PD Chennai is pleased to announce an open competition for non-profit organizations to submit applications to implement programs that foster stronger bilateral and regional ties through diverse public diplomacy programs on topics related to global threats, economic prosperity, regional security in the
Indo-Pacific, and shared democratic values.
Applications should include and promote increased understanding of U. S. policy and perspectives in the project proposals.
Program Priority Areas:
Applications should focus primarily on any one or more of the themes:
Theme One:
Global Threats · Trafficking in Persons (TIP):
Programs which raise awareness among vulnerable populations as well as key stakeholders on TIP and share best practices to combat human trafficking.
· Climate Change:
Foster dialogue among key stakeholders, including civil society, about preparedness for climate change-related challenges.
Theme Two:
Economic Prosperity Entrepreneurship:
· Promote and support start-up hubs, incubators, business associations and other initiatives which lead to innovation, business, science, and technology cooperation to increase economic opportunities especially for emerging business leaders.
· Promote projects that enhance women’s participation, promotion, and longevity in the labor force and ability to assume leadership positions.
Education:
· Projects that increase access to education and economic opportunity to underserved communities.
· Projects that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic (STEM) education, including institutional partnerships with a particular focus on women and girls and underserved communities.
Theme Three:
Regional Security · Programs to promote the U.S.-India partnership and shared goals for the development of the Indo-Pacific region.
· Programs that address issues of regional security, including cybersecurity, critical and engineering technologies, and countering violent extremism, as well as exchanges that promote multilateral cooperation and enhance stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
· Programs to develop social and intellectual connections, creating bridges of understanding and connection among Indo-Pacific countries by providing opportunities for participants to identify and appreciate common values.
Theme Four:
Shared Democratic Values · Programs which increase the effectiveness of individuals, organizations, and coalitions working to advance and/or advocate for respect and promotion of human rights.
· Programs which promote sensitization on Gender Based Violence (GBV) issues.
· Programs which strengthen and build capacity of local organizations who work on social and economic inclusion of marginalized communities (including the LGBTQ+), to build long-term, self-sustaining relationships within communities and organizations.
· Programs related to freedom of the press that improve quality of investigative journalism, transparency, and reinforce journalistic standards to counter disinformation.
· Programs that promote pluralism, religious freedom, and social inclusion.