The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia’s Public Diplomacy Section has announced the Fiscal Year 2025 Request for Statements of Interest (SOI) for public engagement programs. This opportunity seeks to strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Ethiopia by promoting shared values, bilateral cooperation, and mutual understanding through cultural, media, and exchange programs. The program encourages innovative project ideas that incorporate American cultural elements or involve U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions.

Eligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and individuals with relevant programming experience. However, priority will be given to organizations and institutions with a proven track record of success. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a two-page concept note as part of a two-step application process, which is designed to evaluate project ideas before requiring a full proposal.

Projects must align with at least one of the following thematic areas: supporting Ethiopia’s economic and political reforms, promoting media literacy to combat misinformation, encouraging economic growth through entrepreneurship and STEAM education, engaging underserved populations such as youth, women, and persons with disabilities, advancing environmental sustainability, promoting peace, and supporting fair and peaceful elections. Proposed projects should be completed within a performance period of 12 to 18 months.

The funding range for awards is between twenty-five thousand and one hundred thousand dollars, although exceptional proposals exceeding two hundred thousand dollars may be considered pending availability of funds. A total of five awards are anticipated. Cost-sharing is not required for this funding opportunity. Statements of interest must include a brief project description, performance indicators, organizational capacity, timeline, and anticipated budget amount. Submissions must be written in English, single-spaced, and comply with formatting guidelines.

The deadline to submit a statement of interest is January 31, 2025. Successful applicants will be invited to submit full proposals, which will undergo a second merit review before final funding decisions are made. All application materials must be submitted via email to addispasapsgrants@state.gov. Organizations are required to register with SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) prior to receiving an award. The U.S. Embassy reserves the right to award less or more than the stated funds based on the quality of submissions and funding availability.