Annual Program Statement (APS)

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, has released the Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2025 under opportunity number PD-FY25-CANADA-APS. This grant opportunity falls under the Public Diplomacy Grants Program and aims to promote mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the United States and Canada. The program supports initiatives that align with U.S. strategic goals and highlight shared U.S.-Canada interests and values. Eligible applicants can submit proposals until August 20, 2025, at 16:00 EST. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support public diplomacy projects that promote bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Canada. All proposed projects must include a significant American component—such as collaboration with American experts or institutions—to foster increased Canadian understanding of U.S. policy, values, and culture. The grant encourages activities like academic exchanges, professional development workshops, cultural performances, public forums, and speaker programs. Projects must be completed within an 18-month performance period and align with U.S. administration priorities including security, innovation, and international collaboration. Program areas include Innovation and Emerging Technologies (e.g., AI, cybersecurity, and space exploration), Security and Defense (e.g., NORAD, NATO, Arctic security), Northern Border cooperation (e.g., fentanyl and trafficking prevention), the America250 commemoration (highlighting U.S.-Canada history and shared values), and Reinforcing Networks (leveraging events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 for bilateral engagement). All programs must target Canadian audiences, preferably with national reach, and include a public-facing component such as media engagement or events. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Canadian-based non-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, public and private educational institutions, and individuals. Organizations must have a UEI and an active registration in SAM.gov, while individuals do not require these registrations. Cost-sharing is not required, and matching funds are not necessary for eligibility. Applications must include several components: standard federal forms (SF-424 series), a proposal narrative (maximum 10 pages), budget justification, résumés of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and any applicable NICRA documentation. The proposal should clearly define the problem, goals, objectives, activities, timeline, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Applications must be submitted via email to ottawa-pa@state.gov. The earliest anticipated program start date is October 2025. The review process includes evaluation based on program idea quality, organizational capacity, planning feasibility, budget soundness, monitoring and evaluation rigor, and sustainability. Awards will be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, or fixed amount awards. The Department reserves the right to provide continuation funding subject to availability and satisfactory progress. Successful applicants will be notified by October 30, 2025, and all recipients must submit periodic programmatic and financial reports as specified in their award documentation.

Proposals must include a clear U.S. component and target Canadian audiences.