Annual Program Statement_UAE_2025

The U.S. Mission to the United Arab Emirates, under the U.S. Department of State, has announced the Annual Program Statement (APS) for 2025, designated as opportunity number APS-2025-01. This opportunity is funded through FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, and it seeks to support cooperative agreements for programs advancing U.S.-UAE bilateral relations in key thematic areas. The APS focuses on strengthening ties between the United States and the UAE by supporting initiatives that promote American values, showcase American achievements, and foster collaboration in areas of shared interest. The anticipated program start date is October 1, 2025, and the program performance period may range from 3 months to 14 months, with all activities required to be completed within 14 months or less. There are three main priority program areas: (1) celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026 through events, workshops, performances, and other activities that highlight American excellence and the breadth of the U.S.-UAE partnership across all seven emirates; (2) expanding partnerships and cooperation in space exploration via space camps, virtual hackathons, and joint research initiatives between U.S. and UAE universities/entities, emphasizing engagement with university students and young professionals; and (3) leveraging networks of alumni from U.S. government-funded entrepreneurship programs, such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and Junior Achievement INJAZ UAE, to enhance trade and investment opportunities with the United States. Activities under the entrepreneurship theme may include workshops, networking, mentorship, pitch competitions, and summits, specifically involving alumni, emerging entrepreneurs, and relevant stakeholders from both countries. All proposals must include an American component that conveys U.S. culture, history, excellence, innovation, or technological expertise and establishes or strengthens bilateral ties. Eligibility is limited to not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations, as well as public and private educational institutions. For-profit organizations, individuals, and government entities are not eligible. All organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov and maintain an active registration during the application and award period. Each organization may submit only one proposal per program area. Proposals that do not adhere to these eligibility requirements will be considered ineligible. Matching funds or cost sharing is permitted but not required, and will not affect merit review outcomes. The application process requires submission of several mandatory documents, including the SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance), SF-424A (Budget Information), and, where applicable, the SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs). Additional recommended documents include a budget narrative, organizational survey, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. Proposals should be clear, detailed, and include information such as the project summary, problem statement, goals and objectives, project activities, methods and design, schedule and timeline, key personnel, partners, monitoring and evaluation, and plans for sustainability. The submission deadline for applications is August 18, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. UAE time. Applications must be submitted electronically via www.Grants.gov or by email to UAEPASGrants@state.gov, with the opportunity number clearly referenced in the subject line. Evaluation criteria include the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity and record with previous grants, clarity and achievability of program objectives, the reasonableness of the budget, strength of the monitoring and evaluation plan, and the sustainability of proposed activities. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee, and awards are subject to the availability of funding. Successful applicants will be notified via email and required to submit payment requests using SF-270. Post-award, recipients must comply with all relevant federal regulations, reporting requirements, and terms specified in the award document. Recipients are responsible for submitting periodic financial and programmatic reports, as required. No costs incurred prior to the authorized award start date may be charged to the award, and there is no guarantee of continued funding or award renewal. For questions about the application process or eligibility, applicants may contact UAEPASGrants@state.gov. Detailed guidelines for budget justification and cost allowability are provided, with a specific prohibition on the use of grant funds for alcoholic beverages. Organizations are encouraged to begin the SAM.gov registration process early, as processing can take 4–8 weeks.

Proposals should clearly address goals and objectives, use English, US dollars, and proper formatting, and follow all detailed submission requirements.