Office of Sudan Affairs, PDS Annual Program Statement

The Office of Sudan Affairs (OSA), operating under the U.S. Department of State and based at the U.S. Embassy Khartoum, is offering funding opportunities through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) as part of the FY25 Annual Program Statement (APS). This funding initiative supports programs designed to deepen understanding of U.S. policies, values, and perspectives. It serves as a vehicle to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between Sudanese communities and the United States, particularly through public diplomacy initiatives. The program is part of the Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and may take the form of a grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement, with the U.S. government retaining substantial involvement in some formats. The program welcomes applications from eligible non-profit and educational organizations aiming to promote priority themes within Sudan or involving Sudanese beneficiaries outside Sudan. Key priority areas include women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and STEM, peace promotion through the arts, humanitarian assistance and civilian protection, civic education and engagement, media capacity building, and human rights awareness and advocacy. Projects are required to include a distinct American element, such as collaboration with a U.S.-based expert or institution, and clearly articulate anticipated outcomes and a plan for monitoring and evaluation. The performance period is capped at 12 months, and projects must start before September 30, 2025. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs), cultural organizations, educational institutions (both public and non-profit), and government institutions. Individuals and for-profit entities are ineligible. Organizations are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be actively registered in SAM.gov, although some exemptions may be granted. Only one application per organization is permitted; multiple submissions will result in disqualification. Funding amounts range from a minimum of $2,000 to a typical ceiling of $25,000, although exceptional proposals exceeding this amount may be considered. Cost sharing is optional but welcomed. The total funding available and the number of awards are subject to federal budget appropriations and availability of funds. Program funds may not be used for construction, political activities, religious programming, commercial ventures, or diversity, equity, and inclusion activities, among other restrictions. Awardees will submit financial and programmatic reports on a scheduled basis, including Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) and programmatic evaluations that compare actual achievements against proposed goals. Applications must be submitted by email to KhartoumEmbassyGrants@state.gov and include required federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B as applicable), a six-page proposal, a budget justification narrative, resumes for key personnel, letters of support, and any applicable indirect cost documentation or permission letters. The grant review process will assess organizational capacity, program feasibility, community support, U.S. component integration, and evaluation plans. Proposal rounds close on March 15 and May 31, 2025. Projects may be submitted any time prior to the final deadline of May 31, 2025. Applications received in December will be reviewed by February 15 with notification by March 15. Submissions from January through mid-March will receive a response by May 31, while those submitted in April and May will be reviewed by June 1 with notification by July 31.

Proposals must include U.S. element, show community engagement, and align with OSA priorities.