Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation

The 2026 Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Freedom 250 Special Edition Grant is administered by the U.S. Embassy in Georgia under the U.S. Department of State. Celebrating two milestones—the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 25th anniversary of the AFCP—this unique edition of the program underscores the United States' ongoing commitment to cultural heritage preservation as an embodiment of democratic values and international cooperation. Through this grant, the U.S. affirms its role in fostering global heritage stewardship and highlights the enduring historical and cultural ties between the United States and Georgia. The AFCP 2026 program provides funding for the preservation of cultural heritage in all its tangible and intangible forms. Project types that qualify include the preservation of cultural sites, objects, collections, and traditional cultural expressions. Special emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate a direct connection to American history or influence, including sites visited by notable Americans, those discovered or researched by American archaeologists, or those associated with American innovations. The program also supports efforts to preserve cultural expressions that have significantly influenced American art forms or intellectual traditions. This edition of the fund encourages proposals that incorporate technical exchange between American and Georgian cultural experts, reinforcing international collaboration. To be eligible, applicants must be reputable and accountable non-commercial entities. This includes non-governmental organizations, museums, ministries of culture, and similar institutions with demonstrated experience and capacity in managing cultural preservation projects. Individuals, for-profit organizations, commercial entities, and past AFCP recipients with unresolved obligations are not eligible. The program does not fund the preservation or purchase of privately or commercially owned items, natural heritage, human remains, exploratory excavations, or digitization projects that are not part of a larger conservation effort. Applicants may request funding between $25,000 and $250,000. Proposals must clearly describe the project’s goals, detailed scope of work, timeline, public awareness strategies, maintenance and data-sharing plans, and include resumes of key personnel. A budget broken into one-year periods, a narrative justifying all costs, and required forms such as the SF-424 series must be submitted. Additional documentation, such as restoration plans or historic structure reports, is encouraged to strengthen the proposal. All full project proposals must be submitted via email to [email protected] by 18:00 (ET) on Friday, April 3, 2026. Applications submitted after this time will not be considered. The submission must include a complete set of documents as described in the guidelines, including digital images or audiovisual files showcasing the heritage site or object’s current condition. Confirmation emails will be sent to acknowledge receipt, and applicants are advised to follow up if they do not receive one. Although no specific review timeline is published, applicants may propose project periods of up to five years. The grant encourages projects that not only preserve cultural elements but also promote public engagement and access to project outcomes. Additionally, projects aligned with the AFCP’s Freedom 250 priorities—such as those illustrating American-influenced movements or shared democratic values—will receive preference during the evaluation process.

Ensure alignment with Freedom 250 themes; Include technical exchange component; Submit all required documentation and confirm receipt