American Spaces Administrative Funds Management 2026 | PDS LUSAKA AMSPACES FY26

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): American Spaces Administrative Funds Management 2026 (U.S. Mission to Zambia)

1) What is the American Spaces Administrative Funds Management 2026 opportunity?

It is a U.S. Mission to Zambia (Public Diplomacy Section) cooperative agreement focused on the financial and administrative management that supports programming delivered through the Embassy's American Spaces network in Zambia. The award is intended to ensure funds can be disbursed and tracked properly so American Spaces activities can run smoothly.

2) What is the main purpose of this award?

The purpose is to manage and disburse funds for program-related expenses connected to American Spaces activities, including payments to vendors, organizations, individuals, and other costs as directed by the Public Diplomacy Section. The emphasis is on accurate, timely, and transparent financial administration and reporting.

3) Does this grant fund or design American Spaces programming?

No. The opportunity specifically states that it is not meant to fund or shape the programming itself. The Embassy retains responsibility for deciding what programming happens; the grantee is responsible for executing the financial administration that enables those activities.

4) What are “American Spaces” in Zambia?

American Spaces are open-access learning and community hubs that connect local audiences with the United States through in-person and virtual engagement. The spaces host activities on topics such as freedom of speech, digital rights, U.S. history, emerging technology (including AI), English language learning, cultural programming, EducationUSA advising, and professional skills development.

5) Which American Spaces are covered under this agreement?

The selected grantee will support funds management for three locations:

• American Center for Leadership at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka
• American Corner at the National Institute for Public Administration (Lusaka)
• American Corner at Copperbelt University (Kitwe)

6) What kinds of activities will the grantee be responsible for?

Based on the description provided, responsibilities include:

• Disbursing funds to vendors, organizations, and individuals for programmatic expenses
• Facilitating payments that support event and activity preparation
• Paying logistics and supply fees and other expenses as directed
• Providing regular reporting to the Public Diplomacy Section on expenditures and budget execution
• Maintaining clear records of payments and spending

7) Why is the Embassy looking for a funds management and disbursement partner?

The American Corners often require small, frequent disbursements and payments to multiple vendors and sub-grantees. The Embassy is seeking an organization that can reliably process payments, cover program-related costs as instructed, and keep strong records to support accountability.

8) What type of funding mechanism is this?

This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement.

9) Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?

Yes. It is described as a discretionary funding opportunity.

10) What is the activity category and CFDA number listed?

The opportunity is under the Education activity category, with CFDA 19.441.

11) How many awards are expected?

The opportunity indicates an expected single award.

12) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is USD 12,591.

13) What is the application deadline?

The application deadline listed is June 20, 2026.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/NGOs)
• Public or private educational institutions

15) Is a physical presence in Zambia required?

Yes. Applicants must be able to document eligibility, including proof of legal registration and physical presence in Zambia.

16) What eligibility documentation is mentioned?

The opportunity notes that applicants must be able to document eligibility and provide materials including:

• Proof of legal registration in Zambia
• Proof of physical presence in Zambia
• An organizational chart identifying key personnel
• Letters of reference
• Evidence of past performance

17) Are organizations with prior grant management experience encouraged?

Yes. Organizations that have previously managed U.S. government or other international grants are specifically encouraged to apply.

18) What capabilities does the Embassy emphasize for applicants?

The description emphasizes strong financial controls, credible compliance capacity, and dependable grant administration experience, especially given the need for frequent payments, multiple payees, and clear recordkeeping and reporting.

19) Who determines which events and activities will take place at the American Spaces?

The Embassy (Public Diplomacy Section) retains responsibility for deciding what programming happens. The grantee’s role is to execute the financial administration to support those activities.

20) What kinds of expenses might the grantee be asked to pay?

The opportunity references programmatic expenses and costs that support event and activity preparation, including logistics and supply fees and other expenses as directed by the Public Diplomacy Section.

21) Who will the grantee report to?

The grantee will provide regular reporting to the Public Diplomacy Section on expenditures and budget execution.

22) Is this grant intended to expand the American Spaces network or open new locations?

The information provided describes support for funds management across three existing locations and does not state that the award is intended to open new sites.

23) Does the opportunity mention working with vendors and sub-grantees?

Yes. It notes that American Corners often require payments to multiple vendors and sub-grantees, and the grantee will be responsible for disbursing funds to vendors, organizations, and individuals for programmatic expenses.

24) What is the expected role of the grantee in terms of speed and transparency?

The grantee is expected to execute financial administration accurately, quickly, and transparently, including reliable processing of payments and maintaining clear records.