2020 Olympics Programming | PAS SINGAPORE FY20 002

FAQs: 2020 Olympics Programming (PAS SINGAPORE FY20 002)

What is this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity announced by the U.S. Mission to Singapore, through the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, titled "2020 Olympics Programming" (Funding Opportunity Number: PAS SINGAPORE FY20 002).

What is the main purpose of the program?

The program is intended to support a multi-event, multi-platform public diplomacy initiative in Singapore timed around the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The central goal is to use the Olympics and Paralympics as a high-visibility moment to strengthen people-to-people ties and mutual understanding between Singaporeans and Americans.

Where will the programming take place?

The initiative is designed to be carried out in Singapore.

How is the Olympics/Paralympics connection expected to be used?

The opportunity is meant to tap into shared enthusiasm for sports and international competition, using the Olympic and Paralympic moment as a platform for engagement. Activities should connect the energy and visibility of the Games to broader public diplomacy objectives centered on shared values and mutual understanding.

What themes should proposals include?

Proposals were expected to intentionally highlight values associated with the Olympic and Paralympic movements and broader civic life, specifically including sportsmanship, teamwork, fairness and transparency, and diversity and inclusion.

What does "multi-event" mean in this opportunity?

The Embassy signaled that it wanted more than a single standalone event. "Multi-event" suggests proposals should include several activities or engagements that work together as part of one coordinated program.

What does "multi-platform" mean in this opportunity?

"Multi-platform" suggests the initiative should reach audiences through multiple channels, potentially combining in-person public-facing events with online or digital engagement and related outreach. The intent appears to be an integrated campaign-like approach with multiple touchpoints.

What kinds of activities might fit the description?

Based on the description, activities could include a mix of public-facing events and digital engagement, and could involve conversations or activities linking athletic competition to community values, civic participation, and inclusive social norms. The opportunity emphasizes an integrated approach rather than a one-off event.

What type of award mechanism is being used?

The funding mechanism is a Cooperative Agreement.

What does a Cooperative Agreement imply for the relationship with the U.S. government?

A cooperative agreement typically indicates a more hands-on partnership than a standard grant. While the implementing organization generally manages day-to-day execution, the funding agency may expect closer coordination on elements such as planning, messaging, branding, deliverables, and other substantive aspects to ensure alignment with public diplomacy objectives.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling for this opportunity is USD 75,000, which is the maximum amount for a single proposed program budget under this competition.

How many awards will be made?

The number of expected awards is not provided in the information available here.

When was the opportunity published?

The opportunity was published on January 8, 2020.

What was the application deadline?

The original application deadline was February 28, 2020.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes U.S. and non-U.S. entities and individuals. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories); and individuals.

Can non-U.S. organizations apply?

Yes. The eligibility statement explicitly includes both U.S. and non-U.S. entities among the eligible applicant types.

Can individuals apply?

Yes. Individuals are listed as eligible applicants.

Are nonprofits required to have 501(c)(3) status?

No. Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status are listed as eligible (with the noted condition that, in those nonprofit categories, they are not institutions of higher education).

What are the activity categories associated with this opportunity?

The activity categories are Community Development, Education, and Humanities.

What is the program trying to achieve beyond sports?

Beyond sports enthusiasm, the initiative is meant to promote shared values and deepen understanding between Singaporeans and Americans, using sports and international competition as an entry point for values-based dialogue, civic connection, learning, cultural engagement, and inclusive norms.

Is the Embassy expecting an integrated communications approach?

The requirement for multi-platform programming and the description of digital engagement and media/outreach potential indicate the Embassy was aiming for an integrated approach that reaches audiences through multiple channels and repeated touchpoints.

What is the overall focus of the initiative?

The overall focus is an Olympics- and Paralympics-themed public diplomacy effort in Singapore that uses multiple events and communication channels to engage local audiences, promote shared values (sportsmanship, teamwork, fairness and transparency, diversity and inclusion), and strengthen people-to-people ties between Singaporeans and Americans.