Opportunity Information: Apply for SPK330 19 008 03052019
The Civil Society and Cultural Heritage grant opportunity (NOFO SPK330 19 008 03052019) is a U.S. Department of State funding competition run through the Public Diplomacy Grants Program by the Cultural Affairs Office (CAO) within the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. It is designed to support civil society-led projects in Pakistan that use cultural heritage as a practical tool for community development, social cohesion, and local economic empowerment, while also protecting and promoting that heritage. Awards are offered as grants or cooperative agreements, meaning recipients may receive funding either with relatively standard reporting requirements (grant) or with closer coordination and involvement from the funder (cooperative agreement), depending on the project and award structure.
At its core, the program is looking for proposals that connect cultural preservation to real, on-the-ground benefits for communities. The Embassy highlights that cultural preservation can strengthen public awareness of Pakistan's diverse history and traditions, reinforce national unity and pride, and contribute to resilience and prosperity. In the Embassy's framing, preserving heritage is not just about conserving artifacts or historic sites; it can also mobilize communities, create opportunities for youth, and improve local economic stability, including employment prospects linked to heritage-related activities.
Projects are expected to be deliberately designed around three required components. First, proposals should include a youth or school-age element, ensuring younger generations are actively involved and exposed to cultural preservation concepts and activities. Second, they should include a well-defined social media component, indicating that outreach, storytelling, and public engagement are expected to be amplified through online platforms rather than confined to small in-person audiences. Third, proposals should include an education component that broadens community awareness about cultural preservation, suggesting activities like workshops, training sessions, community learning events, curriculum-like materials, or public-facing informational programming that makes preservation relevant and understandable to a wider audience.
The NOFO uses a broad definition of cultural heritage and explicitly welcomes both tangible and intangible heritage. Tangible heritage includes objects, buildings, or structures that have existed for at least 75 years, pointing toward historic architecture, monuments, traditional built environments, and older material culture. Intangible heritage includes traditional forms of expression such as performing arts, visual arts, language, and literature, among other community-rooted practices. This wide scope gives applicants flexibility to propose initiatives ranging from conservation awareness campaigns tied to historic sites, to documentation and transmission of endangered traditions, to community-based cultural programming that builds skills and livelihoods while reinforcing identity and continuity.
Funding details indicate this was a discretionary opportunity with an award ceiling of $100,000 per award and an expectation of three awards. The funding opportunity was created on March 5, 2019, with an original closing date of May 5, 2019. The agency is listed as the Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and the CFDA number associated with the program is 19.501. Eligibility is described broadly in the source as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced elsewhere in the full notice, but the narrative makes clear the intended audience is civil society groups capable of delivering community-centered cultural heritage projects in Pakistan.
Overall, the opportunity prioritizes innovative, effective project models that do two things at once: preserve cultural heritage (whether sites, objects, or living traditions) and use that preservation work to strengthen communities in measurable ways. Competitive proposals under this NOFO would likely be those that demonstrate a clear community benefit pathway (social cohesion, skills development, youth engagement, local economic activity), a credible plan for public education and awareness, and a strong communications strategy that uses social media to extend reach and impact beyond the immediate project location.Apply for SPK330 19 008 03052019
- The Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Civil Society and Cultural Heritage" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.501.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 05, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 05, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Civil Society and Cultural Heritage grant opportunity?
It is a U.S. Department of State funding competition titled "Civil Society and Cultural Heritage" (NOFO SPK330 19 008 03052019). It is run through the Public Diplomacy Grants Program by the Cultural Affairs Office (CAO) within the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
Who is running and funding this program?
The program is administered by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad (Public Affairs Section, Cultural Affairs Office) under the U.S. Department of State. The agency listing includes the Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?
The program is designed to support civil society-led projects in Pakistan that use cultural heritage as a practical tool for community development, social cohesion, and local economic empowerment, while also protecting and promoting that heritage.
What types of awards are available (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
Awards may be issued as either grants or cooperative agreements. A grant generally involves standard reporting requirements, while a cooperative agreement may involve closer coordination and involvement from the funder, depending on the project and how the award is structured.
Where must projects take place?
The opportunity is aimed at projects in Pakistan, specifically civil society-led initiatives intended to deliver community-centered cultural heritage benefits within Pakistan.
What does the program mean by "cultural heritage"?
The NOFO uses a broad definition that includes both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, giving applicants flexibility in what they propose to protect, promote, or transmit.
What is considered tangible cultural heritage under this NOFO?
Tangible heritage includes objects, buildings, or structures that have existed for at least 75 years. This points to examples like historic architecture, monuments, traditional built environments, and older material culture.
What is considered intangible cultural heritage under this NOFO?
Intangible heritage includes traditional forms of expression such as performing arts, visual arts, language, and literature, as well as other community-rooted practices.
What kinds of projects are they looking for?
The program prioritizes proposals that connect cultural preservation to practical, on-the-ground community benefits. Examples described in the opportunity include conservation awareness campaigns tied to historic sites, documentation and transmission of endangered traditions, and community-based cultural programming that builds skills and livelihoods while reinforcing identity and continuity.
How does the Embassy describe the community benefits of cultural preservation?
In the Embassy's framing, cultural preservation can strengthen public awareness of Pakistan's diverse history and traditions, reinforce national unity and pride, and contribute to resilience and prosperity. It is presented as a way to mobilize communities, create opportunities for youth, and improve local economic stability, including employment prospects linked to heritage-related activities.
Are there required components that every proposal must include?
Yes. Projects are expected to be deliberately designed around three required components: (1) a youth or school-age element, (2) a well-defined social media component, and (3) an education component focused on broadening community awareness about cultural preservation.
What does the required youth or school-age component mean?
Proposals should ensure younger generations are actively involved and exposed to cultural preservation concepts and activities. The youth element is not optional; it is one of the three required components.
What does the required social media component mean?
Proposals are expected to include a clear plan for outreach, storytelling, and public engagement through online platforms, so project impact and visibility extend beyond small in-person audiences.
What does the required education component mean?
Projects should include activities that broaden community awareness and understanding of cultural preservation. The opportunity suggests formats such as workshops, training sessions, community learning events, curriculum-like materials, or public-facing informational programming.
What is the maximum funding amount per award?
The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $100,000 per award.
How many awards were expected?
The opportunity indicates an expectation of three awards.
Is this opportunity discretionary?
Yes. The funding details describe it as a discretionary opportunity.
When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?
The funding opportunity was created on March 5, 2019, and had an original closing date of May 5, 2019.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The CFDA number listed for the program is 19.501.
Who is eligible to apply based on the information provided?
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced elsewhere in the full notice. However, the narrative makes clear the intended audience is civil society groups capable of delivering community-centered cultural heritage projects in Pakistan.
What makes a proposal more competitive under this NOFO?
Based on the stated priorities, stronger proposals would likely show (1) a clear pathway to community benefits such as social cohesion, skills development, youth engagement, and local economic activity, (2) a credible plan for public education and awareness, and (3) a strong social media strategy to extend reach and demonstrate impact beyond the immediate project location.
Does the program focus only on conserving artifacts and historic sites?
No. The Embassy explicitly frames preservation as more than conserving artifacts or historic sites. It can also include community mobilization, youth engagement, and efforts that improve local economic stability and employment prospects connected to heritage-related activities.
Can proposals focus on living traditions and cultural expression, not just physical sites?
Yes. Because the NOFO welcomes intangible heritage (such as performing arts, visual arts, language, and literature), proposals may focus on living traditions and community-rooted cultural practices as well as tangible heritage.
What role does communications and public engagement play in this program?
Public engagement is central to the design: a well-defined social media component is required, signaling that the program expects outreach, storytelling, and broader public visibility as part of the project approach.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Rivers CESU
Previous opportunity: Pyramid Lake Creel Survey
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SPK330 19 008 03052019
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SPK330 19 008 03052019) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Digitalizing the Kurdish Heritage Institute Collection Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 010 Funding Number: DOS BAGHDAD PD 2019 010 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Iraq Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| DRL FY18 West Africa Atrocities Prevention Apply for SFOP0005616 Funding Number: SFOP0005616 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $880,000 |
| Civil Society and Cultural Heritage Apply for SCAISB 19 008 03052019 Funding Number: SCAISB 19 008 03052019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| DRL Supporting the Rule of Law and or Engaging Men and Boys in Reducing Violence Against Women in Lebanon Apply for SFOP0005628 Funding Number: SFOP0005628 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| DRL FY18 Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in Sub-Saharan Africa Apply for SFOP0005594 Funding Number: SFOP0005594 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,100,000 |
| DRL FY18 Strengthening and Supporting Civil Society in Vietnam Apply for SFOP0005600 Funding Number: SFOP0005600 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| 2019 Egypt Apply for SFOP0005640 Funding Number: SFOP0005640 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| DRL FY18 Promoting Religious and Ethnic Tolerance in Ethiopia Apply for SFOP0005617 Funding Number: SFOP0005617 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| United States Army Garrison (USAG) Hawaii Army Compatible Use Buffer Program (ACUB) Apply for MICC FSH 19 0003 Funding Number: MICC FSH 19 0003 Agency: Department of Defense, Mission and Install. Cmd. JBSA Ft. Sam Houston Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000,000 |
| DRL Promoting Internet Freedom in Ukraine Apply for SFOP0005589 Funding Number: SFOP0005589 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,180,500 |
| Karachi – Science, Technology, Environment, Mathematics (STEM) Programming Apply for SCAISB 19 009 03082019 Funding Number: SCAISB 19 009 03082019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $95,000 |
| Plant Genetics for North Park Bugseed, Rocky Mountain Monkey Flower and Weber's draba Apply for F19AS00128 Funding Number: F19AS00128 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Centre for Excellence in Journalism – Workshops, Scholarships, and U.S. Internships Apply for SCAISB 19 010 03092019 Funding Number: SCAISB 19 010 03092019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $370,000 |
| NATO’s 70th Anniversary: New challenges and changing landscapes Apply for DOS USNATO PAA 2019 001 Funding Number: DOS USNATO PAA 2019 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to NATO Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Annual Program Statement for Cultural Affairs Apply for DOS KAZ AST PAS 19 003 Funding Number: DOS KAZ AST PAS 19 003 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| U.S. Embassy South Africa Public Affairs Section Annual Program Statement Apply for DOS PTA 201905 Funding Number: DOS PTA 201905 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $24,000 |
| 2019 Media Professionalization Assistance Program Apply for 006 FY2018SUPP PG Funding Number: 006 FY2018SUPP PG Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Montenegro Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| WRRI 104b Annual Grant Program Apply for G19AS00039 Funding Number: G19AS00039 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $277,005 |
| Water Resources Research National Competitive Grants Program Apply for G19AS00040 Funding Number: G19AS00040 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| 20 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP: NORTH CAROLINA - REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA. PRODUCTION OF 10- EPISODE TELEVISION SERIES Apply for PAS CHISINAU FY19 14 ISPACE Funding Number: PAS CHISINAU FY19 14 ISPACE Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SPK330 19 008 03052019", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.