The U.S. Embassy Apia Small Grants Scheme is a small competitive program offering grants of up to USD $10,000 to non-government organizations to strengthen democracy, engage youth, promote U.S.-Samoa links, address environmental and health issues, advance science and technology, increase respect for civil society and the rule of law, advance human rights and women’s rights, or promote regional security. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals with a focus on resilience or recovery in the face of COVID-19. Awards will be subject to availability of funds.
General Guidelines
- Non-governmental organizations may submit proposals for up to USD $10,000. Priority is given to grants that advance democratic practices, including development of civil society; foster freedom of information and independent media; support NGO capacity building; advance rule of law and judicial reform; promote civic education; prioritize human rights; programs that address maritime security or cybersecurity, and advocate for equal rights for minorities or women. Grants focused on environmental and health issues will also be considered. Grants that engage youth and have a U.S. component are encouraged.
- Grants CANNOT be made to individuals, but ONLY to non-governmental organizations that demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond the proposed program activity. State-Owned Enterprises may submit proposals for projects related to the thematic areas mentioned above. Third-country organizations and individuals are not eligible.
- Priority will be given to proposals with innovative project ideas. Grants will not normally be approved for multi-year projects, but past recipients of Embassy Apia Small Grants will be considered for new one-year projects.
- The proposal should disclose any other partnering organizations or co-funding for the project/program.
- Small grant proposals may include modest administrative expenses, including honoraria/partial salaries of grant implementers, but only when they are directly linked to the conduct of the specific grant program. General operating expenses, long-term infrastructure costs and undefined miscellaneous or “overhead” expenses are not acceptable.
- Grant funds may not be used to fund travel to international conferences, nor may they be used primarily for food and drink expenses.
- Grant funds may be used to train trainers, but they may not be used to provide direct social services.
- Grant funds may be used for seminars and workshops, but proposals must describe the expected audience, content, and timeframe, and justify the activity in terms of outcome and benefits.
- Grant funds cannot be used to primarily benefit American citizens or nationals, and cannot be used to perform American Citizen Services.
Please complete and submit this application form (Word Document) by COB June 19, 2020. For further enquiries, please email ApiaPD@state.gov. Time sensitive projects taking place before September 2020 will NOT be considered.
