Power of Creativity: Professional Development in Ugandan Creative Industries

Description

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Mission in Uganda’s Public Affairs Office is pleased to announce that funding is available for the Power of Creativity Grant Program for projects ranging in value from $20,000 to $50,000. Projects for greater values will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants are intended for non-profit organizations in the creative industries, non-governmental organizations, cultural institutions, and academic institutions. Awards to individuals will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. All grantees must have a non-profit status. Notice: Since the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, all proposals submitted in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity must include a contingency plan describing how the proposed activity would be implemented in the event that COVID-19 related health restrictions are in place during the anticipated period of performance. How can the proposed program adapt routinely to changing restrictions? Objectives and Project Outcomes: The objectives of the Power of Creativity Grant Program are to promote the professional business and management skills development and career prospects for young Ugandan professionals working in the creative industries; promote professionalization and development of the creative sector; and enhance its ability to provide economic opportunity and avenues for positive self-expression among Ugandan youth through projects that: Help early to mid-career Ugandan professionals aged 21 – 39 improve their business, financial management, and professional skills; Enhance the professionalism and sustainability of local companies and NGOs operating in the creative sector; Strengthen Uganda’s creative industry and associations; or Connect Ugandans working in the creative sector to American counterparts or mentors Creative industries may include: visual arts, performing arts, music, music production, film, fashion design. Training topics may include: arts entrepreneurship, marketing and promotion, project management, leadership and teambuilding, financial literacy, business plan development, social media management, professional communication, networking, intellectual property rights, fundraising, etc. U.S. Content In order to be eligible for funding consideration, proposals must demonstrate significant U.S. content. U.S. content can include, for example, the substantial participation of U.S. experts or alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, partnership with U.S. organizations or educational institutions, the involvement of U.S. organizations present in Uganda, or the application or adaptation of U.S. models and best practices. Initiatives that promote sustained cooperation between the people of the United States and Uganda even after program funding has concluded are encouraged. Proposals without significant U.S. content will not be considered for funding. Activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to: Workshops, seminars, trainings, and master classes on the creative industries, with connection to American culture; Public events (concerts, performances, conferences, exhibitions, etc.) that involve a learning or training component. Significant cost share or cooperation with existing programs are recommended. Programs that reinforce and amplify lessons learned by alumni of State Department-funded exchange programs (both American and Ugandan alumni); Programs designed as a partnership between a Ugandan and U.S. organization; Activities that are not typically funded include, but are not limited to: Social welfare, community development, or infrastructure projects, Fees and travel costs to attend conferences in the United States, Ongoing salary costs and office equipment, Paying to complete activities begun with other funds, Projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship/support to individual or single party electoral campaigns, Projects that support specific religious activities, Trade activities; fundraising campaigns; commercial projects; scientific research; construction projects; or projects whose primary aim is the institutional development of the organization itself. Inviting U.S. Experts The Public Affairs Office also welcomes proposals for the participation of U.S. citizen experts at in-person or virtual programs in support of the above program objectives. The travel costs for in-person programs in Uganda may include economy class airfare of a U.S. flag carrier, stipend for meals, daily honorarium, lodging, and local transportation. Funding requests for activities involving U.S. citizen experts should include a proposed daily schedule for the expert (minimum of two program days excluding travel time). If participation in a conference is expected, please provide its description (organizer, topics, goals and objectives, audience, other sponsors and other expected speakers and participants). Project and Budget Periods Projects generally should be completed within one year or less. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION The Public Affairs Office encourages applications from all sectors: committed and organized arts, culture, academic, and civil-society organizations and individuals. All grantees must have a non-profit status. We seek proposals for activities that engage geographically and demographically diverse audiences within Uganda. U.S. NGOs, international NGOs, and individuals may apply. Applications in partnership between U.S. and Ugandan NGOs/individuals are encouraged.

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