U.S. Embassy Yerevan PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview

The PDS invites proposals from qualified individuals and organizations for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Armenia, including cultural and exchange programs that highlight shared values and promote 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, culture, and perspectives. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and awarded pending funding availability.  

Priority Program Areas

• Reinforce U.S.-Armenian Shared Values, by funding proposals which: promote U.S. culture, including music, dance, arts, film, sports, and education, and support human rights, social inclusion, youth outreach, and women’s empowerment.
• Advance Regional and Global Security, by funding proposals that support reconciliation, peace-building, and lasting partnerships between the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the people of Armenia and Turkey, including plans for continued cooperation after the project ends.
• Develop Media Capacity and Expand English Language Opportunities, by funding proposals that advance media literacy and train journalists and expand English language learning and training opportunities for journalists, students, and youth.
• Strengthen U.S.-Armenia Cultural and Educational Ties, by funding proposals that promote U.S. culture, including music, dance, arts, film, sports, and education, and bring together U.S. and Armenian artists, educators, and other experts together to collaborate and support artistic and cultural projects that advance human rights, social inclusion, youth outreach, and women’s empowerment.
• Advance Shared Prosperity, by funding proposals that foster economic empowerment, resilience, and shared prosperity through STEM education and entrepreneurship.
• Strengthen Democracy and Civil Society, by funding proposals that encourage transparency and accountability in governance, foster civic engagement and reforms, and promote democracy, trade and investment, rule of law, civic education, and entrepreneurship.  NOTE: Most projects of this nature are funded under the Democracy Commission and Alumni Outreach small grants.

The Public Diplomacy Section accepts proposals throughout the year that are reviewed pursuant to funding availability.  

While the PDS will consider proposals up to $50,000, projects that are smaller in scope are more likely to be awarded.  Most grants selected are between $5,000 and $25,000.  In rare circumstances, applications above $50,000 will be evaluated.