The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State have announced the 2018 call for proposals for the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). This fund is intended to help countries preserve cultural heritage, demonstrating U.S. respect for other cultures while advancing diplomatic goals.
The program targets projects that focus on preserving cultural sites or objects with historical or cultural significance to Serbia's heritage. Grants generally range from $10,000 to $75,000, but exceptional projects may receive more funding.
Applicants seeking $25,000 or more must possess a DUN and Bradstreet Universal Number System (DUNS) number and be registered in the SAM database before submitting applications. DUNS numbers can be obtained at no cost through a provided link.
Interested parties should use a suggested format when organizing their application materials. Required items include an Application for Federal Assistance, budget information, assurances for non-construction programs, and disclosure of lobbying activities. Additionally, project basics such as title, start and end dates, ownership status, and details about previous AFCP-supported projects must be included.
The application process requires comprehensive details about the applicant organization and project location. Proof of official permission to undertake the project is necessary alongside statements outlining its importance, urgency, sustainability plans post-project completion, and a detailed budget broken down by year.
Certain restrictions apply; AFCP does not support preservation or purchase of privately owned objects unless they are public property at submission time. Other exclusions include natural heritage preservation, media preservation unless part of larger conservation efforts, new construction projects unrelated to preservation efforts directly tied to existing structures or collections needing conservation.
Local cost-sharing from non-U.S. government sources is strongly encouraged to enhance collaboration with governments and international organizations.