U.S. Mission to Pakistan Annual Program Statement (APS)

Overview

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce an open competition for awards available through the Mission Pakistan Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines our broad funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedure for submitting requests for funding. Applications for funding will be accepted until June 30, 2024. Applicants may apply for funding for small grants (between $10,000 and $40,000) or large grants (between $50,000 and $150,000). Preference will be given to applications that make clear their careful consideration of effective use of resources. Please follow carefully all instructions below and use the grant application document and budget template found on our website.

This APS was developed to support projects proposed by U.S. and Pakistani not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, and educational institutions that fulfill the U.S. Mission to Pakistan’s foreign policy goals and objectives.

PDS invites proposals for projects that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Pakistan and increase understanding of the United States’ foreign policy, values, and culture through direct or virtual engagement. Competitive proposals should support a priority program area (see below). While not required, especially competitive proposals will include content or connections with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) that will promote increased cooperation between the people of the United States, the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, and the people of Pakistan after the program concludes.

Specifically, the U.S. Mission in Pakistan is interested in proposals in the following priority program areas:
     •Expanding Connections in Cultural Exchange: This may include projects that encourage increased understanding of U.S. society, culture, and values through sports, music, drama, folklore, and other forms of art.
    •Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience programs: Projects that increase public awareness of and engagement in environmental protection and climate change issues, and that promote policy development and innovation to combat climate change. This may include areas such as sustainable development, sustainable finance, renewable energy, eco-tourism, and other related fields.
    •Supporting Civic Engagement through the Empowerment of Marginalized Communities: Projects that promote expanding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities, women, ethnic and religious minorities, and LGBTQIA+ persons.
    •Advancement of Human Rights programs
    •Promotion of media freedom and journalism capacity building programs
    •Civil Society: Fostering an Engaged Citizenry

Project Audience(s): The audience will vary per proposal. All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive population as is feasible to bring diverse perspectives based on race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or disability.

Project Goal: This open competition is for organizations to submit applications to implement new programs that promote shared values, strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand economic partnerships, increase education opportunities, support inclusive cohesive communities, combat climate change and other environmental challenges, and promote inclusivity and sustainability in Pakistan. All programs must include a U.S. element or connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. This competition is not intended to provide funding for projects identical to any of the applicant’s previous programs, nor for projects receiving funds from another donor, or to fund the routine operations of an organization.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 16 months or less.

Length of performance period: 16 months or less 
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $150,000 
Total available funding: $500,000 

Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024 
Applications for funding will be accepted until June 30, 2024. 

Applicants may apply for funding for small grants (between $10,000 and $40,000) or large grants (between $50,000 and $150,000).