U.S. Embassy Banjul Public Diplomacy (PD) Notice of Funding Opportunity | PDS BJL FY24 AS

Opportunity Information: Apply for PDS BJL FY24 AS

The U.S. Embassy in Banjul, through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), is offering funding to support the management and programming of two American Corners in The Gambia: American Corner Fajara (78 Atlantic Road) and the Africell American Corner in Bundung. Each location will be funded through a separate award, and the funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, meaning the Embassy plans to stay actively involved in how the program is designed and carried out rather than simply issuing funds and stepping back. The Embassy will collaborate closely with the selected recipient(s) by providing feedback and guidance, helping vet and shape planned events, participating in the career development coaching component, and helping connect the program with speakers and participants. The Embassy will also provide key operational support such as equipment and internet connectivity, and it retains the authority to halt programming at any time if needed.

American Corners are described as open-access learning and community gathering spaces that help connect local communities with the United States. They are part of a global network used by U.S. embassies and consulates to strengthen relationships, highlight American culture and values, support English-language learning, encourage study in the United States, and build mutual understanding and goodwill. In practice, this opportunity is focused on operating these corners not only as public spaces, but also as hands-on professional development hubs where university and college students can gain real workplace experience by helping run the corners and deliver public programs tied to U.S. government and Embassy public diplomacy priorities.

A central requirement of the grant is that the recipient will run a year-long professional development and internship-style program for students currently enrolled in college or university. Interns will staff the American Corners and take on program delivery responsibilities, including designing and hosting events aligned with U.S. Government priorities, implementing programming assigned by their supervisor, supporting other interns projects, and documenting and evaluating program impact. The recipient is also expected to hire appropriate staff to oversee the interns and the space, including monitoring performance, mentoring participants, evaluating outcomes, and maintaining the documentation required to manage an American Space in line with U.S. Embassy and host-institution guidance. Interns will receive life skills and career coaching, clear workplace expectations, and structured performance monitoring, with at least four written evaluations over the course of the year (one per quarter).

While both corners share a common structure and many shared priorities, each has its own emphasis. For American Corner Fajara, the objectives focus on building a year-long student professional development program and guiding interns to create and deliver programming aligned with Embassy priorities. The listed programming priorities include expanding English language learning through access to English speakers and learning resources, computers, and the internet; strengthening people-to-people ties through cultural programs; engaging U.S. government alumni so they can share firsthand experiences about the United States and American values; promoting civic engagement and democratic participation; supporting public health and education initiatives; empowering women and girls; and contributing to The Gambias growing entrepreneurial sector. The Embassy notes it may introduce additional programming priorities at any time, so recipients should be prepared for evolving themes and directives.

For the Africell American Corner in Bundung, the core objective is the same year-long student professional development model with interns staffing the corner, but with a clear special focus on STEM. Intern-led programming should still include English language learning and cultural exchange, and it should also continue engagement with U.S. government alumni, but the defining emphasis of this corner is programs that educate and encourage youth participation in STEM fields. Applicants for this corner would be expected to demonstrate credible capacity to plan, run, and measure STEM-oriented activities that appeal to young audiences while still fitting within the broader American Corner mission and Embassy public diplomacy goals.

The opportunity is run by the U.S. Mission to The Gambia and is categorized as discretionary funding, with an expected two awards total (one per corner). The award ceiling is listed as 55,350, and the original closing date for applications is July 15, 2024. The eligible applicant types include non-profit organizations, educational organizations, organizations focused on youth development or women and girls empowerment, and U.S. government program alumni applying as individuals. The funding opportunity number is PDS BJL FY24 AS, and the relevant CFDA numbers are 19.040 and 19.441. Overall, the grant is aimed at organizations or qualified individuals who can responsibly manage a public-facing American Space, run consistent programming aligned with Embassy priorities, and deliver a structured, well-documented internship and career development experience for Gambian university students over a full year.

• The U.S. Mission to Gambia in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Banjul Public Diplomacy (PD) Notice of Funding Opportunity" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040, 19.441.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-06-04.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $55,350.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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