Historical Markers (U.S. - Panama Shared History) | PAS PAN FY20 03

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS PAN FY20 03

The U.S. Department of State, through the Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the U.S. Embassy in Panama, offered a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Historical Markers (U.S. - Panama Shared History)" (Funding Opportunity Number: PAS PAN FY20 03). The core idea is to fund one project that helps highlight and promote locations in Panama that reflect the shared history between the United States and Panama. The broader public diplomacy objective is to advance U.S. national interests by strengthening understanding and support among the Panamanian public through visible, accessible historical interpretation.

The funded project is expected to identify significant U.S.-Panamanian historical sites, then develop practical strategies to bring those sites to public attention. The announcement strongly suggests installing physical interpretive elements such as markers, signs, or plaques at relevant locations, either in Panama City and/or in other parts of the country. In addition to the on-site markers, the project must produce a brochure-style guide map, or a series of maps, that feature the selected historical sites and present them as a cohesive, engaging, and historically accurate story. A key requirement is wide distribution of these materials to educate residents and encourage domestic tourism connected to these historical places.

Funding can cover a broad range of program costs as long as they fall within applicable policy limits. Allowable expenses explicitly include design, production, installation, and printing of markers and brochures, along with related personnel costs needed to carry out the work. The opportunity is framed to support partners that can deliver high-quality public-facing products and reach large audiences, meaning applicants should demonstrate strong capacity not only in research and historical interpretation, but also in communications, outreach, and audience engagement.

The ideal implementer is described as an organization or individual with experience in public engagement and marketing, museum or historical curation, or experiential learning, and with the ability to translate historical content into compelling materials for the general public. Because installing physical markers typically involves permissions and site management, the project will likely require coordination with local governments and other entities responsible for the locations where signs or plaques would be placed, as well as close collaboration with the U.S. Embassy PAS. The primary target audience is the general public in Panama, with domestic tourists also highlighted as an important audience segment.

Eligibility is broad, but it excludes for-profit or commercial entities. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/NGOs), universities and educational institutions, governmental institutions, and individuals. The opportunity also lists common U.S. grants eligibility categories such as city or township governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status. Organizational applicants must meet standard U.S. government registration requirements to receive an award, including having a DUNS number, an NCAGE/CAGE code, and an active registration in SAM.gov.

The application window was open until January 31, 2020, with submissions accepted any time before that closing date. Applicants were advised not to schedule project activities before April 1, 2020 to allow time for grant processing. Applications had to be submitted by email to PanCultural@state.gov and needed to include a full proposal with a budget narrative, a budget worksheet, and the required federal form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance). Additional instructions and required forms were made available through the U.S. Embassy Panama grants webpages, and the notice indicates an expected total of one award with an award ceiling of $40,000.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Panama in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), community development, education, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Historical Markers (U.S. - Panama Shared History)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 03, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 31, 2020. (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 $40,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for PAS PAN FY20 03

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