Cultural Explosion at ACND | ND NOFO 20 105

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Cultural Explosion at ACND Grant (ND NOFO 20 105)

1) What is the Cultural Explosion at ACND grant?

The Cultural Explosion at ACND grant is a U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to India funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: ND NOFO 20 105) intended to support a steady slate of cultural programming at the American Center New Delhi (ACND). It funds one selected organization to plan and deliver recurring, live cultural events and interactive activities.

2) Who is offering this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to India, with active involvement from the Public Affairs Section (PAS) at U.S. Embassy New Delhi.

3) What type of award is this?

This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the Public Affairs Section (PAS) at U.S. Embassy New Delhi plays an active role in oversight and approvals as the project is developed and carried out.

4) How many awards will be made?

The opportunity funds one award.

5) What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $200,000.

6) What is the main purpose of the programming funded by this grant?

The programming is designed to use the arts and live cultural engagement to deepen audiences understanding of the United States, American values, and broader U.S. public diplomacy objectives. A major goal is to build an ongoing community of repeat visitors who feel connected to the American Center.

7) Who is the primary target audience?

The primary audience is expected to be young adults, with most participants between the ages of 18 and 40.

8) Where will activities take place?

The programming is centered at the American Center New Delhi (ACND).

9) What kinds of events and formats does the grant support?

The core of the project is hands-on development and execution of cultural programming across formats such as concerts, plays, dance, performances, entertainment, and interactive activities. The events are expected to be lively, interactive, and compelling.

10) Does the grant require recurring programming (more than one event)?

Yes. The grant is meant to support a steady slate of cultural programming, with recurring events planned and delivered over time.

11) What is expected regarding artists and facilitators (India-based vs. American)?

A key expectation is that the grantee draws as much as possible from talent based in India. Depending on the concept and goals of each event, performers and facilitators may be either American or Indian.

12) What role does the grantee play in selecting performers?

The grantee researches and identifies potential artists and facilitators, then submits lists of potential performers to PAS New Delhi. PAS New Delhi makes the final selections from those lists.

13) What information must be provided about potential performers?

The grantee is expected to compile names and short biographies and, when available, provide examples of prior work through social media links, websites, or other accessible media so reviewers can assess fit and quality.

14) What approvals are required before events can happen?

The grantee develops each activity within general parameters set by PAS and must obtain advance approval for events. Performer choices are also subject to PAS New Delhi final selection.

15) How closely does the Public Affairs Section (PAS) participate during implementation?

Because it is a cooperative agreement, PAS is actively involved in oversight and approvals. After performers are approved, the grantee coordinates closely with PAS and the artists to confirm event content, align messaging where relevant, and support appropriate media coverage.

16) What operational responsibilities does the grantee have?

The grantee manages most end-to-end responsibilities, from early concept through final evaluation. This includes program development, logistics, promotional content creation, hosting and emceeing events, and coordinating opening remarks or participation by ACND staff.

17) Is the grantee responsible for promotion and promotional materials?

Yes. The grantee is responsible for creating promotional content as part of managing the programming.

18) Is the grantee responsible for the on-site audience experience?

Yes. Responsibilities include inviting and greeting guests, arranging snacks or catering when appropriate, and ensuring visitors understand and comply with ACND entry and security requirements.

19) Are there any example security requirements for attendees mentioned in the opportunity?

Yes. The opportunity references ACND entry and security requirements and gives an example restriction such as no laptops.

20) Are pre-event or post-event activities part of the grant expectations?

Yes. In addition to main events, the grantee is expected to plan and support pre- or follow-on activities in consultation with PAS, such as web chats, short videos featuring performers, post-event press moments, or other amplification efforts.

21) Will PAS New Delhi promote events through official channels?

When it makes sense, PAS New Delhi may amplify the programming through official embassy social media channels to extend reach beyond the in-person audience.

22) Is evaluation required?

Yes. After each event, the grantee conducts a post-event evaluation to capture lessons learned and improve future programs.

23) What is the CFDA listing and category for this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized under Education and lists CFDA 19.040.

24) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status.

25) When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted April 1, 2020, and originally closed May 26, 2020.

26) What is the overall outcome the funder wants from this program?

The program aims to deliver engaging cultural events that deepen understanding of the United States and American values while building a sustained community of repeat visitors connected to the American Center New Delhi.