Pds-Dhaka-Nofo-Fy2025

The U.S. Embassy Dhaka's Public Diplomacy Section, part of the U.S. Department of State, has announced the FY2025 cycle of its Public Diplomacy Grants program under opportunity number PDS-DHAKA-NOFO-FY2025-03. This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that enhance the business environment in Bangladesh and promote U.S. exports. It aims to strengthen commercial ties between Bangladesh and the United States by increasing market access, expanding commercial engagement, and deepening understanding of international trade standards. This opportunity is funded through the FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds with a total award ceiling and floor of $24,990, allocated for one award. Projects should have a duration of 12 months or less, beginning on or around October 1, 2025. The overarching goal of the program is to support efforts that promote awareness of U.S. products, services, and commercial practices, enhance export potential, and improve transparency and predictability in trade policies. Eligible programs may include public campaigns, workshops, roundtables, educational sessions, or collaborative projects with U.S. business stakeholders. Priority topics include intellectual property rights, innovation, trade facilitation, and regulatory alignment. Suggested audiences include large-scale enterprises, exporters, chambers of commerce, trade-focused institutions, and government policymakers, particularly those involved in economic, trade, and commerce sectors. To be eligible, applicants must be not-for-profit organizations, public or private educational institutions, think tanks, civil society organizations, or alumni associations. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Only one proposal may be submitted per organization, and applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered with SAM.gov. Cost sharing or matching is not required. Subcontracting is allowed, but only one non-profit entity may serve as the prime recipient. Proposals must not include partisan political activities, charitable work, construction, religious promotion, or commercial development activities. Applicants are required to submit a complete package including SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a 4-page narrative proposal, a detailed budget and justification, key personnel résumés or position descriptions, letters of support from partners, and proof of nonprofit status and registration. A draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan, including a theory of change and M&E datasheet, must also be included. The application must be submitted in English and all budgets must be in U.S. dollars. Additionally, all proposals must include a security package due to the security environment in Bangladesh. Applications must be submitted by Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. BST, via email to DhakaGrants@state.gov. Questions regarding the grant may be submitted to the same email by August 14, 2025. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and feasibility of the proposal, organizational capacity, ability to achieve objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation quality, and sustainability of outcomes. Award notices will be issued by the Grants Officer, and recipients will be required to submit periodic financial and programmatic reports. Final reports are due 120 days after project completion. For any inquiries related to this NOFO, applicants may contact the Public Diplomacy Section at DhakaGrants@state.gov. The complete NOFO document outlines all submission requirements and restrictions and should be reviewed thoroughly before preparing an application.

Proposals must clearly align with NOFO objectives, be detailed and measurable, and include a theory of change, outcomes, and monitoring metrics.