The PAS Freetown Small Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It is funded under the FY25 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is intended to support public diplomacy initiatives that align with U.S. priorities. This grant opportunity seeks to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between the United States and Sierra Leone through cultural, educational, and civic engagement. The program encourages the development of sustainable initiatives that promote shared values and goals, particularly in areas that cultivate long-term partnerships.
The funding opportunity is structured to offer small grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 for projects that can be completed within a 12-month period. The total anticipated funding available is $30,000, with approximately three awards expected to be granted, depending on the amounts requested. Activities must commence on or after October 1, 2025, and conclude by September 30, 2026. Projects must demonstrate a strong link to the United States, whether through cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, or the use of U.S. expertise or resources.
Eligibility for this grant includes not-for-profit organizations (such as think tanks and NGOs), public and private educational institutions, individuals, and public international organizations or governmental institutions. Applicants are allowed only one submission per organization, and individuals are not required to register with SAM.gov. However, all other applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a valid registration in SAM.gov. Cost-sharing is not mandatory but may be used as a tie-breaker during evaluation.
The application process requires several components: a four-page proposal using a provided template, mandatory federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B as appropriate), a detailed budget justification, resumes of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and, if applicable, a NICRA document. The proposal must articulate a clear problem statement, defined goals and objectives, planned activities, timelines, and sustainability measures. It should also include a robust monitoring and evaluation plan. Applications must be submitted via email by June 27, 2025, 4:59 PM Sierra Leone Time.
Evaluation criteria include the quality and feasibility of the project (30 points), the applicant’s past performance and capacity (20 points), monitoring and evaluation (10 points), project sustainability (15 points), and the reasonableness of the budget (10 points). Selected awardees will be notified by August 30, 2025. Funding will be administered upon submission of a completed SF-270 form, and recipients must comply with all federal and departmental regulations, including quarterly reporting and adherence to anti-discrimination and financial transparency standards.
Use the provided template; adhere to page, font, and formatting rules; clearly define U.S. linkage; ensure logical, measurable outcomes
