U.S. Embassy Lilongwes Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce that we are accepting proposals for our Small Grants Program. This announcement is an Annual Program Statement outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes on which we focus, and the procedures for submitting funding requests. Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to the availability of funding. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the
United States and Malawi through programming that highlights shared values and promotes
bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element or connection
with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote
increased understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives in Malawi.
Examples of programs implemented through the PDS Small Grants Program include, but are not
limited to:
• U.S. experts conducting lectures, seminars, or speaking tours with Malawian audiences
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions
• Professional and academic exchanges and programs
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs
• Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S. sponsored or supported educational or
professional exchange program
• Initiatives aimed at maintaining contact with alumni of U.S. exchange programs
• Projects to promote English language teaching skills or widen access to books and other
sources of information about the United States
Priority Program Areas:
• Promote good governance and rule of law
• Facilitate and encourage growth of entrepreneurship
• Promote gender equality to increase participation in education and improved health
decision-making by adolescent girls and young women
• Increase transparency of government activities through a more capable media
• Support and improve conditions for vulnerable and marginalized citizens, such as the
disabled, people living with albinism, and those subject to stigma or persecution
• Prevent gender-based violence and trafficking in persons
• Promote stronger, more numerous university partnerships between U.S. and Malawian
universities
PDS will ONLY consider proposals that contain a significant American component or aspect. This
could include, but is not limited to, an American expert as a speaker, using curriculum
developed by a U.S. institution, or screening an American film.