Photographic Exhibit on the pre 1947 era in the U.S. India Relationship | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Photographic Exhibit on the pre 1947 era in the U.S. India Relationship."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NDRFP13-03.

Who offered this grant?

This grant was offered by the U.S. Mission to India.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project is intended to fund the creation of a historically grounded photographic exhibit that documents the early roots of the U.S.-India relationship before India gained independence in 1947, showing that the relationship has deep historical foundations beyond modern strategic or economic ties.

What kind of project is this (theme and focus area)?

This is a public diplomacy and education-focused project centered on history, archival documentation, and public-facing storytelling through a photographic exhibit.

What time period should the exhibit cover?

The exhibit should focus on the pre-1947 era in the U.S.-India relationship (before India gained independence in 1947).

What audience is the exhibit meant to reach?

The exhibit is meant for general audiences, with particular attention to younger audiences in India, given that a large portion of the population is under 25.

Why does the opportunity emphasize accessibility for non-academic audiences?

The sponsor specifically notes that the final product must be attractive and accessible to general audiences. That includes both the visuals and the written narrative, which should be compelling, accurate, and understandable rather than written in dense scholarly language.

What is expected in terms of historical research and scholarship?

The exhibit is expected to be built on strong scholarship and original research, including rediscovery and use of photographs and other archival documentation. Applicants are expected to demonstrate capacity to conduct historical scholarship and archival research.

Does the written narrative matter as much as the images?

Yes. The opportunity states that the accompanying written narrative is just as important as the images and must be compelling, accurate, and accessible for non-academic viewers.

What types of historical themes or examples does the sponsor want included?

The opportunity describes several example themes and moments that could demonstrate longstanding ties and mutual influence, including:

• Early connections related to Elihu Yale (associated with the East India Company and later the namesake of Yale University)
• U.S. Secretary of State William Seward's visit to India in the 1870s
• American soldiers in Northeast India during World War II, including links to the "Hump" airlift operations supporting supply routes to China
• American missionaries arriving in India in the mid-19th century, including founders of educational institutions that still operate today
• Cultural and intellectual exchange, including the influence of Indian philosophy on American thinkers such as the Transcendentalists
• Swami Vivekananda's visit to Chicago as an example of early American engagement with and recognition of Indian culture

Is the exhibit limited only to the examples listed?

The opportunity provides examples of moments and themes to highlight, and frames them as illustrative of the kinds of significant pre-1947 connections the exhibit should document.

What deliverables are expected beyond a physical exhibit?

The expected deliverables include a catalogue, posters, and an audio-visual version of the exhibit (a video or multimedia adaptation).

How is the audio-visual version expected to be used?

The audio-visual version is intended for high-traffic public diplomacy settings such as consular waiting rooms (where it could reach hundreds of thousands of Indian visa applicants) and for use across the mission's social media channels.

What kind of public reach does the sponsor anticipate?

The sponsor anticipates that a well-produced exhibit opening and related media coverage could reach tens of millions of people, amplifying the message about the durable historical foundation of the U.S.-India partnership.

How many awards were expected?

This was a discretionary grant opportunity with an expected single award.

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding was $150,000.

What was the award ceiling?

The award ceiling was $150,000.

What was the award floor?

The award floor was $50,000.

Was cost-sharing or matching required?

No. There was no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to nonprofit organizations with U.S. 501(c)(3) status.

Were institutions of higher education eligible?

No. Institutions of higher education were explicitly excluded from eligibility.

What capabilities did applicants need to demonstrate?

Applicants were expected to demonstrate the capacity to manage the full pipeline of work, including conducting historical scholarship, performing archival research, securing images and rights as needed, writing accessible interpretive text, and executing logistical and design elements required to produce a polished exhibit and accompanying materials.

Does the opportunity mention image rights and permissions?

Yes. Applicants were expected to be able to secure images and rights as needed, as part of producing the exhibit and its associated materials.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on July 1, 2013.

When did the application period close?

The opportunity closed on July 31, 2013.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was August 30, 2013.

What is the core message the exhibit is supposed to communicate?

The exhibit is meant to present clear, well-supported evidence that the U.S.-India relationship has deep historical roots reaching back well over a century, reinforcing positive public sentiment by showing the partnership is grounded in long-standing connections.