Opportunity Information: Apply for AF HAR FY23 02
The U.S. Embassy in Harare (Public Diplomacy Section) is offering small grants under its FY2023 Annual Program Statement to support projects that build stronger connections between people in the United States and people in Zimbabwe. The central goal is public diplomacy: exchanges that highlight U.S. ideas and values and create practical, lasting networks between communities and professionals in both countries. A non-negotiable requirement is that every project includes a clear American component. That can be an American expert participating in Zimbabwe (either in person or virtually), Zimbabwean participants traveling to the United States, or a structured collaboration with U.S. partners that results in genuine two-way learning and a better understanding of U.S. perspectives. Proposals that align with the Embassy's specific 2023 Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and that build the American component into the core of the design are expected to be more competitive.
Priority themes focus on initiatives that advance democratic principles and free expression, especially projects that share best practices in citizen advocacy or examine how modern media operates in a digital economy, including the ethics and standards needed to earn public trust. The Embassy is also looking for programs that support an inclusive economy, with particular interest in connecting social entrepreneurs and the creative sector to emerging digital markets. Education and research collaboration is another priority, especially proposals that deepen U.S.-Zimbabwe university partnerships, strengthen research capacity, and address the real-world challenges universities face in a changing market. Applicants are also encouraged to propose activities that expand professional networks, for example by enabling participation in conferences, rebuilding alumni exchange ties, and using those relationships to solve current problems. A final priority area is social inclusion, with emphasis on underserved groups such as persons with disabilities, minority ethnic communities, LGBTQI individuals, and people living in remote rural areas.
The program has clear limits on what it will not fund. Ineligible activities include partisan political work, charity or general development assistance, construction, projects that support specific religious activities, fundraising campaigns, and lobbying for particular laws or government programs. It also excludes scientific research, projects primarily aimed at growing the applicant organization itself rather than delivering public-facing programming, and proposals that duplicate existing programs. Funding is authorized under the Smith-Mundt framework and uses FY2023 Public Diplomacy funds, meaning the focus is exchange, mutual understanding, and relationship-building rather than humanitarian relief or long-term development programming.
Awards can support projects lasting from 2 to 18 months. Funding amounts generally range from USD 2,500 up to USD 75,000. There are additional practical caps: proposals that are primarily for travel to attend U.S. conferences cannot exceed USD 5,000, and festival proposals that bring American talent must include free public events. Requests above typical levels are expected to be truly exceptional. The Embassy may issue awards as a standard grant, a fixed amount award (which cannot be amended later), or a cooperative agreement, which involves more active involvement by the Public Diplomacy Section during implementation. All awards are subject to the availability of funds.
Eligibility and compliance rules are important. Each organization may submit only one proposal; submitting more than one makes all submissions from that organization ineligible. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov to receive an award, and they must also obtain an NCAGE/CAGE code; these registrations are free, but they can take time. Individuals may apply without a UEI or SAM registration. Cost sharing is not required, but it is encouraged if feasible.
The announcement also flags real financial and banking constraints in Zimbabwe. The Embassy will not provide extra funds to cover currency fluctuations or unexpected costs, so applicants are expected to plan conservatively and demonstrate they can manage funds responsibly. The Embassy strongly suggests maintaining a foreign currency account in addition to a local currency account, understanding local bank policies and fees for U.S. dollar transactions, and ensuring the bank can process transfers through correspondent relationships with U.S. banks. Banking details are typically requested only if a proposal is selected.
To apply, applicants can request the application package by emailing PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov, and forms are also available through Grants.gov. Proposals must be in English and should clearly explain the who, what, why, when, where, how, and how much of the project. A complete submission includes the required application form, a detailed budget and budget narrative in U.S. dollars with unit costs and quantities, and standard federal forms (SF-424 or SF-424-I, SF-424A, and SF-424B). Depending on the project, attachments may include one-page CVs/resumes for key staff (required for projects over USD 50,000), letters of support from partners spelling out roles and responsibilities, a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) if indirect costs are claimed, and any required official permission letters. If an organization does not have a NICRA, indirect/overhead costs are capped at 10 percent of the total budget.
The Embassy began accepting proposals on November 1, 2022. For the strongest chance of full consideration, applicants were encouraged to submit by January 31, 2023 (the original closing date listed), but proposals could still be submitted up to the final deadline of August 31, 2023, with the warning that late submissions might not receive full review and would depend on remaining funds. Applications must be emailed to PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov with the subject line "Annual PD Program Statement Grant Proposal." Proposals are reviewed competitively by the Public Diplomacy Grants Committee on an annual basis, contingent on funds. Unsuccessful applicants are to be notified by email no later than September 30, 2023, and qualified proposals may remain on file for up to 12 months in case funding becomes available later. After submission, applicants should note that State Department staff cannot discuss the competition with applicants until the review process is completed, though applicants may request a status update via email using the specified subject line format.Apply for AF HAR FY23 02
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Harare PD Annual Program Statement" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 01, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 31, 2023. (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 $75,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is this grant opportunity?
This is a small grants opportunity offered by the U.S. Embassy in Harare (Public Diplomacy Section) under its FY2023 Annual Program Statement. It supports projects that strengthen connections between people in the United States and people in Zimbabwe through public diplomacy exchanges and relationship-building.
2) What is the main goal of the program?
The central goal is public diplomacy: projects that highlight U.S. ideas and values, create practical and lasting networks, and support genuine two-way learning and mutual understanding between U.S. and Zimbabwean communities and professionals.
3) What does "public diplomacy" mean in this context?
In this program, public diplomacy focuses on exchanges, collaboration, and relationship-building between U.S. and Zimbabwean participants and institutions. It is not designed as humanitarian relief or long-term general development assistance.
4) Is an "American component" required?
Yes. A clear American component is non-negotiable. Every project must include a meaningful U.S. element that is built into the core project design.
5) What counts as an acceptable American component?
Examples include: an American expert participating in Zimbabwe (in-person or virtual), Zimbabwean participants traveling to the United States, or a structured collaboration with U.S. partners that creates genuine two-way learning and a better understanding of U.S. perspectives.
6) Are projects more competitive if they align with specific Embassy priorities?
Yes. Proposals that align with the Embassy's specific 2023 Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and that integrate the American component into the core design are expected to be more competitive.
7) What thematic areas are prioritized for funding?
Priority themes include: democratic principles and free expression; modern media in a digital economy (including ethics and standards needed to earn public trust); inclusive economy (including connecting social entrepreneurs and the creative sector to emerging digital markets); education and research collaboration (including stronger U.S.-Zimbabwe university partnerships and research capacity); expanding professional networks (including conferences and alumni exchange ties); and social inclusion focused on underserved groups.
8) What does the Embassy mean by democracy and free expression priorities?
The Embassy is particularly interested in projects that share best practices in citizen advocacy and projects that examine how modern media works in a digital economy, including ethical practices and standards that build public trust.
9) What kinds of economy-related projects are a fit?
Programs that support an inclusive economy are prioritized, especially those that connect social entrepreneurs and the creative sector to emerging digital markets.
10) What education and research activities are prioritized?
Priority is given to proposals that deepen U.S.-Zimbabwe university partnerships, strengthen research capacity, and address real-world challenges that universities face in a changing market.
11) What does the program mean by expanding professional networks?
This includes activities such as enabling participation in conferences, rebuilding alumni exchange ties, and using professional and alumni relationships to solve current problems.
12) Which underserved groups are emphasized under the social inclusion priority?
The Embassy highlights persons with disabilities, minority ethnic communities, LGBTQI individuals, and people living in remote rural areas.
13) What is the project duration allowed under this opportunity?
Projects can last from 2 to 18 months.
14) How much funding is available per award?
Funding amounts generally range from USD 2,500 to USD 75,000, subject to availability of funds.
15) Are there special funding caps for certain types of proposals?
Yes. Proposals that are primarily for travel to attend U.S. conferences cannot exceed USD 5,000. Festival proposals that bring American talent must include free public events.
16) Can an applicant request more than USD 75,000?
The typical range tops out at USD 75,000. Requests above typical levels are expected to be truly exceptional (and awards remain subject to funds availability).
17) What types of award instruments might the Embassy use?
The Embassy may issue a standard grant, a fixed amount award (which cannot be amended later), or a cooperative agreement (which involves more active involvement by the Public Diplomacy Section during implementation).
18) What is a fixed amount award and what is the key limitation?
A fixed amount award is an award type that cannot be amended later. This means applicants should plan carefully because the award amount and structure are not changeable once issued.
19) What is a cooperative agreement in this program?
A cooperative agreement is an award type in which the Public Diplomacy Section expects to be more actively involved during project implementation compared to a standard grant.
20) What activities are explicitly ineligible for funding?
Ineligible activities include: partisan political work; charity or general development assistance; construction; projects supporting specific religious activities; fundraising campaigns; lobbying for particular laws or government programs; scientific research; projects primarily aimed at growing the applicant organization rather than delivering public-facing programming; and proposals that duplicate existing programs.
21) Will the Embassy fund construction or building renovations?
No. Construction is listed as an ineligible activity.
22) Will the Embassy fund partisan political activities?
No. Partisan political work is explicitly ineligible.
23) Will the Embassy fund fundraising campaigns?
No. Fundraising campaigns are explicitly ineligible.
24) Will the Embassy fund lobbying efforts?
No. Lobbying for particular laws or government programs is explicitly ineligible.
25) Will the Embassy fund scientific research?
No. Scientific research is listed as an ineligible activity.
26) Are projects allowed if they mainly benefit the applicant organization?
No. The program excludes projects that are primarily aimed at growing the applicant organization itself rather than delivering public-facing programming.
27) Can an organization submit more than one proposal?
No. Each organization may submit only one proposal. Submitting more than one makes all submissions from that organization ineligible.
28) Who is eligible to apply: organizations, individuals, or both?
Both can apply. Organizations must meet specific registration requirements to receive an award. Individuals may apply without a UEI or SAM.gov registration.
29) What registrations are required for organizations?
Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), an active registration in SAM.gov, and must also obtain an NCAGE/CAGE code to receive an award.
30) Are UEI, SAM.gov, and NCAGE/CAGE registrations free?
Yes. The announcement states these registrations are free, but they can take time to complete.
31) Are individuals required to have UEI or SAM.gov registration to apply?
No. Individuals may apply without a UEI or SAM registration.
32) Is cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not required, but it is encouraged if feasible.
33) Are there currency fluctuation protections or contingency funds from the Embassy?
No. The Embassy will not provide extra funds to cover currency fluctuations or unexpected costs. Applicants are expected to plan conservatively and demonstrate responsible funds management.
34) What banking considerations should applicants in Zimbabwe plan for?
The Embassy strongly suggests maintaining a foreign currency account in addition to a local currency account, understanding local bank policies and fees for U.S. dollar transactions, and ensuring the bank can process transfers through correspondent relationships with U.S. banks.
35) When are banking details required?
Banking details are typically requested only if a proposal is selected.
36) How do applicants obtain the application package?
Applicants can request the application package by emailing PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov. Forms are also available through Grants.gov.
37) What language must proposals be submitted in?
Proposals must be in English.
38) What should the proposal narrative cover?
It should clearly explain the who, what, why, when, where, how, and how much of the project.
39) What are the required components of a complete application?
A complete submission includes: the required application form; a detailed budget and budget narrative in U.S. dollars with unit costs and quantities; and standard federal forms (SF-424 or SF-424-I, SF-424A, and SF-424B).
40) What attachments may be required depending on the project?
Depending on the project, attachments may include: one-page CVs/resumes for key staff (required for projects over USD 50,000); letters of support from partners that spell out roles and responsibilities; a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) if indirect costs are claimed; and any required official permission letters.
41) When are CVs/resumes required?
One-page CVs/resumes for key staff are required for projects over USD 50,000.
42) What should partner letters of support include?
They should spell out partner roles and responsibilities.
43) What is a NICRA and when is it needed?
A NICRA (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement) is needed if indirect costs are claimed.
44) What is the indirect/overhead cap if an organization does not have a NICRA?
If an organization does not have a NICRA, indirect/overhead costs are capped at 10 percent of the total budget.
45) What currency should the budget use?
The budget and budget narrative must be in U.S. dollars and include unit costs and quantities.
46) How and where should proposals be submitted?
Applications must be emailed to PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov.
47) What email subject line is required?
The required subject line is: "Annual PD Program Statement Grant Proposal".
48) When did the Embassy start accepting proposals?
The Embassy began accepting proposals on November 1, 2022.
49) What was the recommended submission date for the best chance of full consideration?
Applicants were encouraged to submit by January 31, 2023 for the strongest chance of full consideration.
50) What is the final deadline to submit a proposal?
Proposals could be submitted up to the final deadline of August 31, 2023, with the warning that late submissions might not receive full review and would depend on remaining funds.
51) Are late submissions guaranteed full review?
No. Late submissions might not receive full review and consideration depends on remaining funds.
52) How are proposals reviewed and selected?
Proposals are reviewed competitively by the Public Diplomacy Grants Committee on an annual basis, contingent on funds availability.
53) When will unsuccessful applicants be notified?
Unsuccessful applicants are to be notified by email no later than September 30, 2023.
54) Can a qualified proposal be kept on file for later funding?
Yes. Qualified proposals may remain on file for up to 12 months in case funding becomes available later.
55) Can applicants discuss their proposal with State Department staff during the competition?
No. After submission, State Department staff cannot discuss the competition with applicants until the review process is completed.
56) Can applicants request a status update?
Yes. Applicants may request a status update via email using the specified subject line format.
57) Is funding guaranteed once a proposal is submitted?
No. All awards are subject to the availability of funds.
58) What legal/authorization framework is referenced for this funding?
Funding is authorized under the Smith-Mundt framework and uses FY2023 Public Diplomacy funds, emphasizing exchange, mutual understanding, and relationship-building.
59) Are festival proposals allowed, and is there a special requirement?
Festival proposals may be supported, but if they bring American talent they must include free public events.
60) What should applicants do to improve financial planning given Zimbabwe banking constraints?
Applicants should plan conservatively, avoid assuming the Embassy will cover unexpected costs or currency changes, and be prepared to manage U.S. dollar transactions (including bank fees and transfer pathways via correspondent banking relationships).
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