U.S. Embassy Cairo Annual Program Statement

Overview

The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Cairo (PDS Cairo) is pleased to announce the publication of U.S. Embassy Cairo’s Annual Program Statement, outlining funding priorities, strategic themes of interest, and the procedures for submitting proposals.

All proposals must include a connection with U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a way that promotes increased understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives and/or celebrates U.S. culture and values. Proposals that include programming across multiple governorates (with a focus on Upper Egypt and the Delta regions) and/or promote increased collaboration and networking among U.S. government program alumni are encouraged.

PDS Cairo invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the United States and Egypt through cultural, economic, educational, and professional programming.

Priority Program Areas: Examples of priority areas of engagement that may be considered for funding include, but are not limited to:  

• Initiatives designed to invest in populations otherwise most likely to pursue routes for out-migration, to discourage illegal immigration, and to counter disinformation from migrant smugglers.  
• Initiatives that further the U.S. pursuit of fair economic engagement, that prioritize mutual prosperity, and that expand economic and commercial links between the United States and Egypt. 
• Initiatives that increase awareness and understanding among broad elements of Egyptian society of the U.S.-Egypt strategic partnership across diplomatic, security, and economic issues, with a particular focus on the sustained U.S. investment in Egypt’s development, stability, and wellbeing. 
• Initiatives that promote collaboration between the United States and Egypt in the fields of energy (including water security), STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), cybersecurity, space, and artificial intelligence (AI). 
• Initiatives that advance the interests of U.S. higher education institutions, to include the establishment of U.S. international branch campuses in Egypt, or efforts to intensify collaboration and partnerships between U.S. and Egyptian higher education institutions through professional and academic exchanges and programs. 
• Programs that leverage the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA Men's Soccer World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in a way that demonstrates U.S. economic strength, infrastructure, and leadership.
• Artistic and cultural workshops, performances, exhibitions, or other activities that celebrate American excellence in visual and performing arts, music, heritage protection, and film.

Participants and Audiences: All programs should focus on audiences in Egypt. Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including age, sex, geographic location, and anticipated reach. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, and secondary audiences include those reached indirectly – for example, via social media or traditional media.

Specific audiences who are considered a priority for awards funded under this Annual Program Statement include: 

• Young leaders between the ages of 18-45; 
• Audiences residing outside of Greater Cairo, with a particular focus on reaching participants in Alexandria, Aswan, Damietta, Alamein, Minya, Port Said, and Luxor; and 
• Alumni of U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchange programs.

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; 
• Programs that overtly promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI);   
• Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
• Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in one year or less.
Cost Sharing or Matching: Ideas for cost sharing are not required but are both welcomed and encouraged.