The U.S. Mission to Nigeria, through the Department of State’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), is offering funding to support projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage in Nigeria. This initiative, established by Congress in 2001, is intended to reinforce U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy by preserving historical sites, collections, languages, and cultural expressions that are valuable to local communities. For the FY 2025 cycle, applications for funding must be submitted by January 10, 2025, with projects expected to start in October 2025. The grant period can span from 12 to 60 months, with funding awards ranging between $25,000 and $500,000, depending on the scale and scope of the project and availability of funds.

Eligible projects must focus on specific preservation activities. These may include anastylosis (reassembling sites), conservation, consolidation, documentation, inventory creation, preventive conservation, restoration, and stabilization. Funding priorities emphasize projects that align with broader U.S. and host country objectives, such as supporting bilateral agreements, promoting U.S. policy goals, and aiding in post-disaster cultural recovery. Projects may also address risk reduction for cultural heritage in politically or economically unstable regions. However, activities related to private property preservation, new construction, modern adaptations, and standalone digitization, among others, are not eligible for funding.

Eligible applicants include reputable, non-commercial organizations with a demonstrated capacity to manage cultural preservation projects. These may include non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, museums, and ministries of culture. U.S.-based educational institutions and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status may also apply. Each organization can submit only one proposal, and organizations with outstanding obligations from past AFCP awards are ineligible. Applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration with SAM.gov, and if applicable, should be prepared to fulfill any required cost-sharing outlined in their proposal.

The application process consists of two rounds. In Round 1, applicants submit a concept note outlining the project’s objectives, location, estimated budget, and potential impact. Successful applicants from Round 1 are then invited to submit a more detailed proposal in Round 2. Required documentation for submission includes federal forms (SF-424 series), a summary page, project narrative, budget justification, CVs of key personnel, and letters of support. Applicants are encouraged to emphasize the project’s significance, expected impact, and long-term sustainability.

Applications will be evaluated based on criteria that include the project’s potential impact, outreach plan, maintenance plan, budget justification, and alignment with public diplomacy goals. A review committee from the U.S. Mission to Nigeria will assess applications for technical and thematic relevance, applicant qualifications, and financial and programmatic risks. Selected projects will receive formal notification of award and can begin incurring expenses from the award start date. Awardees must comply with federal reporting requirements, submitting quarterly financial and program performance reports.

This funding opportunity aligns with U.S. public diplomacy efforts, prioritizing projects that not only preserve cultural heritage but also foster stronger ties between the United States and Nigeria. For additional guidance on the application process or eligibility, prospective applicants may contact PASAbujaGrants@State.gov.