U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement (APS) 2026

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Mission to the Philippines and its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), is offering funding through its Annual Program Statement to support initiatives that advance public diplomacy objectives. The Public Diplomacy Section works to strengthen ties between the United States and the Philippines by promoting mutual understanding, shared values, and cooperation through educational, cultural, and informational programming. This funding opportunity reflects the Department of State’s broader mission to engage foreign publics and foster relationships that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities. The purpose of this program is to solicit proposals for activities that align with public diplomacy goals, including promoting democratic values, strengthening people-to-people connections, enhancing educational and cultural exchange, and increasing awareness of U.S. policies and perspectives. Applicants are expected to design programs that contribute to these objectives while addressing local needs and fostering collaboration between U.S. and Philippine institutions or communities. The program supports a wide range of project types, including workshops, seminars, cultural programs, educational initiatives, and community engagement activities. Funding is provided in the form of grants, with individual awards ranging from 5000 to 50000 dollars. While the total program funding and number of awards are not specified, applicants should design proposals within the stated funding range and ensure that budgets are reasonable and aligned with proposed activities. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the barrier to entry for eligible applicants. Allowable costs generally include program-related expenses necessary to implement proposed activities, though all costs must comply with federal grant regulations and guidelines provided in the full announcement. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad and inclusive. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations such as think tanks and civil society or non-governmental organizations, public and private higher education institutions, and individuals. Organizations may be based in the United States, the Philippines, or other countries, reflecting the international scope of the program. This inclusivity supports diverse participation and encourages collaboration across borders to achieve public diplomacy outcomes. The application process requires applicants to carefully review the full announcement and follow all submission instructions. While specific application components are not detailed in the summary, applicants should expect to provide a detailed project proposal, budget, and supporting documentation demonstrating organizational capacity and alignment with program priorities. Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline, and proposals will be evaluated based on how well they align with strategic themes, feasibility, and potential impact. The application window opens on April 7, 2026, and closes on July 31, 2026. This opportunity does not indicate a rolling or recurring cycle, and applicants must submit complete proposals by the deadline to be considered. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funding. For additional information or assistance accessing the full announcement, applicants may contact the U.S. Mission to the Philippines via email at [email protected]. This program represents an opportunity for organizations and individuals to contribute to meaningful international engagement and public diplomacy efforts.

Ensure proposals align with Public Diplomacy priorities and follow all instructions carefully