U.S. Mission to Iraq, Embassy Baghdad PD Small Grants Program

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Baghdad Public Diplomacy Section (PD Section), on behalf of U.S. Mission Iraq, is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.  Applications for programs are accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline of September 1, 2024. A grant review committee will review outstanding applications on a rolling basis. This Notice of Funding Opportunity covers the whole of Iraq, to include the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). Please carefully follow all instructions attached.

Purpose of Small Grants: The Embassy PD Section invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Iraq through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation.  All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Examples of Projects include, but are not limited to:
·        Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs.
·        Youth leadership programs.
·        Professional and academic exchanges and non-research projects.
·        Entrepreneurship and innovation in technological or other fields.

 Priority Programming Areas:
·        Strengthening Governance, Democracy, and the Rule of Law
·        Strengthening Civil Society and Promoting Civic Engagement
·        Enhancing Professionalism in the Media
·        Combatting Disinformation
·        Countering Violent Extremism
·        Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship
·        Empowering Women, Youth, or Religious and Ethnic Minorities
·        Fostering U.S.-Iraqi Cultural Ties
·        Protecting and Preserving Iraqi Cultural Heritage

pplicants are only allowed to submit maximum two proposals per organization. If more than two proposals are submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Length of performance period: 1 to 18 months 
Anticipated programs start date: as soon as 4/1/2024, or whenever sufficient funds are appropriated.

Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less. The PD Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.