U.S. Embassy Muscat Annual Program Statement

Overview

The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Muscat announces an open competition to support projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in Oman while strengthening the long-standing partnership between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman. This Annual Program Statement outlines strategic funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines for grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with project durations of up to 12 months.

Successful proposals should clearly demonstrate how their projects support U.S. public diplomacy goals; showcase American excellence, expertise, innovation, and values,  and strengthen the bilateral relationship. 

The goals of U.S. policy in the region are to: 1) secure opportunities that advance U.S. commercial and strategic interests; 2) promote trusted cooperation in emerging technologies, innovation, and space; and 3) deepen people-to-people ties that showcase American excellence.  Applicants should clearly explain how their projects support U.S. public diplomacy goals, strengthen the U.S.-Oman partnership, and highlight American expertise, leadership, and innovation.

Programs should include a clear U.S. element, such as engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, companies, universities, artists, athletes, alumni, or professional networks; the use of American models, standards, technologies, or best practices; or activities that increase understanding of the United States and its partnership with Oman.

Project Background, Goals, and Objectives 
The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Muscat is pleased to invite applications for federal assistance funding opportunities, pending availability of funds, through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines the Embassy’s funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting proposals. Applicants should carefully follow all instructions below.

The Public Diplomacy Section seeks proposals for programs that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in Oman while strengthening the long-standing partnership between the United States and Oman. Competitive proposals should clearly demonstrate how the proposed project makes the United States safer, stronger, or more prosperous; and showcases American excellence, expertise, innovation.

Programs should include a clear U.S. element, such as engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, companies, universities, artists, athletes, alumni, or professional networks; the use of American models, standards, technologies, or best practices; or activities that increase understanding of the United States and its role as a trusted partner for Oman.

Program Objectives 
Applicants may submit proposals that address one of the program goals below. Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority outcomes, but applicants may also recommend their own objectives if they clearly align with U.S. Embassy Muscat priorities.

Goal 1. Advancing U.S.-Oman Commercial Ties,  and Shared Prosperity
Goal 2. Strengthening Sports Diplomacy, Youth Leadership, and Major-Event Expertise
Goal 3. Showcasing American Excellence in Culture, Heritage, and Creative Industries
Goal 4. Advancing Emerging Technologies, Space Cooperation, and Innovation

Examples of Activities or Programming Components: 

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, workshops, and speaker programs;
• Training programs, bootcamps, and mentorship initiatives led by U.S. experts or institutions;
• Programs connecting Omani and American students, entrepreneurs, researchers, athletes, artists, or professionals;
• Professional and academic exchange programs;
• Joint research, policy discussions, or public programs on priority topics;

Innovation challenges, hackathons, or youth programs.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Cooperative Agreement. Note that Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of the bureau or embassy in program implementation of the project.
Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less. 
Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is not required.