Call for Applications: DRC Small Grants Program 2025 (Congo DR)

 Deadline Date: March 31, 2025 

 Donor Name: U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo

 Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000

The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.

The Small Grants Program invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Programs should create opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and highlight shared values. All programs must include a U.S. element, such as an expert, organization, cultural element, or institution that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Priority Areas

• Media literacy and countervailing mis/disinformation 
• Peace-building activities and conflict resolution 
• Preservation of the Congo Basin through sustainable economic growth 
• Strengthening democracy, good governance, and accountability 
• Encouraging prosperity, trade, and investment 
• Shared values, interests, and language

Funding Information

• Estimated Total Program Funding: $ 50,000.
• Award Ceiling: $25,000.
• Award Floor: $2,000.
• Length of performance period One to 12 month.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations 
  • Public and private educational institutions
• Participants and Audiences:
  • The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa seeks to engage the public, civil society, media, and influencers at all levels of Congolese society with the goal of broadening understanding of U.S. policies, culture, history, society, and values.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Programs relating to partisan political activity; 
  • Charitable or development activities; 
  • Construction programs; 
  • Programs that support specific religious activities; 
  • Fund-raising campaigns; 
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; 
  • Scientific research
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or 
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Review Criteria

• Review Criteria Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below:
  • Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. 
  • Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. 
  • Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. 
  • Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. 
  • Monitoring and evaluation plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates ability to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.
  • Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.
  • Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

Application Requirements

• Mandatory application forms
• Summary Page (optional)
• Proposal (6 pages maximum)
• Budget Justification Narrative
• Attachment

For more information, visit Grants.gov.