U.S. Mission to Armenia, U.S. Embassy Yerevan PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Yerevan Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement (APS), 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 APS is a best practice utilized by many U.S. embassies around the world to solicit proposals
for funding via an open and transparent competition process. With few exceptions, awards are
made based on open competition. In the interest of fairness and transparency, PDS cannot accept unsolicited proposals. PDS only considers proposals received in response to the Annual Program Statement, and Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOS) posted on Grants.gov and the Embassy website.

The Embassy 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. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting proposals. Please follow all instructions below carefully.

Priority Program Areas

1.    Reinforce U.S.-Armenian Shared Values, by funding proposals that support human rights, social inclusion (including supporting integration of displaced persons), youth outreach, gender equity, and women’s empowerment.

2.    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, equity and social inclusion, youth outreach, and women’s empowerment.

3.    Advance Shared Prosperity, by funding proposals that foster economic empowerment, resilience, and shared prosperity through STEM education and entrepreneurship initiatives, particularly for youth and other underserved audiences, including women.

4.    Advance Regional and Global Security, by funding proposals that support reconciliation, peace-building, and lasting partnerships between the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and normalization of relations between the people of Armenia and Turkey, including plans for continued cooperation after the project ends.

5.    Develop Media Capacity and Expand English Language Opportunities, by funding proposals that advance media literacy, train journalists, and expand English language learning and training opportunities for journalists, students, and youth.

6.    Strengthen Democracy and Civil Society, by funding proposals that encourage transparency and accountability in governance, foster civic engagement and reforms, and promote democracy, rule of law, and civic education.  NOTE: Most projects of this nature are funded under the Democracy Commission and Alumni Outreach small grants.

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.

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $150,000 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.

The Public Diplomacy Section will accept proposals throughout the year and will generally review proposals according to the following schedule:  

•    Proposals received between October 1 and December 31 will be reviewed by January 31, 2024, with responses going out by February 29, 2024
•    Proposals received between January 1 and March 31 will be reviewed by April 30, 2024, with responses going out by May 31, 2024 
•    Proposals received between April 1 and June 30 will be reviewed by July 31, 2024, with responses going out by August 31, 2024. 
•    Proposals received between July 1 and September 30 will be reviewed by October 31, 2024, with responses going out by November 30, 2024.