U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi's Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), under the U.S. Department of State, has announced the availability of funds through its Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Program Statement (APS). This opportunity, funded by Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, is managed through the Small Grants Program. The funding aims to support projects that reinforce mutual understanding and cooperation between Kenya and the United States. These grants may be distributed as traditional grants, cooperative agreements, or fixed amount awards, with cooperative agreements allowing for substantial involvement from embassy staff. The proposed projects must be completed within 6 to 12 months, with a start date no later than September 1, 2025. Awards will range between $15,000 and $50,000, depending on available funding. The program focuses on strengthening U.S.-Kenya ties by advancing mutual goals and promoting understanding of U.S. policies and values. Projects must fall under one of four strategic themes: Economic Prosperity, Democracy and Governance, the U.S.-Kenya Creative Economy Partnership, or the U.S.-Kenya Higher Education Partnership. Proposals should involve linkages with American individuals, organizations, or institutions to provide substantive U.S. engagement. Target participants include Kenyans aged 16 to 35, students, civil society leaders, entrepreneurs, cultural influencers, and academic leaders. Eligible applicants include registered U.S. and Kenyan non-profit organizations, individuals, non-profit educational institutions, and governmental institutions. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered on SAM.gov unless exempted. Cost-sharing is optional but encouraged. Ineligible proposals include those focused on partisan activities, charitable aid, scientific research, scholarships, or commercial ventures, among others. Applications must be submitted in English and include standard federal forms (SF-424 series), a 5-page proposal, detailed line-item budget, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support. The proposal must clearly articulate goals, objectives, methods, timelines, evaluation plans, and sustainability strategies. Applications are to be submitted by email to NairobiGrants@state.gov. Submission windows end on January 15, March 15, and May 30, 2025, with reviews and notifications following shortly after each window closes. Proposals are evaluated on criteria including the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, program planning, budget realism, evaluation strategies, and sustainability. Awards will be administered by a Grants Officer, with payments processed through SF-270 forms. Successful applicants must comply with applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies, including anti-discrimination statutes and foreign funding disclosure requirements.