U.S. Embassy Santiago Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Santiago Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities and strategic themes, as well as the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Submission of a statement of interest (SOI) is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must complete an online form, clearly and concisely communicating the proposed program ideas and objectives. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to move to the second step which is to submit a full proposal. These will undergo another merit review before final funding decisions.

Purpose of Grants Program:

The U.S. Department of State provides funding for well-conceived projects that support U.S. Embassy Santiago’s strategic priorities in Chile. All proposed projects should strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Chile and include a clear U.S. element that will promote increased understanding of the United States among the Chilean public. They may include U.S. expert(s), organization(s), technology, methods or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Proposals should address one or more of the following priority program objectives:

Bolster resilience against disinformation: Chilean audiences including but not limited to journalists and students acquire skills and tools to enhance free speech, and/or media literacy to make informed decisions and build resilience against disinformation. 
Foster mutual economic prosperity: promote more stable and sustainable social and economic conditions and encourage economic participation by under-represented or under-served Chileans, particularly through entrepreneurship, English language learning, and other economic empowerment efforts.  
Enhance bilateral institutional cooperation in science, engineering, technology and advanced education: programs that support academic or institutional collaboration and educational exchange, promote joint U.S.-Chile research and/or cultivate public-private partnerships for higher education in advanced fields (Note that Grants cannot fund specific scientific, technology, engineering or health-care research projects, even if collaborative – see page 8 for Funding Restrictions). 
Cultivate security, democracy and democratic institutions, human rights, and rule of law shared values: programs that support the propagation of democracy and democratic institutions, civil liberties, human rights, security and rule of law.

Other information:

Following the SOI review, successful SOI applicants will be contacted and instructed to submit full applications. These applicants will have one month from the date of this notification to submit a full proposal.

FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 
Length of Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed by December 31, 2026, with limited exceptions.

Number of Awards Anticipated: Up to 10 awards (dependent on approved amounts)

U.S. Embassy to the United Kingdom Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The US Embassy to the United Kingdom’s Public Diplomacy Section, PDS, is pleased to announce the launch of its annual Public Diplomacy grants program. The Annual Program Statement outlines the Embassy’s funding priorities, strategic themes of focus, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding for Fiscal Year 2025, which runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. 

We will only accept applications with budgets within the range of USD 10000 minimum to USD 100000 maximum. 

All programs must promote at least one US Embassy priority program area and include a US element or connection. Democracy and Shared Values Global Challenges Climate Change, Science, and Technology Programs can include US experts, organizations, or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of US policies and perspectives. 

Examples of grants program projects include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs.
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions. 
• Professional and academic exchanges and projects. 
• Professional development workshops and training.

All proposed programs must include a public-facing element, targeting audiences across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, with special consideration for youth audiences aged 18 to 35 and regions outside of London.

Priority Program Areas
Democracy and Shared Values:  Activities that promote the U.S.-UK bilateral relationship and build people-to-people ties.

Special attention will be given to projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence; promote our shared values between the U.S. and the UK, including our commitment to democracy and human rights, women’s empowerment, and equity and inclusion to support underserved communities.

Global Challenges:  Activities that build public support for the U.S.-UK alliance and U.S. foreign policy priorities related to shared national security challenges; and/or address transnational challenges such as mis- and disinformation from hostile actors; and/or projects that promote peaceful dialogue and counter radicalization, and equity and social justice.

Special attention will be given to projects focused on countering mis/disinformation; bolstering support for Ukraine; raising awareness around PRC interventionist activities; and promoting peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

Climate Change, Science, and Technology:  Activities that build awareness, action and cooperation on global priorities including climate/environment, sustainability, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, STEAM, and/or improve the connections between U.S. and UK businesses.  Special attention will be given to projects that:

Advance collaboration on the safe and responsible use of AI; promote climate-smart policies and infrastructure to support green growth and transatlantic security; and support women and girls in developing STEAM skills.

Participants and Audience Reach:

All applicants for awards must specify the program’s target audience (noting any emphasis on diverse audiences) and estimate the expected audience reach through direct contact and, if possible, through indirect contact (via social media or traditional media).  Proposals must include evaluation measures for analysis of impact.

Solicitation limitations:

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.  If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. 

Other information:

Length of Performance Period: 1 to 12 months

Number of Awards Anticipated: 3 to 30 awards (dependent on amounts and availability of funding)

Award Amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

Cost Sharing or Matching: When cost-sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in its proposal.  PDS encourages, but does not mandate, that applicants include cost-sharing elements from additional sources in support of their proposals.

NDEP STEM Open NFO

Overview:

The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) seeks innovative applications on mechanisms to implement and research the effectiveness of STEM education, outreach, and/or workforce initiative programs, here onto referred as STEM activities. 
In response to this NFO, the Department intends to release amendments and solicitations, such as Industry Days, Opportunity Days, etc., detailing funding opportunities through award(s) in STEM activities. 

These activities include, but are not limited to: 
(1) STEM Education and Outreach 
(2) Support for STEM Education at Two-Year Institutions/Community Colleges (2YI/CCs)
(3) Manufacturing Engineering Education Program 
(4) Education and Workforce Development aligned to the DoD Critical Technology Areas 
(5) Enhanced Civics Education 
(6) STEM Scholarship Programs 
(7) Strategic Partnerships 
(8) Program Evaluations and Assessments 
(9) Data Analytics and Visualizations 
(10) Activities aligned to the DoD STEM Strategic Plan
(11) Other NDEP Congressional Initiatives and Programs

This NFO competition is implemented in two stages: 
(1) Applicants must submit a white paper by the designated deadline specified in the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement. 
(2) Based on assessment of the white paper, selected applicants will be invited to submit an application by the designated deadline.
White papers that fail to address the areas listed in the Program Description of the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement will not be evaluated and will not receive an invitation to submit a full technical application.

Solicitation limitations:

Per 2 CFR § 200.216, funds may not be used to procure telecommunications equipment or video surveillance services or equipment produced by 

• Huawei Technologies Company 
• ZTE Corporation Hytera Communications Corporation
• Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company
• Dahua Technology Company
• Any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities 

Resultant grants will not allow reimbursement of pre-Federal award costs. The DoD will only fund salary, fringe benefits and indirect costs on awards under the announcement. Funds from an award may not be used to attain fee or profit.  

Other information:

Mandatory White Paper Due: March 5, 2025  

In response to this NFO, applicants may be asked for a mandatory white paper submission, emailed to [email protected]. Use of the white paper is intended to determine which efforts are of merit preparatory to submission of a full application as described in Section IV. Applicants will be selected from the white paper submissions to be invited by the Government via email to submit a full application on Grants.gov for evaluation and possible award consideration. White papers that fail to address the areas listed in the Program Description of the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement will not be evaluated and will not receive an invitation to submit a full technical application.

The submission of a white paper is dependent on the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement. In addition to the submission requirements outlined in Section IV, all responses should address items in the specific NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement.

The white paper should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line, “NFO White Paper Submission.”

For all personnel proposed as key personnel applicants must submit an SF424 Research and Related (R&R) 4040-001 Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form.

All awards are expected to be in place by 8 February 2028.

U.S. Embassy Managua Annual Program Statement

Overview:

U.S. Embassy Managua of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) for funding to carry out a project that advances U.S. public diplomacy priorities and reinforces ties between the people of the United States and Nicaragua.

The U.S. Department of State provides funding for well-conceived projects that support U.S. Embassy Managua’s strategic priorities in Nicaragua. All proposed projects should include a clear U.S. element that will promote increased understanding of the United States among the Nicaraguan public. They may include U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Proposals should address one or more of the following priority program objectives:

• Promoting Information Integrity- Projects that counter information manipulation by malign actors, strengthen Nicaragua’s independent media sector, increase the public’s access to credible information, and/or improve media and digital literacy for the Nicaraguan people. 
• Fostering Economic Prosperity and Opportunities at Home- Projects that promote economic growth, tackle barriers to inclusive economic participation, and/or provide youth, women, and marginalized populations the skills, education, and resources to contribute to the economy. 
• Encouraging safe and legal migration- Projects that decelerate irregular migration and increase public awareness of legal migration pathways.

Other information:

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise 1-4 page statement of interest designed to clearly communicate projects idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal and will not result in a federal assistance award at this step.

Length of performance period: Up to 12 months
Anticipated project start date: August 1, 2025
Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less, with limited exceptions.

U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement

Overview:

PDS Nairobi invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Kenya and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must advance a U.S. linkage including, for example, a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, economic models, and perspectives on the U.S.-Kenya partnership. The following are the four priority program areas: 
• Economic Prosperity 
• Democracy and Governance 
• U.S. - Kenya Creative Economy Partnership 
• U.S. - Kenya Higher Education Partnership 

Goals and Objectives
The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its 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.

Priority Program Areas: Proposals must address one of the following key program areas:

1. Economic Prosperity – Advances the prosperity of the United States and Kenya through a fair and reciprocal economic partnership, the strengthening of Kenya’s business climate, support for its startup ecosystem, clean energy solutions and climate change resiliency, and education that skills the next generation of workers. 

2. Democracy and Governance – Deepens the bilateral relationship on a broad range of common interests including respect for human rights, safeguarding civic space, rule of law, public accountability, anti-corruption efforts, shared democratic values, and protection of fundamental freedoms.

3. U.S.-Kenya Creative Economy Partnership – Engage creative economy leaders, the Kenyan public, the investor community, and government officials in support of creative economy development and U.S.-Kenya partnership. Program goals could include Government of Kenya policies adopted in support of creative economy growth, advancement of intellectual property protections, U.S.-Kenya creative industry investment opportunities, public understanding and support for U.S. creative economy engagement in Kenya, strengthening of professional networks across different industries, and development of Kenyan university initiatives that facilitate creative economy education and job growth.  

4. U.S.-Kenya Higher Education Partnership – Launching and strengthening of long-term joint initiatives between Kenyan and U.S. universities, especially focused on technology, joint research, and private-sector job growth. Program goals could include mutually beneficial tech, education, and business developments for students, researchers, startups, faculty, and larger commercial enterprises. Proposed fields for U.S.-Kenya university cooperation could include trade and investment, economic growth, renewable energy and green industrialization, global health advancements, and security cooperation.

Participants and Audiences:
Kenyans who may be in any of the following categories:
• Kenyans between the ages of 16 and 35, including students, civil society leaders and social influencers;
• Business leaders and rising entrepreneurs;
• Established opinion leaders, including cultural influencers and academic institution leadership.
 

Other information:

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.  

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
    • Programs relating to partisan political activity; 
    • Charitable or development activities; 
    • Construction programs; 
    • Programs that support specific religious activities; 
    • Fund-raising campaigns; 
    • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; 
    • Scientific research or specific academic research; 
    • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or 
    • Scholarships or tuition assistance 
    • Commercial or for-profit activities, including seed money; or 
    • Programs that duplicate existing programs. 
 

Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Organizational Research Education Award to Promote Diversity (UE5 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Overview:

The NIH Research Education Program (UE5) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The over-arching goal of the MOSAIC UE5 program is to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, for example those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research.

To accomplish the stated over-arching goal, this FOA will support creative educational activities with a primary focus on Courses for Skills Development and Mentoring Activities. Applications are encouraged from organizations of biomedical researchers (e.g., scientific societies) with a membership of scientists conducting research within the mission of NIH, experience serving as a centralized entity to enhance scientific communication and networking among scientists conducting research, an established record of providing professional development and networking activities for the next generation of biomedical researchers, and a demonstrated commitment to enhancing the diversity of the biomedical research workforce.

The program provides support for well-designed courses for skills development and mentoring activities to prepare MOSAIC K99/R00 grantees to transition into, succeed, and advance in independent faculty careers at research-intensive institutions.
 

Solicitation limitations:

ASU may submit only one (1) application to the sponsoring organization. The Limited Submissions internal application can be found here: InfoReady.

Other information:

A broad portfolio – in terms of scientific areas, approaches, regions, organizations, and individual investigator experiences – is integral to NIH’s ability to fulfill its mission. Advances in biomedical research depend upon a workforce composed of people trained in multiple disciplines and from a range of backgrounds who can provide the breadth of creativity, and individual interests, perspectives and experiences needed to identify and address important and complex scientific problems, engage with increasingly diverse patient populations, and effectively serve as mentors to trainees from increasingly diverse backgrounds who are pursuing biomedical research careers. Research shows that teams with members from different backgrounds that utilize their members' unique experiences and perspectives better capitalize on innovative ideas and outperform homogeneous teams.

There are many benefits that flow from an NIH-supported scientific workforce that leverages the talents of rigorous researchers from all backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented groups: fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of research, enhancing public trust, and increasing the likelihood that health disparities and the needs of underserved populations are addressed in biomedical research.
Expanding the population of academic investigators from nationally underrepresented backgrounds in the biomedical research workforce has remained an elusive goal.
 

U.S. Mission to North Macedonia: 2025 PDS Grants Program

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the U.S. and North Macedonia 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 PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:

•    Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs
•    Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions
•    Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs
•    Professional and academic exchanges and programs
•    Programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation
•    Programs focused on empowerment of youth and underserved communities across the societal and cultural spectrum
•    Programs focused on democratic processes and values
•    Programs focused on gender issues
•    Programs focused on human and equal rights
•    Programs focused on critical thinking in media consumption
•    Programs focused on strengthening resiliency against false information and malign influence
•    Programs focused on safeguarding natural resources and ecosystems
•    Programs that support North Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration process

Priority Program Areas:
The objectives of the Public Diplomacy Grant Program are to promote positive relations between North Macedonia and the United States; to reinforce shared values; and to connect North Macedonia’s emerging leaders to the American people.

We fund projects that:
• Help North Macedonia’s youth build and develop skills to improve their potential through innovative science (e.g. health awareness), technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEM) programs, as well as through entrepreneurship programs and vocational training.

• Encourage North Macedonia’s youth to participate in civic life through social entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community engagement.

• Strengthen understanding of U.S. values and institutions; highlight U.S. culture, including American Studies, English language teaching/learning, and study in the United States; as well as support diversity through the acceptance of minority groups, including individuals with special needs or handicapping conditions, and other areas of mutual interest.

Participants and Audiences: US Mission North Macedonia encourages not only diverse applicants to apply to our grants programs but would also like to see diverse target audiences and trainers. Diversity can be defined by different geographic regions, ethnicities, religious orientations, gender, physical disabilities including visual, hearing, speech, and other physically handicapping conditions.

Solicitation limitations:

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.  If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Other information:

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

Funding Restrictions
None of the funds awarded resulting from Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Proposals will be accepted throughout the year
Proposals will be reviewed according to the following schedule:   
•  Proposals received between January 1 and March 31 will be reviewed by April 30, with responses going out by May 15.  
• Proposals received between April 1 and June 15 will be reviewed by July 30, with responses going out by August 15.
 

US Mission to Norway: U.S. Embassy Oslo (PDS): Annual Program Statement - Small Grants Program

Overview:

The Public Diplomacy section at U.S. Embassy Norway is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Annual Program Statement Small Grants Program. This Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

All programs must include an American element. Examples of American elements include, but are not limited to, connections with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

The program should have a public outreach component that specifically engages audiences in Norway. Proposals that seek to advance the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Norway in the following areas will be prioritized:

• Highlight the importance of the strong security and defense relationship between the U.S. and Norway
• Promote awareness of, and interest in, benefits of the economic relationship between the U.S. and Norway
• Share best practices in research security and academic integrity.
• Expand bilateral ties based on shared Norwegian and American values

• Capitalize on interest in the history and legacy of Norwegian emigration to the United States during the bicentennial commemorations in 2025 to underscore connections between contemporary Norway and the U.S.

   

Examples of successful PD Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to, programs that advance the policy areas above through:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs
• Educational and informational public programs 
• Projects that build sustainable ties between civil society organizations and interest groups in the U.S. and Norway

• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions

   

Submission Requirements

The PDS Norway invites Statements of Interest (SOI) for programs that address the priority areas listed above. This is a two-tier competitive process, where the submission of the SOI is the first step.

An SOI is a concise proposal designed to communicate program ideas and objectives. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applications will be invited to submit a full grant application to be considered by the Grants Committee Review Panel.

SOIs are due according to the previously stated deadlines to [email protected]. Please submit at least two months before the start of the program.  

Other information:

Participants and Audiences: The U.S. Embassy seeks to engage geographically and demographically diverse audiences within Norway, with an emphasis on youth (late high school and university students, early career professionals).

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

We accept grant proposals on a rolling basis until the submission deadline. 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the following schedule (All dates are estimated):
•    January 15, 2025 – results to be advised by end of January.
•    February 15, 2025 – results to be advised by end of March.
•    April 15, 2025 – results to be advised by end of May.
•    June 15, 2025 – results to be advised by end of July.

Funding Restriction
Grants cannot be used to fund religious or partisan political activity or for: fundraising campaigns; commercial projects or for-profit ventures; individual academic research projects; construction projects; or projects whose primary objective is an organization’s institutional development or an individual’s personal enrichment or career development. 
 

Engaging Students in English (SOI)

Overview:

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg announces an open competition for organizations to submit Statements of Interest (SOI) to carry out programs strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg on Engaging Students in English.

The U.S. Embassy Luxembourg invites proposals from non-governmental organizations, think tanks, government institutions, academic institutions, and individuals for programs strengthening the bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg and Engaging Students in English, including, but not limited to:

• Programs focused on strengthening specific English language skills or professional English capacity of students, such as public-speaking, debate, theater/drama.
• Programs that enhance and promote the English-teaching profession and community, such as trainings, workshops, or conferences for English educators in Luxembourg.
• English-language programs for underprivileged groups including but not limited to patrons of organizations, such as shelters for refugees, women, abuse victims or children’s organizations.
• Educational programs such as English-language camps, academic competitions, conferences, workshops, courses, exhibits, performances, etc.
• Projects that share American best practices in English-language education by bringing U.S. experts to engage with students and teachers in Luxembourg.

All programs must engage Luxembourg audiences. All programs must include a U.S. element or connection with U.S. experts that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Any speaker paid with grant funding must hold U.S. citizenship.

Examples of programs include, but are not limited to: 
• Professional and academic speaker programs, lectures, and seminars 
• Professional and cultural exchanges and projects 
• Public messaging campaigns using social media, video, and new media 
• Cultural and fine arts programming, to include cultural performances, workshops and engagements based around dance, theater, music, poetry, youth competitions, the plastic and other fine and performing arts

Solicitation limitations:

U.S. organizations applying for funding must partner with a Luxembourgish organization. 

Other information:

Priority Region: Luxembourg
Length of performance period: Twelve months 
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $3,000.00 to a maximum of $15,000.00 
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in twelve months or less.

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a Statement of Interest designed to clearly communicate program idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal.

The Grants Committee will review Statements of Interest (SOI) twice based on the following schedule. We recommend applicants submit proposals with start dates six months (or more) after the submission deadline.

• NOFO Deadline #1 – Statements of Interest (SOI) due March 2, 2025, 11:59 pm CEST
• NOFO Deadline #2 – Statements of Interest (SOI) due May 4, 2025, 11:59 pm CEST

After each deadline, the Grants Committee will review eligible SOIs. Selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application (Phase 2). Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision are made.

U.S. Mission to Sudan: Office of Sudan Affairs, PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The Office of Sudan Affairs (OSA) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its 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.  Please carefully follow all instructions below.

The OSA strives to ensure that its efforts reflect the diversity of U.S. society and societies abroad. The OSA seeks and encourages the involvement of people from traditionally underrepresented audiences in its grants, programs, and other activities and in its workforce and workplace. 

Opportunities are open to people regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 
OSA will accept proposals for projects inside Sudan; however, these proposals MUST provide a clear risk assessment and monitoring plan that addresses security risks and contingencies given the instability of the current situation in Sudan. For proposals outside of Sudan, the Embassy expects a clear description of the beneficiaries and how the projects aim to engage with them.

Goals and Objectives
PDS invites proposals for programs that support OSA goals in Sudan (see priority program areas below). Successful proposals must include a reference to American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of the United States and/or U.S. policy or perspectives. Successful proposals will clearly describe the U.S. component of the program, the program’s anticipated results, when results will be expected, and how the OSA can measure them. Successful grantees will proactively show progress towards results through regular reporting to the OSA. U.S. government officials will visit the program, if possible, to monitor progress.

Examples of Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program activities include but are not limited to: 
•    Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs; 
•    Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions;
•    Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; 
•    Professional and academic exchanges and programs; and 
•    Conferences, workshops, or training opportunities.

Priority Program Areas: The proposal must address one of the following priority program areas: 
•    Promoting women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and STEM;
•    Promoting societal inclusion; 
•    Promoting peace through the arts; or 
•    Promoting any of the themes above through the arts. 
•    Promoting humanitarian assistance and civilian protection; 
•    Promoting civic education and engagement; 
•    Promoting media capacity building; 
•    Promoting human rights awareness and advocacy;

Participants and Audiences:
Youth aged 18-35 years; 
Young professionals; and 
Above priority audiences with a focus on women, underprivileged or culturally/ethnically diverse communities, or those from marginalized groups

Solicitation limitations:

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.  If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. 

Other information:

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less. 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. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Number of awards anticipated: Subject to Funding Availability

Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $25,000, although exceptional proposals over $25,000 may be considered.

Funding Instrument Type:  Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (“Substantial Involvement”).

Cost Sharing or Matching: Inclusion of cost sharing is welcome but not required.

Submission Dates and Times: Proposals will be accepted throughout the year. Proposals will be reviewed according to the following schedule:

• Proposals received between December 1 and December 31 will be reviewed by February 15, 2025.  Responses will be sent to applicants by March 15, 2025.
• Proposals received between January 1 and March 15 will be reviewed by April 30, 2025.  Responses will be sent to applicants by May 31, 2025.
• Proposals received between April 1 and May 31 will be reviewed by June 1, 2025.  Responses will be sent to applicants by July 31, 2025.

Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date of May 31, 2025.  No applications will be accepted after that date.