Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary (APS 2025)

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission to France, under the U.S. Department of State, has announced the Annual Program Statement “Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary and Its Friendship with France: 250 Years of Diplomacy and Shared Prosperity.” This opportunity, issued under number PDS-France-FY2025-02, is designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence in 2026. The APS seeks to support programs that highlight the historical and contemporary connections between France and the United States. The funder emphasizes the role of French Enlightenment thinkers in shaping American ideals and the subsequent shared legacy of diplomacy, law, innovation, and cultural exchange that has lasted for two and a half centuries. The purpose of this APS is to fund projects that strengthen U.S.-France bilateral ties, increase French understanding of American society and values, and promote collaboration in areas such as history, innovation, and diplomacy. Proposed projects must include a clear U.S. connection, which may be demonstrated through partnerships with American experts, organizations, or institutions. Favor will be given to programs with national reach in France, those that engage diverse audiences, and projects that align closely with the celebratory theme of America’s 250th anniversary. The stated goals are to increase appreciation for the United States among skeptical or neutral French audiences, to introduce new audiences to American excellence, and to create excitement about American innovation and values at cultural and subnational levels. Projects must focus on priority themes outlined by the Mission. These include innovation, showcasing American leadership in science, technology, arts, and storytelling; American history, which seeks to engage French audiences with stories of democracy, resilience, and civil rights progress; and partnership, celebrating the enduring U.S.-French diplomatic and cultural relationship. The APS explicitly excludes certain project types, such as construction, partisan political activities, religious programs, fundraising campaigns, scientific research, or personal use projects. Programs aimed at organizational growth rather than public engagement are also ineligible. The funding instrument may take the form of a grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement, with cooperative agreements involving active oversight by the Mission. Awards will range from $5,000 to $24,999, with a total available pool of $100,000, contingent on funding availability. Between 5 and 20 awards are expected to be distributed. The period of performance cannot exceed 18 months, and projects are anticipated to start no earlier than October 2025. Applications are accepted in two rounds: the first closes on September 2, 2025, and the second on January 5, 2026. Both deadlines are at 18:00 CET. Cost sharing is not required but may be proposed voluntarily. Matching funds are not mandated. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations (such as NGOs, think tanks, and civil society organizations), educational institutions, and governmental bodies in the United States and France. For-profit entities are not eligible. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain active registration on SAM.gov, unless exempted by approval. Each organization may submit only one proposal, and ongoing projects will not be considered. Organizations with alumni from U.S. government exchange programs are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted in English and must include required federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B). Proposals must address the program’s goals, objectives, and implementation strategy and include details on the applicant’s background, problem statement, project activities, timeline, beneficiaries, partnerships, budget, and evaluation plan. Budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars and conform to the guidelines provided, with indirect costs allowed at a negotiated federal rate or capped at 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs for organizations without such a rate. Certain costs, such as alcoholic beverages, are prohibited. Optional attachments may include resumes of key staff, letters of support, NICRA agreements, or required permissions. Applications must be submitted to GrantsFrance@state.gov, with the subject line including “APS FY250 - America 250: Name of applicant & Project Title.” Review will be conducted by an impartial panel, with decisions communicated within 60 days of each round’s deadline. Criteria for evaluation include strategic alignment, feasibility, organizational capacity, clear objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation capacity, and sustainability of project outcomes. Federal restrictions prohibit use of funds for activities tied to UNRWA, for promoting migration caravans toward the U.S. border, or for programs that conflict with federal anti-discrimination requirements. Recipients must submit regular financial and performance reports and comply with U.S. Department of State branding requirements unless granted an exception.