U.S. - UA Sisters Cities Program: Strengthening Partnerships for Security, Innovation, and Prosperity

The U.S.–UA Sister Cities Partnership Program: Strengthening Partnerships for Security, Innovation, and Prosperity is a grant opportunity offered by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine. This program seeks to foster collaborative relationships between U.S. and Ukrainian cities in support of Ukraine’s postwar recovery, democratic development, and deeper bilateral ties. It is aligned with the United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund and aims to promote long-term, sustainable partnerships that build local resilience, encourage investment, and contribute to global stability. Funded by the U.S. Department of State under the FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds (Assistance Listing Number 19.040), this opportunity supports one cooperative agreement with a funding range between $50,000 and $200,000 for a project duration of up to 24 months. The anticipated project start date is October 2025 or later, pending fund availability. The cooperative agreement structure means that the U.S. Embassy will remain actively involved in key aspects of planning and implementation, ensuring the program aligns with strategic priorities. Eligible applicants include non-profit, non-governmental organizations registered in either the United States or Ukraine. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible. Applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered with SAM.gov. While cost sharing is not required, it may be used as a tiebreaker among proposals with equal evaluation scores. All proposals must be submitted in English and in accordance with specific formatting guidelines, including page limits and use of required federal forms. The core objectives of the grant are to revitalize or establish five to ten formalized sister-city partnerships, confirmed through signed MOUs between local governments. These partnerships should drive cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, cultural exchange, and governance. Specific program outcomes may include economic development through U.S.-Ukrainian business engagement, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, collaborative security initiatives including peaceful use of military technologies, and the expansion of educational and cultural ties through people-to-people exchanges. Proposals must clearly define the problem being addressed, state SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals and objectives, and include a project design, implementation timeline, and evaluation metrics. Required attachments include the SF-424 family of forms, budget justification, CVs of key personnel, and letters of support from partner organizations. Evaluation criteria include the quality of the program idea (30 points), organizational capacity (20 points), planning and feasibility (15 points), budget appropriateness (10 points), monitoring and evaluation strategy (15 points), and sustainability (10 points). The deadline for submission is July 28, 2025, by 23:59 Kyiv time. All application materials must be emailed to KyivPDGrants@state.gov. No funds from this opportunity may be directed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) or be used for programs that encourage mass migration to the U.S. southwest border. Travel to the United States is not permitted under this grant. The U.S. Embassy Kyiv will provide ongoing oversight, coordination support, and strategic guidance throughout the life of the award.

Flexibility in scope and budget is encouraged. Use SMART goals and highlight bilateral collaboration. Cost share is optional but may help in case of tie.