Pds-Dhaka-Nofo-Fy2025

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), is offering a funding opportunity titled "Public Diplomacy Grants FY2025" under the opportunity number PDS-DHAKA-NOFO-FY2025-03. This grant, supported by FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, is designed to strengthen U.S.–Bangladesh trade and investment relations by promoting U.S. exports and commercial practices in Bangladesh. The Embassy invites eligible organizations to submit proposals that will enhance market access for U.S. companies, raise awareness of U.S. standards and innovation, and facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement to promote a more transparent and business-friendly environment. This grant initiative responds to the growing potential in Bangladesh’s economic landscape, recognizing both opportunities and barriers to U.S. commercial engagement. Despite Bangladesh's status as one of South Asia’s fastest-growing economies, U.S. firms face regulatory hurdles, lack of familiarity with American business practices, and inconsistent standards. The proposed projects should help overcome these issues by promoting U.S. products, fostering transparent and rules-based business environments, and providing platforms for discussion among businesses, government stakeholders, and trade-focused institutions. Successful proposals will also support innovation and entrepreneurship through programs such as public campaigns, educational workshops, and sector-focused collaborations. The total funding available is $24,990, with only one award anticipated. The performance period for the funded project is limited to 12 months, beginning on or around October 1, 2025. No cost-sharing or matching is required. The funder specifies that funds cannot be used for political activity, charitable aid, construction, religious support, fundraising, or medical services. Program audiences include SMEs, trade institutions, and government stakeholders based in cities such as Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. Proposals should include activities such as speaker sessions, media outreach, business roundtables, startup education on entering the U.S. market, and energy sector engagement. Eligibility is restricted to not-for-profit organizations, NGOs, alumni associations, and educational institutions. For-profit entities are not eligible. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov. Each applicant may submit only one proposal; multiple proposals from the same institution will result in disqualification. Subcontracting is allowed, but only one nonprofit can serve as the prime applicant. All proposals must be submitted in English and in U.S. dollars, and applicants must follow strict formatting, documentation, and monitoring and evaluation guidelines. The application package includes mandatory forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, a proposal (max 4 pages), a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, and a Budget Justification Narrative. Applications must be submitted by Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. BST. Questions regarding the solicitation may be submitted to DhakaGrants@state.gov by August 16, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated based on program idea feasibility, organizational capacity, clarity of objectives, budget accuracy, monitoring and evaluation planning, and project sustainability. Award notices are expected within 120 days of the deadline. Payment will be administered via SF-270 forms. Post-award, grantees are expected to adhere to reporting guidelines, including quarterly progress and financial reports and compliance with U.S. and Bangladeshi policies concerning financial oversight, data privacy, and audit transparency.

Include clear goals, detailed budget, M&E framework, and a security plan.