The Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant (CPAIG) for Albania, under the U.S. Department of State, invites proposals to support the implementation of cultural property agreements between the U.S. and Albania. With a total funding pool of $500,000, individual awards range from $25,000 to $150,000, and projects may span 12 to 60 months. The first round of applications, consisting of concept notes, is due by December 31, 2024, followed by selected invitations for full applications by March 30, 2025.
The program focuses on protecting cultural property through training for law enforcement and cultural managers, developing secure inventories of cultural sites and objects, improving site security, and conducting public education campaigns to prevent looting and trafficking. Eligible entities include foreign and U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and government cultural agencies. Individuals, commercial entities, and those with unmet obligations from prior awards are ineligible.
Applications must adhere to funding restrictions that exclude construction projects, purchases of privately owned cultural property, and repatriation of cultural artifacts unless part of a broader effort. They must also comply with U.S. government cost principles and reporting requirements. Concept notes require details about the project location, scope of work, urgency, and historical significance, alongside high-quality visuals and project participant information. Full applications, due in the second round, should include detailed budgets, proof of permissions, maintenance plans, and data-sharing strategies.
Submissions are reviewed on criteria such as historical significance, project urgency, feasibility, and compliance with equity-focused policies. Awarded projects must adhere to federal grant management standards, including financial reporting and SAM.gov registration. Recipients may only commence project activities upon the official start date outlined in their grant agreement.
