The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is calling for applications for the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) fiscal year 2020 competition. The deadline to apply for this grant is 6 December 2019. The grant amount for this program is ranged from U.S. $25,000 to the U.S. $200,000. Funding can go to projects that support the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects and collections, and forms of traditional cultural expression.
The grant is open for non-governmental organizations, museums, ministries of culture, or similar institutions and organizations. This includes organizations based in the U.S. Applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, a NATO Commercial, and Government Entity (NCAGE) code, and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before they can submit their full applications. For further details of this process and exceptions from it, please see the specifications on the homepage.
Individuals or commercial entities cannot apply for funding through the AFCP Small Grants Competition.
The kinds of projects that can be funded through the AFCP Small Grants Competition include:
For a detailed list of projects that are excluded, please see the specifications on the homepage.
The proposal application should be submitted to the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu via email: cultureKTM@state.gov. The applications must be submitted all in English. Besides the “usual parts” of the proposal including complete budget, you also have to submit a proof of official permission to conduct your work, resumes or CVs of the project staff, a statement of importance, a statement of urgency, a budget narrative, pictures and or audiovisual files and a media outreach plan.
Note: Final grant agreements will also be concluded in English.
On the official website, there are very detailed guidelines on how to prepare the proposal. Be sure to follow the guidelines strictly and to include everything that is needed. Also, allow enough time to make sure you can get all the registration numbers needed.
Make a note that the evaluator will assess all applications based on the following:
The most emphasis for the evaluation will be put on the quality of your proposal, but particularly the urgency for your project will also be taken into account. Make sure that you explain this in enough detail. Other areas that will get specific attention are the sustainability, the rationale for US support, the media and outreach plan, the budget and the budget narrative, and your supporting materials.
For more information visit: Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (Small Grants)
Best of luck with your proposal!
Priti is a Development Professional with years of experience as a Director of Operations for an American humanitarian organization in Nepal. She is a published writer and researcher focusing on international development funding and grassroots NGOs. She holds a master’s degree in Business. She oversees the team that provides support to NGOs and site users.
