The award is open only to registered not-for-profit groups, associations, non-governmental organizations, faith- or community-based organizations. The groups must be well established, operating for at least one year, and have a history of accomplishments.
They can not fund or sponsor government schools, prizes for school competitions, individuals, private or for-profit businesses, company start-up costs, direct employee compensation or one-time events.
Recipients can demonstrate their commitments by either contributing to the project financially or providing labor or supplies to carry out the project. Cost-sharing is not required but highly encouraged.
Proposals involving U.S. Alumni will receive preference during the review process.
Criteria
Organizational Capacity: The applicant has expertise in the stated project field and Public Affairs Section is confident of its technical capacity to undertake the project (30%).
Description and Results: The project is well-planned, addresses a U.S. foreign policy objective, and has clearly identifiable and reasonable results that benefit a significant number of people and can be attained successfully within the grant duration (50%).
Coherence: The application is complete, coherent, clear, and detailed (20%).