U.S. Mission to South Africa Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement 2025

Overview

The U.S. Mission to South Africa Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce its Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2025. Awards will be approved for amounts each, based on funding availability.

The application process includes two phases: In the first, streamlined phase, applicants should submit project ideas in the form of concept notes. Following review of each concept note, the U.S. Mission will invite applicants with promising concept notes to submit full project proposals for further consideration. Specific instructions will be provided to those applicants selected for submission of a full proposal.

Goals and Objectives
Successful proposals will align with the strategic priorities of the U.S. Mission to South Africa as defined below. Their overall goal will be to develop and strengthen partnerships and knowledge sharing between U.S. citizens and South Africans, as well as institutions in both countries. Project activities must take place principally in South Africa. Proposals mostly focused on cultural activities (e.g. concert or other performances, festivals or similar events) without a significant linkage to advancing shared priorities are unlikely to be considered.

U.S. Mission to South Africa Nationwide Strategic Priorities and Initiatives

• Connect U.S. and South African expertise related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, focused on growth industries – particularly working in partnership with TVETs.
• Develop or strengthen lasting linkages between U.S. and South African universities and other institutions of higher and technical/vocational education. 
• Strengthen U.S. government-sponsored exchange alumni networks and help alumni effect positive change in their communities.
• Address awareness among key audiences about alternative and renewable energy technologies, their economic impacts, and the skills to navigate that professional sector, including supporting public education initiatives. 
• Address the further professional development of fact-based professional media, particularly by connecting U.S. and South African community, citizen, and student journalists for meaningful exchange, cooperation, and learning. 
• Strengthen Democratic Governance and Promote Civic Engagement for Broad-Based Participation.
• Broaden Entrepreneurship Skills to Expand Economic Opportunities. 
• Advance Social Cohesion.

Submission date and time: Concept papers will be reviewed and considered on a rolling basis as received. 

February 14, May 9, and July 11, 2025, will be the last date in each submission cycle to submit concept papers.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 24 months or less. 

The U.S. Mission will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the project, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Government. 

Priority Region: South Africa Length of performance period 12 to 24 months

Number of awards: Anticipated up to 10 (depending on proposal amounts)

Award Amounts: Under $25,000

Total available funding: $200,000

Anticipated Project start date: On or before September 30, 2025