Public Diplomacy Section Praia: Small Grants Program

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Praia, has announced the Public Diplomacy Section Small Grants Program under opportunity number PAS-PRAIA-FY25-01. This program is funded through the FY25 Smith-Mundt and Fulbright Hays Public Diplomacy Funds, with support under assistance listings 19.040 for Public Diplomacy Programs, 19.022 for ECA, and 19.441 for ECA American Spaces. The total anticipated funding available for this round is approximately $30,000, with awards ranging from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of about $10,000. Up to 10 awards may be granted, depending on proposal quality and amounts requested. Projects are expected to begin on August 25, 2025, and may run for a period of 12 to 18 months. Funding instruments include grants, fixed amount awards, and cooperative agreements, each potentially including substantial involvement by the U.S. Embassy. The program’s primary purpose is to strengthen U.S.-Cabo Verde relations through initiatives that foster mutual understanding and collaboration. Funded projects are expected to support U.S. foreign policy priorities in areas such as economic growth, security cooperation, democratic governance, and cultural exchange. All proposals must include a clear American cultural component or a direct connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions. The overarching goal is to enhance people-to-people ties, encourage capacity-building, and advance democratic values and economic opportunities while promoting shared global interests. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and Cabo Verdean not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and government institutions. For-profit entities and individuals are explicitly excluded. Organizations must be registered in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier to be considered. Only one proposal per organization may be submitted, and multiple submissions from the same applicant will render all proposals ineligible. Cost-sharing is not required but may be proposed voluntarily as in-cash or in-kind contributions. Applications must be prepared in English, with budgets denominated in U.S. dollars, and formatted to U.S. standard paper dimensions. Required documents include SF-424 or SF-424-I, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms, a 10-page proposal, budget justification narrative, CVs of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and additional attachments if applicable. The proposal must include a summary, organizational introduction, problem statement, project goals and objectives, activities, methods, timeline, key personnel, partners, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Submissions must be sent electronically either to Praiagrants@state.gov or through Grants.gov no later than July 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CVT. Applications will be evaluated by a review committee based on the quality and feasibility of the program idea (30 points), organizational capacity and record of performance (20 points), program planning and ability to achieve objectives (15 points), budget justification (10 points), monitoring and evaluation plan (15 points), and sustainability (10 points). Risk assessments of financial stability, management systems, and past performance will also be considered under federal grant requirements. Awards will be formally issued and signed by a Grants Officer, and no project expenses may be incurred before the official start date. Following selection, recipients must comply with all federal administrative and policy requirements, including terms outlined in 2 CFR 200, reporting obligations, and relevant U.S. executive orders. Grantees will be required to submit both programmatic and financial reports throughout the funding period. Payments will be provided in at least two installments and must be requested via SF-270 forms. The program does not guarantee future funding beyond the performance period, though continuation may be possible if funds are available and program outcomes justify renewal. The Embassy emphasizes that applications must be well-aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives and demonstrate efficiency, feasibility, and measurable outcomes. Applicants should plan for strong collaboration with U.S. Embassy representatives, particularly if awarded under a cooperative agreement, to ensure alignment with public diplomacy goals. Proposals that demonstrate sustainability and long-term positive impact beyond the funded period will be viewed more favorably. The program reflects the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to deepening bilateral ties, enhancing democratic and economic resilience, and fostering cross-cultural collaboration between Cabo Verde and the United States.