(This applies ONLY to Namibia)


The U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Office, through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan For Aids Relief (PEPFAR), invites creative proposals designed to address prevention of HIV/AIDS in the following categories: performing arts (music, dance, theater), visual arts, film, the media, educational or sports communities.

Project proposals are being accepted now through Thursday, March 4, 2010. Late submissions will not be accepted.

The main goals of these grants include: educating people, especially the Namibian youth, about HIV/AIDS and thereby preventing its spread; reducing stigma for those living with the disease; providing youth with information to make the correct choices and live in a positive way; and encouraging people to get tested and to seek treatment, if necessary.

The criteria for PEPFAR Public Diplomacy Grants are as follows:

Cooperative agreements and proposals that involve HIV/AIDS prevention and cultural affairs or the media are sought. Grants generally cover up to 12 months of activity;
Projects, clearly indicating the target audience, should be innovative and creative with objectives that are sound and well thought out. Projects focusing on youth prevention and behavior change will enjoy preference;
All proposals must include: organization/company profile, detailed budget, the schedule for the project, discussion of the grantee’s target audience, detailed outcomes and description of the project evaluation method. The budget must be comprehensive and specific. No block awards can be issued. The organization must have access to a bank account, as funding will be dispersed to the grantee by electronic bank transfer in installments.
Grants may be used to fund equipment if it makes sense to the project. The funds may not be used to purchase alcohol and there may be other restrictions.
Upon completion of the project, the grantee must provide to the Grants Officer a financial report detailing all expenditures; this will include original receipts for all purchases. The U.S. government also requires a narrative report at the completion of the project, explaining how the project goals and objectives were met.
The Grants Officer will consider the organization’s reputation in awarding the grant. No grants will be awarded to a former grantee, who has not completed their reporting requirements.

Applicants must meet the standard criteria to be considered for the award.

Proposals can be forwarded to:

American Embassy Public Affairs Office
Attention: Lisa M. Heilbronn
P.O. Box 12029, Windhoek
Namibia

Please contact either Rouchelle Buckingham or Geniene Veii, at 229-801, at the American Cultural Center before February 18, 2010, to register for the grants preparation workshop, which will be held later in February.

For further information, please contact Public Affairs Officer, Lisa Heilbronn, at 0811280816, or Information Specialist, Roger Lyners, at 229801 [ext. 226].