Embassy News

Cultural Grants

U.S. Embassy Slovenia Cultural Grants Program

The U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana has a small budget that allows us to support artistic and cultural performances, exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and readings whose aim is to promote and deepen the understanding and appreciation of American culture in Slovenia.  Grants are awarded to individuals, groups, and organizations whose presentations convey the richness and diversity of American culture.

The Embassy is looking for projects with outstanding artistic, cultural, and educational merits.  In deciding which projects to support, the Embassy will give consideration to the full range and diversity of American cultural traditions and will seek to target geographically and demographically diverse audiences.  New grantees will be given priority over previous grantees.

Typically, cultural grants range from  $500 to $3,000, but do not exceed $5,000.

Proposals should be in the form of a written narrative in English, and must include the following information:

1. Name of the organization, address, phone/fax number/e-mail address, name and title of director and other significant staff members, particularly those who will be involved in the project.  Applicants should also attach a CV, resume or personal history of the people who will be engaged in the project.  No CV should exceed one page.
2. Background information on the applicant.  When was the organization founded, what are its principal activities, significant achievements, etc.?
3. Types and amounts of funding your organization has received for the current project.  Please include all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.
4. Program Description.  What is the nature of the performance/event/project? The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. The more specific, detailed, and clear the program description, the better. Please do not exceed one page.
5. Project Justification.  This is a very important aspect of the proposal and applicants should pay particular attention to it. What are the artistic/cultural/educational merits of the project? Why should it be funded?  What difference does it make for your country?  Please do not exceed one page.
6. Description of the audience.  Who will be invited?  How many people will attend/view/hear the proposed performance/event/project?
7. Proposed dates and venues.  Please include precise dates, times, and locations of performances or events planned.
8. Detailed Budget.  In order to be sure that the Embassy understands why there is a need for money, the applicant should prepare a line-by-line list of expenses that will be generated by this project. The budget should be prepared in a logical manner and offer enough detail that a reviewer will be able to understand exactly what the figures mean and how they were determined.
9. We would like to call your attention to the fact that before submitting any project/proposal to the U.S. Embassy you must obtain a so-called "DUNS Number."
   In order to receive this number you must contact D&B at
   <http://dbemc.dnb.com/?country=ee>
   If you need additional assistance, please call the following number: 01/ 234 29 40. After you receive the required DUNS Number, please include it on the Application Form.

Please note that Embassy cultural grants CAN NOT be used to fund religious organizations or partisan political activity; humanitarian or charitable activities; conferences and individual trips abroad; trade activities; fundraising campaigns; commercial projects; scientific research; projects aiming only at primary institutional development of the organization; or representational expenses (lunch, alcoholic beverages, etc.).

Proposals may be submitted in either written or electronic format at any time and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please mail all written grant proposals to:
Public Affairs Section
U.S. Embassy Ljubljana
Attn: Mateja Piškur
1000 Ljubljana
Fax: (01) 426-4284

Alternatively, proposals in electronic format may be sent the following address: piskurm@state.gov

Grant proposals should include all of the information requested in the application guidelines. Proposals will not be considered until all information is received in either hard copy or electronic form. Proposals must be in English or accompanied by an English translation. Budgets must be calculated in U.S. dollars. Supporting documents may be in Slovene. Questions should be addressed to Ms. Mateja Piškur (01) 200-5762.