Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2025

The U.S. Embassy in Tunis, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS), has released its Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2025. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), opportunity number PAS-TUNIS-FY2025, outlines funding priorities aimed at strengthening ties between the United States and Tunisia through public diplomacy programs. The opportunity is contingent upon the availability of FY25/26 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, with an application deadline of July 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Daylight Time. Anticipated program start dates are September to October 2025. The total available funding and number of awards are not predetermined and depend on funding availability. Awards can range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $200,000 and may take the form of grants, cooperative agreements, or fixed amount awards. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and Tunisia through innovative and inclusive programming. Funded proposals must contain a U.S. component—either through American experts, institutions, or content—and align with at least one of six priority thematic areas: economic prosperity and entrepreneurship; innovation and collaboration in science and technology; educational linkages and English language; leadership; leveraging the Mega Decade of Sports in North America; and celebrating American excellence and the enduring U.S.-Tunisian partnership. The proposed programs should also include clear performance metrics, robust evaluation mechanisms, and sustainability plans that extend impact beyond the funding period. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations (such as NGOs and think tanks), public and private educational institutions, governmental institutions, and individuals based in either the United States or Tunisia. Organizations must have at least two years of programming experience and should submit documentation verifying this experience. Applicants must also be registered with SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), though individuals are exempt from these requirements. While cost sharing is not mandatory, it is encouraged and may strengthen proposals. Applicants must submit the appropriate standard forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, as applicable), along with a detailed five-page proposal and budget justification. Optional supporting documents include key personnel CVs, letters of support, partnership agreements, and indirect cost rate agreements if applicable. All application materials must be submitted via email to PASTunisSmallGrants@state.gov. Proposals must be in English, formatted according to specified guidelines, and include detailed information such as the program’s primary focus area, targeted audiences, anticipated outcomes, locations, and marketing strategies. Applications will be reviewed by a committee based on the following criteria: quality and feasibility of the program idea (25 points), organizational capacity and past grant performance (20 points), ability to achieve objectives (20 points), budget justification (10 points), monitoring and evaluation plan including media strategy (15 points), and sustainability (10 points). Successful applicants will be notified by August 6, 2025, and awards will be administered by the Grants Officer. Recipients are required to submit quarterly program and financial reports, and final reports within 90 days after project completion. Key funding restrictions include the prohibition of support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), programs not in compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws, and activities that support specific religious or partisan agendas. Construction activities and programs that duplicate existing efforts are also ineligible. For further information or clarification, applicants may contact the PAS Tunis team at PASTunisSmallGrants@state.gov.