Cultural Program Projects to Preventing Gender Based Violence | DOS KAZ NS PAS 21 009

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS KAZ NS PAS 21 009

The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS), announced a discretionary grant opportunity called "Cultural Program Projects to Preventing Gender Based Violence" (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS KAZ NS PAS 21 009). The program invites proposals that pair Kazakhstani and U.S. non-profit or non-governmental partners to design cultural and educational projects that help prevent and reduce gender-based violence (GBV) in Kazakhstan. A core requirement is that every proposal include a clear "American element," meaning the project should visibly draw on U.S. expertise, models, best practices, or cultural contributions, rather than being a purely local initiative.

The opportunity is designed for projects that use culture, education, and public engagement to shift knowledge, attitudes, and community responses related to GBV. PAS highlights examples such as academic or professional lectures, seminars, and trainings; speaking tours, public talks, or roundtables led by U.S. experts alongside Kazakhstani counterparts; and artistic or cultural activities like workshops, joint performances, exhibitions, or public campaigns. Applicants are encouraged to think beyond traditional formats and incorporate blended or online delivery, including virtual promotion and ways to follow up with participants and audiences after events conclude.

Because implementation may be affected by public health conditions, applicants must submit two separate budgets: one for an in-person or blended model and another for a fully virtual program. Competitive proposals are expected to show a strong track record of successfully delivering high-quality cultural and educational programming, and they should explain how results will be sustained after the grant ends. PAS also emphasizes gender parity in participation and expects intentional outreach to underserved groups, especially communities outside the major cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty.

The overarching goals are to increase public awareness of GBV, reduce its prevalence through prevention-oriented community engagement, and strengthen the capacity of human rights activists by sharing U.S. approaches and expertise. Proposed activities should address at least one of the stated objectives, such as teaching basic concepts of human rights, human dignity, and gender equity; building practical skills in project management or community work; creating durable linkages between U.S. and Kazakhstani individuals and institutions through U.S. best practices and policies that address discrimination, disrespect, and gender-based violence; and using U.S.-informed storytelling and cultural expression (including film, television, music, dance, theater, and discussion-based formats) to promote positive examples and encourage allyship. Another priority is supporting frank dialogue among community leaders and stakeholders to strengthen community-level involvement in preventing and combating GBV, using U.S. models as a reference point. Projects are also encouraged to use cultural tools to expand public education in the regions on human rights basics, GBV, and hate crimes.

PAS lists specific expected outcomes that applicants should plan and measure against. These include reaching more than 500 people with basic knowledge about gender equity and the project themes, training about 200 participants across Kazakhstan on human rights fundamentals, acceptable norms of behavior, and available support resources, and improving understanding among approximately 100 youth about human rights and gender equity, including how to act as allies in efforts to counter GBV. The program also anticipates measurable attitude or behavior changes among around 100 people related to gender stereotypes and perceptions of womens role in society.

The target audiences are intentionally broad but clearly defined, with an emphasis on groups that are often left out of major-city programming. Key audiences include the Kazakh-speaking public; rural or underserved communities; vulnerable women and survivors of GBV, including marginalized and at-risk minority populations; at-risk communities (including perpetrators of GBV, persons with disabilities, and immigrants); youth, particularly outside Almaty and Nur-Sultan; independent artists; and young professionals such as educators, prosecutors, legislators, doctors, and other decision-makers. Proposals may include additional audiences if the applicant can clearly justify why they are essential to achieving the program goals.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of Kazakhstani and U.S. entities, including non-profit organizations, civil society/NGOs, public and private cultural institutions, public and private educational institutions, think tanks, unions, and professional associations. The grant opportunity lists an award ceiling of $50,000. The opportunity was created on 2021-06-08 and had an original closing date of 2021-07-22.

• The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cultural Program Projects to Preventing Gender Based Violence" 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 2021-06-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-07-22. (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 $50,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for DOS KAZ NS PAS 21 009

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