ABSTRACT Embassy-based small grant schemes [SGS] are a niche development tool with public diplomacy objectives. SGSs create opportunities for local actors to pursue development goals whilst enabling diplomatic staff to practice a kind of street-level diplomacy, engaging segments of society outside traditional diplomatic circles. However, an argument often raised against such programmes are SGS administrative costs and the risk of misappropriation. Recognising this critique, the analysis explores the challenges and benefits of SGSs as seen by those individuals who manage these programmes at the embassy level. It also examines the experiences of SGS officials as they reflect on the diplomatic value of small grant schemes given their administrative and bureaucratic challenges. Despite challenges inherent in SGSs, diplomats and others involved perceive the benefits as worthwhile; however, results suggest that the benefits are contingent upon appropriately flexible and efficient systems, but also an officialdom capable of capitalising on the value of street-level diplomacy.

中文翻译：

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街头外交？管理者对小额赠款计划作为公共外交工具的思考

摘要 基于大使馆的小额赠款计划 [SGS] 是具有公共外交目标的利基发展工具。SGS 为当地参与者创造了追求发展目标的机会，同时使外交人员能够进行街头外交，与传统外交圈之外的社会阶层互动。然而，经常针对此类计划提出的论点是 SGS 管理成本和盗用风险。认识到这种批评，分析探讨了在大使馆级别管理这些计划的人所看到的 SGS 的挑战和好处。它还考察了 SGS 官员的经验，因为他们在考虑到行政和官僚挑战时反思小额赠款计划的外交价值。尽管 SGS 存在固有的挑战，外交官和其他相关人员认为这些好处是值得的；然而，结果表明，好处取决于适当灵活和高效的系统，但也取决于官方能够利用街头外交的价值。