U.S. Embassy KL PAS 2025 Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS), has released the 2025 Annual Program Statement for its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This program is a part of the U.S. Department of State’s initiative to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Malaysia. Funding is provided under the Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Fund, and is contingent upon availability. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with a final deadline of August 31, 2025. Selected programs should commence as early as May 1, 2025, and must be completed within one year. The Embassy anticipates issuing approximately ten awards ranging between $5,000 and $99,000, with a total program budget of $500,000. The program's primary aim is to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Malaysia through projects that highlight American perspectives, foster bilateral cooperation, and stimulate economic and scientific collaboration. Priority areas include regional security cooperation, especially initiatives to counter illegal migration and transnational threats; bilateral economic and trade relations; and promotion of STEM-based innovation. All proposals must incorporate a substantive American element, such as collaboration with U.S. experts, institutions, or organizations, and be targeted primarily at audiences within Malaysia. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations (including NGOs and think tanks), governmental institutions, educational institutions, and individuals. However, all organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered with SAM.gov at the time of application. Individuals are exempt from this requirement. Each organization may submit only one proposal, and multiple submissions will render all proposals from that entity ineligible. No cost-sharing or matching contributions are required. The application must be submitted via email to PublicAffairsKL@state.gov or through www.Grants.gov. Required documents include standard federal forms (SF-424 series), a one-page summary, a four-page proposal, a detailed two-page budget narrative, and supporting materials such as resumes and letters of support. Applications will be reviewed in four monthly cycles, with review notifications sent within approximately ten days after the end of each monthly cycle. The evaluation process will score applications on program idea quality, organizational capacity, program planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Selected applicants will receive grants, cooperative agreements, or fixed amount awards. Substantial involvement by PAS may be required, particularly for cooperative agreements. Projects must adhere to federal and Department of State policies, including compliance with anti-discrimination laws and the Foreign Assistance Data Review reporting. Awardees must submit regular program and financial reports and may receive payments in installments using SF-270 forms. Funding may not be used for lobbying, political activities, religious programming, or support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, among other restrictions.