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

The U.S.-UA Sisters Cities Program, managed by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, under the Department of State, invites applications from U.S. and Ukrainian non-profit, non-governmental organizations. This grant initiative is designed to establish or revitalize sister city partnerships between U.S. and Ukrainian communities. Aligned with the United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, the program emphasizes the promotion of bilateral cooperation to aid Ukraine’s postwar recovery, foster democratic governance, and stimulate sustainable economic development through local and international partnerships. The program aims to enhance ties across governmental, business, cultural, and educational sectors, supporting a collaborative post-crisis recovery model. It seeks to strengthen the geopolitical alliance between the U.S. and Ukraine by formalizing sister-city agreements and facilitating activities such as business matchmaking, trade missions, cultural exchanges, and joint educational programs. It also promotes joint initiatives in emerging sectors like cybersecurity and agriculture, leveraging Ukraine’s technological and industrial capacity for peaceful development. Grantees will be expected to develop five to ten formalized sister-city partnerships via Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), with collaborative input from both U.S. and Ukrainian stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on engaging municipal leaders, community organizations such as Rotary Clubs, business associations, educational institutions, cultural leaders, and young professionals to ensure long-term sustainability and mutual benefit. The program includes a strong communications and outreach component, encouraging the use of digital storytelling, press engagement, and collaboration with American Spaces in Ukraine to promote the program’s goals. The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, meaning substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section in the planning and implementation process. The Embassy will approve major program activities, facilitate connections, monitor progress, and participate in events. Applications must address strategic alignment with program goals and include details such as key personnel, partner organizations, detailed timelines, and robust monitoring and evaluation plans. Applicants must submit forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B (if applicable), as well as resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and a detailed budget narrative. Applications are due by July 28, 2025, at 23:59 Kyiv time. The anticipated project start date is October 2025 or later, with a maximum duration of 24 months. The funding range is between $50,000 and $200,000, and only one award is anticipated. Matching contributions are not required but may be used to break ties during the evaluation. All applications must be submitted via email to KyivPDGrants@state.gov, and applicants must be registered with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov. The proposal must be in English, formatted to U.S. letter standards, and compliant with all federal guidelines, including anti-discrimination laws and prohibitions on funding for activities that promote illegal migration or benefit certain restricted entities.

Use SMART objectives. Collaborate closely with U.S. and Ukrainian partners. Demonstrate scalability and sustainability. Ensure detailed and strategic budgeting.