Statement of Interest (SOI) Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy Tokyo, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS), has released its Fiscal Year 2025 Statement of Interest (SOI) Annual Program Statement, numbered PAS-Tokyo-FY25-SOI-02. This grant opportunity is administered under the authority of the U.S. Department of State and uses Smith-Mundt and/or Fulbright-Hayes Public Diplomacy Funds. The grant aims to support projects that strengthen U.S.-Japan ties, highlight shared democratic values, and support U.S. foreign policy goals through creative and engaging public diplomacy programs. The initiative is part of the U.S. government’s broader strategy to enhance bilateral cooperation and increase mutual understanding between the two nations. Applicants must submit a concise, two-page Statement of Interest as the first step in a two-step application process. This document should clearly articulate the proposed project’s objectives, linkage to U.S. Mission Japan’s strategic goals, and anticipated impact. It must also include the requested funding amount, background information on the applicant, a problem statement, and a summary of planned activities. Submissions must be in English, and budgets should be in U.S. dollars. Following a merit-based review of the SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal for further consideration. The program prioritizes initiatives with a U.S. cultural or institutional connection that reach various audiences, including media, NGOs, think tanks, government officials, educational leaders, next-generation influencers, and academics. Funding areas of interest include public engagement in security and defense, U.S.-Japan academic and scientific collaboration (especially in STEM and cybersecurity), innovation and entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy celebrating American excellence and shared values. The Embassy also encourages applications from first-time grantees and those conducting programs outside of Tokyo. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Japanese non-profit organizations, educational institutions, individuals (with a $30,000 cap), and public international organizations. While cost-sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Organizations must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), though individuals are exempt from this requirement. Submissions are accepted via email and reviewed on a rolling basis until the final deadline of September 30, 2025. The grant duration may extend up to 12 months, with a total available funding pool of $250,000 and individual award amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Application materials for the full proposal include standard federal forms (e.g., SF-424 series), a detailed narrative proposal not exceeding ten pages, CVs of key personnel, letters of support, and a detailed budget. Evaluation criteria include alignment with strategic priorities, feasibility, organizational capacity, and budget suitability. Projects may be implemented as grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, depending on the nature of Embassy involvement. Inquiries should be directed to the grant contact email provided. Selected proposals may be funded by September 30, 2025, pending fund availability. If funds are not secured in time, PAS Tokyo reserves the right to reconsider submissions in the following fiscal year. All program activities must comply with applicable federal anti-discrimination laws and policies, and specific funding restrictions apply to entities such as the UNRWA and certain programs concerning U.S. border policies.

Focus on strategic goals of the U.S. Mission to Japan Clearly connect project goals to public diplomacy Ensure budget and activities are realistic and justified First-time applicants and those working outside Tokyo are especially encouraged