DOS-KAZ-AST-PDS-26-003 Administrative and Programming Support Funding for American Corners

The U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan has a network of 10 American Spaces located in host institutions—primarily local public libraries—that showcase the breadth and depth of American excellence. The network of eight American Spaces receives support from the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at the Embassy in Astana; the American Spaces in Almaty and Shymkent are administered through a separate agreement by PDS at the Consulate general in Almaty. Embassy Astana provides monthly stipends to American Corner coordinators at eight Corners to ensure consistent staffing and program delivery. This funding opportunity covers administrative costs, including mobile plans costs, outreach expenses, and monthly programming with the branded promotional materials used to amplify reach. This ensures American Spaces run smoothly and continue demonstrating U.S. technological leadership, promoting U.S. higher education, and strengthening professional skills to engage the next generation of Kazakh leaders and increase demand for U.S. products and services. Project Audience(s): The direct beneficiaries of this award are the coordinators of eight American Spaces in Kazakhstan – university-educated young professionals from throughout Kazakhstan, aged 20-35. The secondary beneficiaries include American Spaces' host institution staff, volunteers, and patrons. Project Goal: Strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Kazakhstan by professionalizing the delivery of American excellence programming across northern Kazakhstan, ensuring that American Spaces serve as high-impact hubs for advancing U.S. interests. Objective 1: By September 2027, strengthen staffing retention across all American Corners by maintaining at least 70% coordinator retention across the project period, supported by monthly stipends, fringe benefits for eight coordinators and professional development opportunities. Objective 2: Expand awareness of and participation among new target audiences in American Spaces programming across northern Kazakhstan by conducting at least 24 targeted outreach events, resulting in at least 30 % of outreach participants reporting intent to attend an American Spaces event within the next three months by live poll or QR-based micro survey. Objective 3: By September 2027, increase understanding of U.S. culture, values and innovation, resulting in the delivery of at least 24 programs highlighting American excellence in technology, innovation, creative expression, education, and related fields, with at least 80 % of participants demonstrating increased trust in the U.S. as a partner of choice determined by pre and post program assessments.