U.S.-Ukraine University Partnerships for Peace and Security

The U.S.-Ukraine University Partnerships for Peace and Security grant opportunity is administered by the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, under the U.S. Department of State. The opportunity number is PDS-Ukraine-FY25-03 and it is supported through FY 2025 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds. The program seeks to promote security, stability, and innovation through collaborative partnerships between U.S. and Ukrainian educational and research institutions. Applications are being accepted in the form of Statements of Interest (SOI), which are the first step in a two-step competitive selection process. The deadline for SOI submissions is 23:59 Kyiv time on July 25, 2025, and anticipated project start dates are set for October 1, 2025. The primary objective of this initiative is to foster collaborative research and academic partnerships that address critical challenges in cybersecurity, defense technology, energy security, civil demining, agriculture, food safety, and construction. These partnerships aim to support U.S. and Ukrainian mutual interests in national defense and technological innovation. Projects should enhance institutional collaboration, promote U.S. best practices, and help transition innovations from wartime utility to long-term economic recovery and development. Potential project activities include joint academic research, fellowships, workshops, technology development, and pilot programs that build institutional capacity. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based public and private educational and research institutions. Each organization may only submit one application; submitting more than one will result in disqualification. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Ukrainian partners must be confirmed as active collaborators and involved in the development of the project proposal. Funding for this program ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 per award, with up to five awards expected to be made. Projects must be completed within a 12–24 month performance period. Awards will be made as cooperative agreements, with substantial involvement from the PDS. This includes approvals of program components, coordination with stakeholders, strategic guidance, and participation in public events and exchanges. Submissions must consist of a three-page SOI in English. This document should outline the project’s goals, timeline, target beneficiaries, expected outcomes, and performance indicators, as well as the applicant's capacity to manage U.S. Government funds. SOIs must be emailed to KyivPDGrants@state.gov. Following a merit review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, which will undergo a second review process. Evaluation of SOIs will be based on three weighted criteria: quality and feasibility of the project idea (50 points), organizational capacity and past performance (35 points), and the ability to achieve project objectives (15 points). The panel will review only up to the three-page limit of submitted SOIs. Applications will also undergo a risk assessment based on organizational stability, management systems, and performance history. Additional requirements include compliance with U.S. federal anti-discrimination laws and restrictions on use of funds for activities supporting UNRWA or promoting mass migration toward the U.S. southwest border. The funding opportunity mandates adherence to several 2 CFR parts governing federal assistance and prohibits use of funds for alcoholic beverages. Final application packages for selected applicants must include SF-424 forms, detailed budget documentation, and any applicable indirect cost agreements.

Ensure proposals are co-developed and confirmed by Ukrainian partners. Keep SOI within 3 pages and follow submission instructions precisely.