U.S. Embassy Port Louis Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program

The U.S. Embassy Port Louis Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State has announced the forecast of its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This program invites organizations and individuals to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) for projects aimed at enhancing the bilateral relationships between the United States and Mauritius, and the United States and Seychelles. The SOI is a brief, one-page concept proposal that serves as the initial step in a two-stage application process. Selected applicants from this stage will be invited to submit a full proposal, which will then undergo a second round of merit review for final funding decisions. The program seeks to fund initiatives that promote mutual understanding and strengthen ties through public diplomacy activities. Eligible project areas include arts, community development, education, environment, health, and science and technology, along with other forms of research and development. Funded projects are expected to be completed within 18 months or less. While this is a forecasted opportunity and subject to the availability of funds, the Department of State may consider continuation grants based on performance, fund availability, and the alignment of continued support with departmental interests. Applicants may receive funding through a grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement, with the latter two involving substantial engagement from the embassy or relevant bureau in the implementation of the project. Examples of substantial involvement will be detailed in the full application guidelines. The anticipated number of awards is three, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, public and private institutions of higher education. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this grant. The opportunity is discretionary, allowing the grantor discretion in determining which proposals are funded. While the specific application deadlines, award dates, and project start dates have not yet been finalized, this notice serves as an early alert to encourage prospective applicants to begin preparing. The estimated forecast date of the opportunity was June 5, 2025. Additional details and updates will be provided on the U.S. Embassy Port Louis website. For inquiries or more information, interested applicants should contact Elena Carson at the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Mission to Mauritius via telephone at 2302024400.

Start early with project design to ensure strong alignment with bilateral goals. Expect embassy involvement if awarded under cooperative or FAA models.