U.S. Embassy Kuwait PAS Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy Kuwait’s Public Affairs Section (PAS), under the U.S. Department of State, announces the availability of funding through its FY25 Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This opportunity, formalized under the Annual Program Statement (APS), is intended to support projects that build educational and cultural ties between the United States and Kuwait. The total available funding for this cycle is between $100,000 and $200,000, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 and a project duration of up to 12 months. Approximately 10 to 15 grants are expected to be awarded, contingent on funding availability. The objective of the program is to foster people-to-people engagement, regional stability, and mutual understanding by promoting bilateral cooperation. Proposals are encouraged that incorporate American cultural elements or collaboration with U.S.-based experts, institutions, or organizations. Priority program areas include U.S.-Kuwait partnerships, national security and cybersecurity, cultural heritage preservation, and initiatives supporting economic and environmental cooperation. Programs must take place in Kuwait and must specifically target Kuwaiti audiences, such as youth, students, educators, entrepreneurs, media professionals, and civil society groups. Only Kuwait-registered non-profit organizations, NGOs, educational institutions, and individuals are eligible to apply. For-profit and commercial entities are explicitly ineligible. Organizations are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with SAM.gov, although individuals are exempt from this requirement. Matching contributions are not required. Applications can be submitted at any time during the year, but to be considered for review in August 2025, submissions must be received by July 31, 2025. Applications must be submitted via email to PASKuwaitM@state.gov. Required application components include standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B if applicable), a proposal document (maximum 10 pages), budget narrative, CVs of key personnel, letters of support, and any necessary permissions or NICRA documentation. Proposals must include a detailed project summary, introduction to the applicant, goals and objectives, methods, timeline, key staff, partner involvement, evaluation plan, and plans for sustainability. Applications are evaluated on criteria such as organizational capacity, program feasibility, alignment with embassy priorities, clear goals, budget justification, and potential for sustained impact. Awards will be administered by a Grants Officer, and recipients may request payments via the SF-270 form. Reports on financial and programmatic progress are required as per grant terms. This funding opportunity is governed by a range of federal laws and Department of State policies, and awardees are expected to comply fully with all applicable requirements.

Proposals should clearly incorporate a U.S. cultural element and directly tie to embassy priorities; submit by July 31 for best consideration; ensure all documents follow formatting and submission guidelines.