PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Conakry Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out projects to strengthen information integrity in Guinea for the purposes of reducing stigmatization and instrumentalization of communal identities in at-risk communities. Proposed projects should seek 1) to improve the accuracy and conflict-sensitivity of reporting in Guineas media landscape and 2) to increase Guineans awareness of and ability to counter mis- and dis-information. Projects should aim to target communities at high risk for stigmatization or instrumentalization of communal identities. Public Diplomacy Section Conakry invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect these goals. Please carefully follow all instructions below. This opportunity is designed to contribute to the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability (SPCPS) in Coastal West Africa. The SPCPS seeks to promote peace and prevent violent conflict and violent extremism that risks destabilizing Coastal West Africa (including Guinea, Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin). It aims to implement a new policy approach that addresses the political drivers of fragility and supports locally driven solutions. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise one- to three-page statement of interest in English via this form that clearly communicates program idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to the required development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision(s) are made.