PDS Lusaka and ZUEA American Spaces Programming

The PDS Lusaka and ZUEA American Spaces Programming opportunity is a federal cooperative agreement administered by the U.S. Mission to Zambia through the U.S. Department of State. The opportunity is managed by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Zambia and is connected to the American Spaces program under Assistance Listing 19.441, ECA - American Spaces. The funding opportunity supports programming activities that strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Zambia through educational, professional, cultural, and civic engagement activities. The opportunity specifically invites the Zambia-US Exchanges Alumni Association and alumni-led youth organizations to submit proposals that support programming at American Spaces throughout Zambia. The funding announcement states that the embassy may revise, reduce, or increase the proposed budget depending on programmatic needs and funding availability, and issuance of the notice does not constitute a commitment to award funding. The American Spaces program serves as a network of open-access learning and gathering centers intended to encourage interaction between local communities and the United States. According to the notice, these spaces provide programming related to freedom of speech, digital rights, American history, entrepreneurship, technology, artificial intelligence, cultural engagement, professional development, and English language learning. The program also supports EducationUSA activities and promotes higher education opportunities in the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Zambia currently operates three American Spaces locations: the American Center for Leadership at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, the American Corner at the National Institute for Public Administration in Lusaka, and the American Corner at Copperbelt University in Kitwe. Activities funded through this opportunity are intended to complement U.S. Embassy administrative priorities and strengthen mutual understanding between Zambia and the United States. A major component of this funding opportunity is support for Freedom 250 programming, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The notice explains that Freedom 250 is a global initiative designed to engage international audiences in reflection on democratic governance, civic participation, innovation, and related American principles. Under this opportunity, the Zambia-US Exchanges Alumni Association and the U.S. Embassy Zambia jointly issued a call for proposals for exchange alumni to design and implement projects tied to Freedom 250 themes. Selected implementers will receive support through disbursed American Spaces funds. Programming may include projects focused on trade, technology, free speech, entrepreneurship, and cultural expression. All funded Freedom 250 projects are required to incorporate Freedom 250 branding in activities, communications, and program materials. The funding opportunity provides an estimated total program funding amount of 29409 dollars with one anticipated award. The award ceiling is 29409 dollars and the award floor is 10000 dollars. The announcement specifies that the funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Embassy and award recipient are expected to maintain substantial involvement during project implementation. No cost sharing or matching requirement is identified in the notice. The announcement does not identify a specific performance period or indirect cost limitation. Applicants are instructed to use the proposal format and application materials described by the embassy and submit a proposal outlining how their organization would meet the program objectives described in the notice. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited. The notice specifically identifies the Zambia U.S Exchange Alumni Association and alumni-led youth organizations as eligible applicants. The eligibility language does not extend eligibility broadly to all nonprofit organizations, businesses, governments, or institutions of higher education. The funding opportunity is therefore geographically and organizationally targeted to organizations connected with U.S. exchange alumni programming in Zambia. Because the opportunity is administered by the U.S. Embassy in Zambia and focused on programming within Zambia, the eligible geography is international rather than nationwide within the United States. The funding announcement was posted on May 8, 2026, and lists a current application closing date of June 11, 2027. The opportunity is currently accepting applications because the opening date has already occurred and the closing date remains in the future. No separate letter of intent, concept paper, or pre-application stage is identified in the announcement. Applicants are advised to review all required certifications and assurances before submission to ensure organizational compliance. The announcement does not specify award notification timing, review criteria, or formal evaluation scoring methodology. Contact information provided in the notice identifies Austin G Ngoma as the grantor contact with a listed telephone number of 2601357407. Applicants experiencing difficulties accessing the full announcement electronically are instructed to contact the Public Affairs Section point of contact.

Align proposed activities closely with American Spaces thematic priorities including technology, entrepreneurship, civic participation, and cultural engagement. Demonstrate strong alumni engagement capacity and clear implementation plans across American Spaces locations in Zambia.