The U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau Public Affairs Section (PAS) administers the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program through its Annual Program Statement (APS). This funding opportunity is designed to promote mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral relationships between the United States and both Hong Kong and Macau. Through this program, PAS supports initiatives that emphasize shared values and bolster cooperation by engaging audiences through academic, cultural, and informational programs. All funded proposals must include a U.S. component, such as a partnership with an American expert, organization, or institution, to enhance the understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives.
The APS supports a wide range of thematic areas under the broader category of arts and public diplomacy. This includes projects focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education, economic empowerment, and American English language acquisition. It also includes programs and exchanges that facilitate cultural and academic engagement. The objective is to foster meaningful people-to-people ties through initiatives that are innovative, engaging, and contextually relevant to the target audience.
The total estimated funding available for this opportunity is $300,000, with a maximum award amount of $50,000 and a minimum of $3,000. Approximately 20 awards are expected to be distributed. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, making the opportunity more accessible to smaller organizations or new applicants. The funding is discretionary and depends on the availability of federal funds.
Eligibility is limited to registered nonprofit organizations, including civil society groups, think tanks, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Notably, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status but falling outside higher education institutions may also apply. All applicants must demonstrate their nonprofit status and the capacity to effectively implement and manage the proposed programs.
Applications are due by May 16, 2025. This is a non-recurring funding opportunity with a specific submission deadline and no rolling application option. Interested applicants should prepare to submit their proposals promptly, considering the tight deadline. Details for full application requirements and processes are available via the official Grants.gov listing.
For questions or difficulty accessing the full announcement, applicants may contact the grant administrators directly at HongKongGrants@state.gov.
