[U.S. Mission to South Africa](https://za.usembassy.gov/)

May 9, 2025 | July 11, 2025

Up to $25,000 per award; typical project period 12–24 months; total program funding $200,000.

Supports non-profit projects in South Africa that foster U.S.-South African partnerships in areas such as STEM, education, entrepreneurship, media, and community security.

Concept notes required first; only non-profits eligible; strong American component is mandatory.

--- ## Description The U.S. Mission to South Africa Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites non-profit organizations to apply for funding to implement projects that advance shared U.S.-South African priorities. The program aims to strengthen partnerships and knowledge exchange between U.S. and South African individuals and institutions, with a focus on areas such as STEM education, higher education linkages, entrepreneurship, media development, and community security. All projects must include a significant American component and primarily benefit South African audiences. --- ## Due Dates - **May 9, 2025**: Deadline for concept note submissions (11:59 p.m. SAST) - **July 11, 2025**: Final deadline for concept note submissions (11:59 p.m. SAST) - Concept notes are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged as funding is limited. - Applicants will be notified within one month of each deadline if invited to submit a full proposal. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Ceiling:** $25,000 per project - **Award Floor:** $5,000 per project - **Total Program Funding:** $200,000 (up to 10 awards anticipated) - **Project Duration:** 12–24 months - **Funding Instrument:** Grant, cooperative agreement, or fixed amount award --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Only non-profit organizations, including: - Civil society/non-governmental organizations - Non-profit public and private educational institutions - Non-profit think tanks - **Geographic Focus:** Projects must principally take place in South Africa and target South African audiences. - **Priority:** South African organizations with a proven track record may be prioritized. - **Ineligible Applicants:** For-profit entities are not eligible. - **SAM.gov Registration:** Not required for concept note submission, but mandatory before final award. --- ## Application Process ### Phase 1: Concept Note - Submit a concise (max 2 pages) concept note describing: - Project overview (who, what, why, when, how) - Estimated budget (in USD) - Intended beneficiaries and outcomes - Complete and upload the cover sheet via the [APS Google Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OeeKnMBE4aFFN57rg3IoclasTMnucAkVKXoefYLaRoE/edit). - Concept notes are reviewed by a Merit Review Panel. ### Phase 2: Full Proposal (by invitation only) - If selected, applicants will be invited to submit a detailed proposal with specific instructions provided. - Full proposals must comply with all requirements outlined in the NOFO. **Note:** If you do not receive a response within three months of submission, your concept note was not selected. --- ## Program Focus Areas Projects should align with one or more of the following strategic priorities: - **STEM Education:** Innovative approaches, especially in under-resourced communities and partnerships with TVETs. - **Higher Education Linkages:** Sustainable partnerships between U.S. and South African institutions, student exchanges, curriculum development, and commercialization of research. - **Alumni Networks:** Strengthening networks and community impact of U.S. government exchange alumni. - **Media Development:** Professional development for community, citizen, and student journalists; media literacy; U.S.-South African media collaboration. - **Entrepreneurship:** Expanding opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs, bilateral trade, and business skills. - **Community Security:** Dialogue and capacity building for safer, more cohesive communities. **Regional Priorities:** Additional focus areas are specified for KwaZulu Natal, Eastern/Western/Northern Cape, Gauteng/Free State/North West, and Pretoria/Limpopo/Mpumalanga. See the [NOFO PDF](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Notice%20of%20Funding%20Opportunity%20-%20APS%20FY25.pdf) for details. --- ## Restrictions The following types of projects are **not eligible**: - Partisan political activity or advocacy - Projects solely dedicated to research - Projects with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or gender identity elements - Charitable, development, or profit-motivated activities - Construction, social/health services, or religious activities - Fundraising, lobbying, or institutional development - Scholarships, tuition, or purely social events - Prizes/awards without programmatic linkage - Unconnected travel to the U.S. --- ## Additional Information - **Cost Sharing:** Permitted but not required; cost-effectiveness is a selection factor. - **American Component:** All proposals must include a significant American element (e.g., U.S. experts, institutions, or cultural exchange). - **Reporting:** Awardees must submit financial and programmatic reports as specified in the award agreement. - **Compliance:** All activities must comply with U.S. federal anti-discrimination laws and other relevant regulations. --- ## External Links - [U.S. Mission to South Africa (Funder Home)](https://za.usembassy.gov/) - [Full Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Notice%20of%20Funding%20Opportunity%20-%20APS%20FY25.pdf) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/357797) - [APS Google Form (Application Portal)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OeeKnMBE4aFFN57rg3IoclasTMnucAkVKXoefYLaRoE/edit) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Public Diplomacy Grants Team | [pretoriagrants@state.gov](mailto:pretoriagrants@state.gov) | (270)-431-4000 | [Contact Page](https://za.usembassy.gov/contact) |

Annual Program Statement 2025

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