Kigali Public Diplomacy APS

The Kigali Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement (APS), issued by the U.S. Embassy in Rwanda under the U.S. Department of State, invites applications for grant funding through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. The opportunity, identified as PDS-Kigali-FY25-001, is designed to support initiatives that reinforce diplomatic relations and promote shared interests between the United States and Rwanda. This funding call leverages Fiscal Year 2025 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and falls under the Assistance Listing Number 19.040. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals aligned with U.S. foreign policy goals that aim to advance mutual prosperity through education, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation. Proposals submitted under this APS should focus on youth development, professional capacity building, and innovation within priority areas such as STEM education, journalism and media literacy, sports diplomacy, and economic development. The grant supports projects that promote leadership in science and technology, foster digital literacy among young media professionals, build community through sports, and enhance English language proficiency. The initiative aims to stimulate skill-building and social engagement among young Rwandans over the age of 15, as well as professional and business audiences. Ineligible activities include political lobbying, religious instruction, scientific research, charitable efforts, and institutional development unrelated to the proposed project. Funding amounts for this opportunity range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $35,000 per award. The number of awards is contingent on available funds, with project durations capped at 12 months. The funding instruments may include grants, cooperative agreements, or fixed amount awards, with U.S. Embassy Kigali potentially maintaining substantial involvement in cooperative agreements, especially in planning, monitoring, and evaluation activities. While cost-sharing is not required, it is encouraged and may be considered favorably during the review process. Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign not-for-profit organizations, civil society and non-governmental organizations, public and private educational institutions, and individuals. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration on SAM.gov; however, individuals are exempt from this requirement. Applicants may request an exemption from SAM.gov registration at least two weeks before the application deadline. Proposals must be submitted in English and follow formatting and documentation guidelines, including submission of SF-424 forms, a summary page, five-page project proposal, budget justification, and key personnel résumés or CVs. The application window for this grant is currently open and will close on August 2, 2025. Proposals may be submitted at any time prior to this deadline. Completed applications must be sent via email to KigaliPDGrants@state.gov. Projects are expected to begin on or around September 1, 2025. Applications will be reviewed based on criteria such as program design and sustainability, community support, monitoring and evaluation plans, and realistic budget justification. Final award decisions are expected to be communicated by September 30, 2025. Recipients will be required to submit financial and programmatic reports and adhere to administrative regulations such as 2 CFR 200. Funding cannot be used for alcoholic beverages or to support activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Award notices will be formalized through agreements signed by the Grants Officer, and payments will be processed via Form SF-270. Projects must comply with relevant federal laws and policies regarding anti-discrimination, religious liberty, and use of American-made products where applicable.

Ensure proposal addresses Embassy’s strategic priorities, particularly youth, STEM, media, sports, and workforce development. Strong M&E plans and cost-sharing are advantages.