The U.S. Department of State’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Grants Program invites proposals for cultural preservation projects in Brazil. Administered by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, this program aims to preserve significant aspects of cultural heritage through projects focused on cultural sites, cultural objects and collections, and traditional cultural expression. The AFCP is intended to show respect for cultural heritage in other countries by helping to maintain and safeguard culturally significant sites, objects, and traditions. Projects selected will demonstrate a high level of alignment with international standards for cultural preservation, protecting the values that are meaningful to local communities and relevant cultural authorities.

Eligible projects fall into three main categories: (1) cultural sites, which could include the restoration of historical structures or sacred locations; (2) cultural objects and collections, such as artifacts or museum collections that require conservation; and (3) traditional cultural expressions, which include intangible heritage such as music, rituals, or craftsmanship that is at risk of being lost. Each project must contribute to the conservation or documentation of these cultural elements and provide sustainable benefits to the community and cultural stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on projects that uphold the integrity and context of the cultural asset being preserved.

The funding range for awards is $25,000 to $500,000, and projects can last between 12 and 60 months. Awards are typically granted in the form of a grant, cooperative agreement, or fixed amount award, with potential for non-competitive continuation funding based on the project's progress and funding availability. No cost-sharing is required, but applicants who commit additional resources must document these contributions and will be responsible for tracking any cost-sharing commitments. Applicants must be reputable organizations with adequate capacity to manage cultural preservation projects in Brazil and must register on SAM.gov prior to applying.

The application process consists of two phases. In the first phase, applicants submit a concept note of no more than three pages, including project details, location, cost estimate, organization information, project objectives, anticipated activities, and a statement of the cultural and historical importance of the project. The concept note must also outline the project’s urgency and sustainability. Applicants should include digital images to illustrate the need for preservation. For projects selected to advance to the second phase, a more comprehensive application is required, including a detailed project scope, proof of permission to proceed with the project, a public awareness plan, maintenance plans, CVs of key personnel, and a detailed budget with narrative justification.

Proposals will be reviewed and scored based on several criteria, including the importance of the cultural preservation work, the clarity of preservation and broader goals, effectiveness of public awareness plans, quality of the budget, and relevance of supporting materials. Additional points may be awarded for proposals that incorporate innovative partnerships or collaborations with other public diplomacy efforts.

AFCP projects must avoid activities deemed ineligible, such as the preservation of private property, natural heritage without cultural significance, archaeological excavations, and the creation of new works or exhibits not integral to the preservation effort. The award process involves a formal agreement with the U.S. Department of State, and funding will be distributed in installments with interim reporting requirements.

All application materials must be submitted by email to brazilgrants@state.gov, and applicants are encouraged to ensure clarity and completeness in their proposals to increase the likelihood of consideration. For more information or questions regarding the application process, applicants can contact the Public Affairs Section at the specified email address.