U.S. Embassy Port of Spain: Public Affairs Annual Program

PAS POS invites proposals that further contribution to the three pillars of bilateral collaboration between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago (TT): security, accountable governance, and inclusive growth. These pillars are described in more detail. All programs must include significant use of and meet the programmatic requirements of the American Center in U.S. Embassy, Port of Spain. Programs may be in-person, virtual or hybrid. Proposals must include a clear plan to measure and evaluate the impact of the program; proposals that fail to include a monitoring and evaluation plan will not be considered. Consideration will be given to proposals that include opportunities to engage with U.S. Embassy exchange program alumni. The U.S. Government is committed to programs and activities that advance diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility.

PAS POS’s Priority Program Areas

• Security:
  • Support programs that address root causes of gang membership and violent extremism and provide alternatives to criminal involvement.
• Governance:
  • Support programs focused on transparency and accountability.
  • Support anti-corruption efforts and investigative journalism.
  • Support programs promoting transparency, accountability, egovernance, and strengthening democratic institutions.
  • Support programs that support Venezuelan refugees living in TT.
  • Support programs that enhance opportunities and protections for vulnerable communities, including refugees, women, children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the LGBTQI+ community.
  • Support programs that advance protection and quality of life for persons with disabilities.
  • Support local civil society organizations to strengthen diversity and rights for vulnerable and marginalized people, including members of the LGBTQI+ community, victims of gender-based violence, refugees and migrant populations, and persons with disabilities.
• Inclusive Growth:
  • Support programs that contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economic growth.
  • Support programs that improve transparency and public asset management, and more efficient business practices.
  • Promote science cooperation for better natural resource stewardship to mitigate impacts of climate change, strengthen resilience against climate change, and create conditions to lower carbon emissions.
  • Support programs that advance smart agriculture methods to counter climate change-aggravated risks and increase food security.

Funding Information

• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of US$500 to a maximum of US$3000
• Length of performance period: up to 12 months.

Participants and Audiences

• In deciding which projects to support, the Embassy will consider the full range and diversity of Trinbagonian and U.S. organizations. The Public Affairs Section will also seek to target geographically and demographically diverse audiences throughout both islands.
• American and Trinbagonian individuals and institutions with a proven track record of executing superior cultural and educational events and programs will receive preference. Strong proposals will include impact assessment, in addition to results evaluation, at the conclusion of the grant period.

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals from non-profits, NGOs, academic institutions, U.S. Embassy exchange program alumni, and social enterprises with offices headquartered in TT will be given preference. Please note we will also accept applications from U.S.-based institutions, but they must show that they have already obtained on-the-ground support from a local organization.
• For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

Ineligible

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • For-profit trade activities
  • Commercial projects
  • Scientific research
  • Projects whose primary aim is the institutional development of the organization
  • The purchase of space or buildings in support of program activities
  • Development projects
  • Construction projects
  • Individual travel to conferences
  • Scholarships to support educational opportunities or study for individuals
  • Completion of activities begun with other funds
  • Fundraising or fund development projects
  • Projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship or support to an individual or single party in electoral campaigns.
  • Political party or lobbying activities in support of political parties
  • Projects that support specific religious activities
  • Cash prizes for competitions.

For more information, visit Public Affairs Annual Program.