American Corners in Iraq

Post Date

April 25th 2014

Application Due Date

June 25th 2014

Funding Opportunity Number

DOS-BAGHDAD-PD-2014-01

CFDA Number(s)

19.021

Funding Instrument Type(s)

Cooperative Agreement

Funding Activity Categories

Education

Number of Awards

1

Eligibility Categories

Non-Profits With 501 (c) (3) Status With The IRS (Except Higher Education Institutions)

Funding

• Estimated Total Funding:

  $300000

• Award Range:

  $300000 - $300000

Grant Description

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad invites eligible organizations to submit proposals to provide day-to-day logistical field-support for 9 existing American Corners in Iraq under the strategic oversight and direction of the Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS). These American Corners are fully operational and located in the following cities: Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Tikrit, Maysan, Basrah, Najaf, Mosul and Dohuk. The government of Iraq and the United States are jointly committed through the U.S.- Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement to the establishment of affiliations between Iraqi and U.S. Institutions to promote and facilitate coordination in the field of higher education and scientific research. One example of this cooperation is the American Corner information spaces hosted in universities and public libraries across Iraq. The American Corners introduce Iraqi publics to U.S. culture and society by providing a platform for educational programs and offering access to American print, multimedia, and other materials. The Corners help maintain an open dialogue, counteract misconceptions and misinformation, and build bridges of understanding between the people of the United States and Iraq. American Corners in Iraq also serve as a platform for Iraqis and Americans to engage with one another in person or electronically. In addition to serving as a general resource center, each Corner should serve as a space for supporting public diplomacy programming, including but not limited to five core programs: English-language teaching/learning, advising about educational opportunities in the United States, cultural programming, and activities, information about the United States and engaging Iraqi alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. The awardee will ensure that all Corners have the necessary equipment, Internet access, sufficient digital and hard copy collections, trained staff, and institutional support to fulfill these objectives. American Corners represent a collaborative partnership between a host institution and the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad. Host institutions provide space readily accessible to the public, along with dedicated English speaking staff. PAS provides electronic and print materials, equipment, and training. PAS and host institutions collaborate on programming, speakers, discussion groups, film presentations, digital video conferences (DVC), online engagements, and other activities. Subject to the availability of funds, the Embassy expects to award one cooperative agreement for up to $300,000.00 for the implementation of day-to-day logistical field support of the American Corners project in Iraq.

Contact Information

• Agency

  Department of State

• Office:

  U.S. Mission to Iraq

• Agency Contact:

  Muhiba Rabejanova
  Grants and Financial Management Specialist
  

• Agency Mailing Address:

  General PD grants e-mail for PAS Baghdad

• Agency Email Address:

  BaghdadPDgrants@state.gov