Promoting Economic Prosperity with America

The U.S. Embassy Seoul, Public Diplomacy Section, through the Department of State, announces the “Promoting Economic Prosperity with America” grant opportunity under funding number PD-SEOUL-FY25-07. This initiative aims to strengthen the United States’ position as the preferred economic partner in key cities across the Republic of Korea where American Spaces are located. The program focuses on engaging young Korean entrepreneurs aged 25 to 39 through a 10–12 month comprehensive initiative that includes participant selection, needs assessments, lectures, networking events, and sector-focused activities. It will highlight success stories from key U.S. industries and equip participants with skills, resources, and knowledge rooted in American business values and leadership principles. The funding amount is up to $50,000, with one award anticipated, and will be provided through a cooperative agreement under the FY25 Fulbright-Hays, American Spaces Support Funds program. The cooperative agreement structure means the Embassy will be substantially involved in program design and delivery, including coordination with American Spaces staff, providing resources, and overseeing implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The project performance period should not exceed 12 months, with an anticipated start date in November 2025. Eligible applicants are Republic of Korea–based entities including nonprofit organizations, think tanks, civil society or non-governmental organizations, public and private educational institutions, and public international organizations or governmental institutions. Applicants should have capacity to select subject matter experts knowledgeable about both Korea and the United States in the program’s focus areas. Individuals are not eligible. All applying organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov at the time of application. Proposals should directly address the stated goals and objectives, including promoting U.S. innovation and leadership in tourism, technology, and scientific research; conducting community needs assessments; empowering participants to develop their own initiatives; and increasing preference for U.S. partnerships over competitors. Required activities include at least three full-group sessions, three in-person sessions at each American Space, three interactive workshops, one networking session, two coaching sessions, one APEC-focused discussion, and opening and closing ceremonies. The grantee will also be responsible for reporting progress and evaluation results to the Public Diplomacy Section. Applications must be submitted in English, with budgets in U.S. dollars, and include mandatory federal assistance forms, a proposal of no more than 10 pages, a detailed budget justification, CVs of key personnel, and letters of support from partners. The submission deadline is Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. GMT+9. Proposals must be emailed to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov. The review process will evaluate program idea quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, planning and ability to meet objectives, budget detail and reasonableness, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability. Applicants will be notified of results by September 2025. This funding opportunity is subject to the availability of funds. The Department of State may consider continuation funding beyond the initial period based on satisfactory performance, available resources, and program priorities. Award recipients will be required to submit periodic financial and program reports and comply with all applicable federal regulations, including anti-discrimination laws, financial disclosure requirements, and reporting of foreign assistance data. Costs for alcoholic beverages are not allowable under this award.