U.S. Embassy Moscow, Public Affairs Section FY 2023 Annual Program Statement (APS)
BACKGROUND: While waging an unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine, President Putin has systematically intensified repression inside Russia, shutting down independent media, restricting internet access, and punishing dissent with harsh prison terms. We recognize the terrible choice this presents for the Russian people who cannot make their voices heard. However, we do not hold the people of Russia responsible for President Putin’s actions, and cutting off contact with the Russian people does not serve the long-term interests of the United States. We welcome a future when Russia plays a constructive role in international affairs. To this end, the United States continues to pursue people-to-people exchanges and programs that welcome individual Russian students, scholars, and emerging civil society members to our academic institutions and our country to learn about American people, values, and institutions and to bring as many Russians as possible into contact with an affirmative image of America and Americans to build connections with the next generation of Russians. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) announces that funding is available through our Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This APS outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedure for submitting requests for funding. Applications for programs are accepted until the deadline of March 20, 2023. The U.S. Embassy will not accept applications under the 2023 NOFO after that deadline. Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants: PDS Moscow invites proposals for projects that support future constructive bilateral relations and reinforce ties between the American and Russian people. All grant proposals must convey an element of U.S. history, culture, or shared values. Competitive proposals should support a priority program area (see below). Competitive proposals should also include a connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s that will promote increased cooperation between the people of the United States and Russia even after the program has finished. Priority Programming Areas: · Media & Information: Projects that promote an understanding of freedom of the press, good journalistic practices, increased access to information, and improved media and digital literacy for the Russian people; · Sharing America: Projects that promote an understanding of the American values of democracy, freedom of expression, and an open society, as well as proposals that increase the understanding of America’s diverse cultures and groups; · Empowering Women & Minorities: Projects that support women and minority rights and persons with disabilities; · Environment & Space: Projects that promote improvements, innovation, advancement, and collaboration in the areas of space and the environment; · English Language Learning & Teaching: Projects that support innovative, interactive teaching and learning of the English language. Projects that support ongoing efforts of the Regional English Language Office will be especially welcome. The following types of projects are NOT eligible for funding: · Projects relating to partisan political activity; · Charitable or development activities; · Construction projects; · Commercial projects; · Projects that support specific religious activities; · Fundraising campaigns; · Lobbying for specific legislation or projects; · Competitions where the prize is the only outcome of the program; · Scientific research and/or surveys; or · Projects that duplicate existing projects. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests primarily in Fulbright-Hayes or Smith-Mundt FY2023 Public Diplomacy funding. All programming is subject to the statutory limitations of the funding determined and availability of funds.