Pd Section Praia: Small Grants Program

The U.S. Embassy in Praia, through the Department of State, has released its annual Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program under the opportunity number PAS-PRAIA-FY25-01. This initiative is designed to foster stronger relations between the United States and Cabo Verde by supporting projects that promote mutual understanding and collaboration. Emphasis is placed on aligning projects with U.S. foreign policy goals such as economic growth, democratic governance, cultural exchange, and security cooperation. All proposals must incorporate an American cultural aspect or involve American experts, institutions, or organizations to enhance awareness of U.S. perspectives. Eligible applicants include both U.S. and Cabo Verdean entities such as non-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society groups, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. For-profit entities and individuals are explicitly ineligible. Organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration on SAM.gov. While cost sharing is not a requirement, applicants proposing such contributions must specify whether they are in-kind or cash and estimate their values. The grant awards will range from $2,000 to $10,000, with a total funding pool of approximately $30,000, contingent upon the availability of funds. The expected project duration is 12 to 18 months, with an anticipated start date of August 25, 2025. Approximately 10 awards are anticipated. Funding types include grants, fixed amount awards, and cooperative agreements—each potentially involving active engagement by U.S. Embassy staff in project implementation. Applications are due by July 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CVT. Required submission materials include standard forms (SF-424 series), a comprehensive proposal (max 10 pages), budget justification, key personnel CVs, letters of support, and other relevant attachments. Applications must be submitted via email to Praiagrants@state.gov or through www.Grants.gov. Formatting instructions must be followed strictly, including English language, U.S. dollar budgets, proper page formatting, and standard font and margin usage. Review criteria include the quality and feasibility of the program idea (30 points), organizational capacity and record on prior grants (20 points), ability to achieve objectives (15 points), detailed budget (10 points), monitoring and evaluation plan (15 points), and program sustainability (10 points). Selected applicants will be notified, and payments will be disbursed in at least two installments using form SF-270. Projects must adhere to several administrative requirements, including financial reporting and compliance with federal laws and executive orders. Funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages, and payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency are prohibited.

Ensure alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals and inclusion of American cultural or institutional linkages. Substantial embassy involvement may be required.