U.S.-ROK Energy Partnership for Economic Growth and Security

The U.S. Embassy Seoul, through its Public Diplomacy Section and under the U.S. Department of State, is offering the U.S.-ROK Energy Partnership for Economic Growth and Security grant, identified as funding opportunity number PD-SEOUL-FY25-08. This program seeks to strengthen the strategic relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea by fostering collaboration on shared energy security challenges. It aims to enhance bilateral cooperation to ensure stable, resilient, and diversified energy supplies, while addressing key issues including infrastructure development, regulatory alignment, and supply chain vulnerabilities. This cooperative agreement, funded through FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, will be awarded to a single recipient with a total amount of $100,000. The anticipated project start date is October 2025, and the performance period will last up to twelve months. The program will employ a combination of workshops, exchange programs, and strategic dialogues to bring together energy policymakers, regulatory officials, and business leaders from both nations. Activities will include a two-week exchange program in the United States where Korean participants will engage with U.S. counterparts through site visits to critical energy infrastructure, meetings with energy experts, and participation in policy dialogues. A series of workshops will also be hosted in Korea to focus on topics such as regulatory alignment, infrastructure development, and supply chain resilience. These efforts are intended to reduce reliance on foreign adversaries, protect critical energy infrastructure, and promote transparent and efficient energy markets. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations; public and private educational institutions; public international organizations; and governmental institutions. While cost sharing or matching is not required, applicants may offer voluntary contributions, which may be considered as indicators of commitment and capacity. All organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and have active registration in SAM.gov before receiving an award. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted in English and budgets denominated in U.S. dollars. Required documents include the SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B (if applicable), a detailed proposal not exceeding ten pages, a budget justification narrative, CVs or resumes of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and any relevant agreements such as a NICRA if claiming indirect costs. The proposal must include clear objectives, project activities, timeline, key personnel, monitoring and evaluation plans, and strategies for sustainability beyond the grant period. Proposals should be submitted via email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov no later than Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9). Applications will be evaluated based on quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, clarity of goals and objectives, budget reasonableness, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and potential for sustainability. The Embassy will maintain substantial involvement in project implementation, including providing input on structure and content, approving participant selection, and ensuring alignment with broader priorities. The award will be issued as a cooperative agreement, and recipients must submit required financial and program reports as specified in the award documentation. The program is subject to federal administrative and policy requirements, including compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws, foreign funding disclosure for institutions of higher education, and restrictions on certain uses of funds. Award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages. The Department of State reserves the right to reject any proposals, and issuance of the NOFO does not constitute a funding commitment. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in September 2025.