Introducing American Culture and Values to Ukrainian Audiences at Festivals | PAS UKRAINE 2021 014

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, administered through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). It is identified as PAS UKRAINE 2021 014 and is intended to support Ukrainian nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations in adding strong American elements to festivals held in Ukraine.

2. Who is offering and administering the grant?

The grant is offered by the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv through the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) and administered by the U.S. Mission to Ukraine.

3. What is the purpose of the program?

The program uses well-attended festivals and public cultural events in Ukraine as platforms for meaningful exposure to American culture and values, in a way that is relevant to Ukrainian audiences and integrated into the overall festival program. Projects are expected to intentionally advance specific U.S.-Ukraine public diplomacy goals, not simply present generic U.S. content.

4. What does the Embassy mean by a "festival" in this opportunity?

A "festival" is defined broadly as an organized series of activities. Examples mentioned include performances, exhibitions, screenings, or culinary presentations. The Embassy indicates openness to a wide range of festival themes.

5. What festival themes or categories are eligible?

The notice lists the following eligible categories: performing arts, visual arts, film, sports, education, literature, fashion, creative industries, entrepreneurship, environment, urban design, science and technology, and inclusivity.

6. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are Ukrainian not-for-profit, nongovernmental organizations. The emphasis is on local implementers capable of delivering credible programming inside Ukraine that is tailored to local audiences.

7. What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling listed in the notice is $30,000.

8. What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant (under CFDA 19.040).

9. When was the opportunity created and what was the closing date?

The opportunity was created on May 20, 2021, and the original closing date listed was September 30, 2021.

10. What makes a proposal competitive under this program?

Competitive proposals go beyond "showcasing" the United States. They are designed to advance specific U.S.-Ukraine public diplomacy goals and include substantive American components that are clearly connected to one or more of the Embassy's strategic objectives.

11. What strategic objectives will PDS Kyiv prioritize?

PDS Kyiv indicates it will prioritize proposals that clearly connect to one or more of these objectives:

• Strengthening U.S.-Ukraine educational, scientific, business, or cultural ties
• Supporting democratic reforms, especially anti-corruption efforts, rule of law, and civil society development
• Deepening Ukrainians' understanding of American culture and values
• Advancing economic reforms tied to corporate governance, business development, and energy security

12. What are "American elements" expected to look like?

The notice expects substantive American components that make sense within the festival context and intentionally support the priority objectives. Applicants are expected to explain why they chose particular American themes, speakers, artists, experts, or content and how those choices directly advance the stated goals rather than functioning as generic cultural programming.

13. Does the Embassy prefer interactive programming or presentations?

Interactive formats are highlighted as especially valuable. The Embassy specifically mentions workshops, masterclasses, and question-and-answer sessions as formats that promote learning, collaboration, and exchange rather than passive attendance.

14. Is multi-day engagement important?

Yes. A central preference is for programs that create real, sustained engagement between Americans and Ukrainians, ideally over multiple days.

15. Are follow-on activities required or encouraged after the festival ends?

Follow-on activities are described as a strength in proposals. Stronger proposals include plans to maintain relationships and momentum after the festival ends.

16. What examples of follow-on activities are mentioned?

The notice gives examples such as: small grants to seed joint Ukrainian-American projects, continued collaboration on initiatives launched during the festival, or structured virtual engagements that extend interaction beyond the in-person event.

17. How should the American components relate to the festival theme?

Funded projects must be tailored to Ukrainian audiences and integrated into the broader festival theme. The American component should not feel like an unrelated add-on. Applicants should be prepared to justify why the Americans involved, or the selected aspects of American culture and values, are uniquely suited to achieve the stated goals.

18. Are there COVID-19 requirements for in-person activities?

Yes. For any in-person festival activity, proposals must include a detailed COVID-19 risk mitigation plan that complies with Ukrainian laws and regulations, along with contingency plans to adjust programming if the public health situation worsens.

19. Where will the supported activities take place?

The opportunity is designed for festivals held in Ukraine and emphasizes programming tailored to Ukrainian audiences.

20. What is the overarching approach the Embassy is looking for?

The overarching approach is to use a well-attended festival as a platform for meaningful U.S.-Ukraine engagement, with American elements that are purpose-driven, tied to public diplomacy objectives, interactive where possible, and designed to create sustained relationships beyond the festival itself.