organized by the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, invites applications for projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage in Zambia and globally. Since its inception in 2001, the AFCP has supported efforts such as restoring archeological sites, conserving museum collections, and preserving traditional cultural expressions. In the 2025 cycle, the program expects to fund 25 to 35 projects worldwide, with awards ranging between $25,000 and $500,000.

The program's objectives include preserving archaeological sites, historic buildings and monuments, museum collections, and traditional cultural expressions like indigenous crafts and languages. Eligible activities under this grant include conservation, stabilization, restoration, and documentation of cultural heritage, among others. However, certain activities and costs, such as preservation of private collections, construction of new buildings, and digitization projects not tied to broader conservation efforts, are explicitly excluded.

Eligible applicants for this program include government ministries of culture, non-governmental organizations, museums, and higher education institutions. Individuals, commercial entities, and entities that failed to meet objectives in previous awards are ineligible. Additionally, all applicants must be registered in the U.S. government's System for Award Management (SAM) to receive federal assistance.

The application process occurs in two stages. In Round 1, applicants must submit concept notes by December 27, 2024, to the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka via email. These notes should include basic project details, a summary description, and supporting visual materials. Shortlisted applicants will advance to Round 2, where they will submit detailed proposals by March 28, 2025. These proposals must include extensive project descriptions, maintenance plans, outreach strategies, and detailed budgets.

Applications will be evaluated on criteria such as the importance of the project, maintenance and outreach plans, and innovative collaboration. Round 1 focuses on determining concept viability, while Round 2 emphasizes comprehensive planning and alignment with program goals. Funding decisions will be made based on a detailed point system, with priority given to projects demonstrating significant cultural and public diplomacy benefits.

The length of the performance period for funded projects ranges from 12 to 60 months, with the start date varying by project. All required documents must be submitted in English, and applications not adhering to character limits or required formats will be deemed ineligible. For more information, applicants can contact the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka directly or refer to the full announcement.

This program offers a vital opportunity for organizations to support cultural preservation efforts that have significant historical, artistic, and social value, while fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.