The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). This announcement is a response to Notice of Opportunity Number AFCP-2021-2022-GP: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=329274. Detailed instructions and requirements are accessible at this link. Until November 26th, the Embassy is only receiving concept notes currently. Successful applicants will be invited for complete proposals early in 2022.
What is the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation?
The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) supports projects to preserve a wide range of cultural heritage throughout the world, including in Botswana. Since 2001, the U.S. government through the Department of State has provided direct grant support in all regions of the world for the preservation of cultural sites, cultural collections, and forms of traditional cultural expression. This fund supports projects in countries around the world – including Botswana – to preserve cultural heritage in three areas:
- Cultural Sites – includes (but is not limited to) building restoration, archeological surveys, preservation and documentation of historical buildings and sites, sacred places, monuments, and archaeological sites.
- Cultural Objects and Collections – such as archaeological and ethnographic objects, paintings, sculpture, manuscripts, photographic and film collections and general museum conservation activities. Proposals in this category may involve: Conservation treatment for an object or collection of objects; Needs assessment of a collection; the creation of safe environments for storage or display of collections and specialized training in the care and preservation of collections.
- Forms of Traditional Cultural Expression – such as documentation and support for training in the preservation of traditional music, rituals, knowledge, languages, dance, drama and crafts.
Who can Apply? Eligible applicants are reputable and accountable non-commercial entities, such as registered non-governmental organizations, museums, ministries of culture, or similar institutions and organizations that have the requisite experience and capacity to manage projects to preserve cultural heritage. AFCP does not award grants to individuals, to commercial entities, to embassies, or to past award recipients who have not fulfilled the requirements of previous AFCP awards.
Funding: Grants may range in cost from $10,000 to $500,000
Deadline for concept note submissions: Friday, November 26, 2021, by midnight, GMT+2 at PASGaborone@state.gov. All submissions must be received electronically. Hard copy applications will NOT be accepted.
Virtual Presentations and Consultations: Please send specific inquiries to or register for a virtual information session with Ms. Naomi Tshosa (TshosaNM@state.gov). information sessions will occur every Tuesday and Thursday from November 3 to November 25 from 09:00 – 11:00. Please follow the guidance provided at https://bw.usembassy.gov/
