The U.S. Embassy BURKINA FASO Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Burkina Faso invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and BURKINA FASO through cultural and exchange 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. policy and perspectives. Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; Professional and academic exchanges and programs; Civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights; New media concepts projects aimed at reaching wider audiences; Youth community service projects that promote democratic processes and encourage volunteerism; Development of initiatives aimed at maintaining contacts with alumni of U.S. exchange programs. Priority Program Areas: Programs to bolster understanding and practices of Democracy, Human Rights, and Good Governance. This may include projects that encourage participation in civil society, especially for women, religious minorities, and youth. Programs that seek to promote a better understanding of diversity, inclusion, religious freedom, gender rights, persons with disabilities, underrepresented or otherwise disadvantaged communities, and/or other aspects of human rights. Creative programs that advance one or more of the priority areas listed above, to include but not be limited to, economic empowerment, youth development, peace and security. Programs promoting English language capacity through projects that encourage the usage and learning of English language as a tool for civic and economic development. Programs that increase transparency, media professionalism, access to diverse new sources, media literacy, etc. Projects may develop the capacity of Burkinabe media, a tradition of fact-checking and research for journalists and/or media consumers, capitalize on social media use for greater transparency, and/or expand such programs beyond the capital and secondary cities. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding.