250 Years of American Excellence

The U.S. Mission to El Salvador, operating under the auspices of the Department of State, has released a new discretionary funding opportunity titled "250 Years of American Excellence." This initiative is designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence by leveraging American cultural, sports, and innovation diplomacy to enhance bilateral relations with El Salvador. The funding opportunity reflects a broader public diplomacy strategy focused on highlighting U.S. global leadership and celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations. The program underscores a commitment to cultural exchange and international cooperation through cooperative agreement funding mechanisms. Through this opportunity, the U.S. government seeks to strengthen people-to-people ties by promoting American values and culture abroad. The program aims to feature U.S. artists and businesses, offering platforms for showcasing their work and contributions in El Salvador. A core component of this initiative involves fostering mutual understanding and building strategic relationships through educational, cultural, and community-focused engagements. The U.S. Mission envisions this program as a celebration not only of American heritage but also of the long-standing and dynamic partnership between the U.S. and Salvadoran people. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public and private entities such as not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society and non-governmental organizations, public and private educational institutions, Public International Organizations, and governmental institutions. This inclusive eligibility framework ensures that both domestic and international organizations with relevant expertise and community engagement capabilities can participate in strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties. Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2025. As the program was announced on July 2, 2025, and no pre-application deadlines were specified, applications are open for submission immediately. Only one award is expected to be made under this funding opportunity, with a minimum award floor of $50,000 and a maximum ceiling of $100,000. While the total program funding has not been explicitly stated, the award parameters provide guidance for potential applicants to develop realistic and competitive proposals. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required. The submission process is facilitated through the Grants.gov platform, and all applicants are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines posted on the associated MyGrants link. Proposals will be evaluated based on their ability to meet program objectives, strengthen bilateral ties, and creatively showcase U.S. culture and innovation. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate clear outcomes, cultural relevance, and sustainable engagement models in their proposals. For technical assistance or additional information, interested parties can contact the U.S. Mission to El Salvador via the provided email address: sansalvador-grants@state.gov. While no specific contact person or phone number is listed, this email serves as the primary point of contact for the opportunity. Applicants are advised to reach out early in the process for clarifications, if needed. The award timeline beyond the closing date has not been disclosed, but all applications must be submitted electronically by the stated deadline.