Public Affairs Abuja Annual Program Statement | DOS NGA PD ABV FY20 004

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS NGA PD ABV FY20 004

The Public Affairs Abuja Annual Program Statement is a U.S. Mission to Nigeria small grants opportunity run by the U.S. Embassy Abuja Public Affairs Section (PAS) under its Public Diplomacy (PD) program. It is designed to fund projects that advance U.S. Embassy policy goals and deepen ties between the American and Nigerian peoples. The program is discretionary and was issued for FY2020 funding, meaning awards depend on the availability and approval of U.S. government funds for that fiscal year.

PAS is looking for practical, well-structured proposals that clearly connect to its priority areas. The Embassy places strongest emphasis on projects that promote democratic governance, national unity, and stability, including work that improves transparency and accountability, strengthens the rule of law, and builds civil society capacity and engagement. It also prioritizes proposals that strengthen human capital to support inclusive economic growth, especially through entrepreneurship initiatives, STEM education, womens empowerment, and cultural exchange. A third focus area is peace and security, including efforts to counter violent extremism, reduce rural violence, and promote dialogue and nonviolent conflict resolution. Finally, PAS supports projects that improve and expand English language learning, particularly those involving curriculum development and teacher training and, when possible, partnerships with U.S. educational institutions.

The Embassy makes clear that some activities are not eligible for support. Projects framed primarily as social welfare assistance, tuition support, individual travel to conferences, construction, or finishing activities for projects started with other funding are not funded. The program also excludes work that is inherently political, partisan, or tied to electoral campaigns, as well as political party activities. The legal authority for the program is grounded in the Fulbright-Hays Act (supporting international educational and cultural exchanges of mutual interest) and the Smith-Mundt Act (governing U.S. government public diplomacy and engagement with global audiences).

Awards are issued as either grants or, in rare cases, cooperative agreements. Most successful applicants should expect a standard grant, while a cooperative agreement may be used when PAS anticipates a higher level of involvement in the projects management. Individual awards range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000. Projects are generally expected to be completed within one year or less, and applicants are expected to budget for the full project duration. While continuation funding beyond the initial period may be possible on a noncompetitive basis, it depends on funding availability, strong performance, and a determination that extended support serves the Department of States interests. Sustainability is a major evaluation factor, so proposals should show how benefits will continue after grant funding ends.

Eligibility is broad and includes individuals, NGOs/civil society organizations, and educational institutions located in Nigeria, the United States, or elsewhere. Organizations should generally have at least two years of programming experience and show proof of required registrations. Individuals must show at least two years of relevant experience in nonprofit work, project management, or education. Cost-sharing is encouraged and can strengthen an application, but it is not mandatory. The opportunity lists eligible applicant types that include public and state-controlled higher education institutions, private higher education institutions, nonprofits with U.S. 501(c)(3) status (where applicable), individuals, and other qualifying entities.

Applications must be submitted in English by email to PASAbujaGrants@state.gov or LagosPASGrants@state.gov, depending on geographic focus. Budgets may be developed in Naira initially, but final budget figures must be presented in U.S. dollars because awards are made in USD regardless of exchange rate fluctuations. Applicants may submit only one proposal per cycle, and incomplete submissions that miss mandatory requirements will not be considered.

The submission windows and review timelines differ by location. PAS Abuja covers the FCT and northern/central states listed in the announcement and accepts proposals in two tranches: proposals received by March 16, 2020 were scheduled for review in March-April with results by April 30, while proposals received March 17 through July 15, 2020 were scheduled for review in July-August with responses by September 21. PAS Lagos covers the southern states listed and had separate timelines, including a February 3 to February 28, 2020 window for proposals focused on media capacity building, entrepreneurship, and cultural programs, with decisions expected by April 15, plus an additional annual NOFO released in March through April 2020 with an April 30 deadline and final determinations expected by July 1, 2020.

A complete application package must include a full project description and narrative (using the required template) that explains the plan of action, scope, timeline, and key benchmarks, along with a detailed budget using the provided template and a budget narrative/justification as needed. Applicants must also submit a Monitoring and Evaluation plan as part of the application to show how outcomes will be tracked using indicators and benchmarks. Organizational applicants must provide a Unique Entity Identifier (at the time, a DUNS number) and maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Individual applicants are exempt from the DUNS and SAM requirements. Standard U.S. government forms are also required, including SF-424 and SF-424A.

Applications are evaluated holistically, with emphasis on clarity, completeness, and feasibility. Key selection criteria include organizational capacity (expertise and resources to deliver), clearly stated goals and measurable objectives, alignment with Embassy priorities, sustainability beyond the grant period, technical and economic feasibility, and a reasonable, realistic budget that demonstrates strong impact per dollar. Proposals must also include a credible monitoring and evaluation approach. Another explicit criterion is American content: projects should visibly connect to the United States, such as through U.S. speakers or trainers, partnerships with U.S. institutions, or alumni-led activities, and should help participants better understand U.S. policy, values, or society in a way that aligns with public diplomacy goals.

If selected, awards are formally issued and managed by a U.S. Department of State Grants Officer (and, where applicable, a Grants Officer Representative). Unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing, and selection does not guarantee future funding. Fund disbursement is tied to timely submission of required program (and sometimes financial) reports, and a final report is due within 90 days after the project ends.

• The U.S. Mission to Nigeria in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Public Affairs Abuja 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 2020-02-12.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-07-15. (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 $50,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, Others.

Apply for DOS NGA PD ABV FY20 004

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