U.S. Embassy Port Louis Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program

The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, through its Public Diplomacy Section, has announced the availability of funding under a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) using a two-stage process, beginning with a Statement of Interest (SOI). The funder is the U.S. Department of State, which operates globally to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives. This specific opportunity is administered by the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section in Mauritius and is designed to support initiatives that advance mutual understanding and foster collaboration between the United States and Mauritius or Seychelles. The purpose of this opportunity is to solicit project proposals that are aligned with the Embassy’s public diplomacy goals. Though the precise funding categories and priority areas are not listed in the SOI form itself, applicants are invited to submit creative proposals addressing target audiences that promote engagement, education, civic dialogue, and mutual cooperation. While this document does not specify funding restrictions or use-of-funds policies, applicants are expected to provide a detailed project description including planned activities, milestones, venues, and intended impact. Funding requests should correspond to clearly defined outcomes and measurable indicators of success. Eligibility appears to be broadly open. Individual applicants are allowed, and organizations of any legal structure may apply, provided they can furnish appropriate contact and legal details. Applicants are required to describe their organizational background (if applicable), project rationale, and whether any partner institutions are involved. Additionally, the form requests disclosure of any other financial support the project may receive. These criteria suggest the funder is seeking well-justified, collaborative, and sustainable proposals with broad public benefit. The application process begins with the submission of a completed SOI form. If the project is shortlisted, the applicant will be invited to submit a more comprehensive proposal in a second round. The deadline for SOI submissions is July 15, 2025. There is no stated program open date; however, based on standard procedure, it is likely that the program accepts submissions immediately upon announcement. Project proposals must include proposed start and end dates, suggesting fixed funding periods. There is no mention of rolling applications or recurring cycles in the provided document. Applications should be submitted via email to PortLouis_PAS@state.gov. There is no additional contact information such as a phone number or specific staff contact listed in the document. Key application components include a narrative project description, audience definition, timeline, budget details, and performance metrics for evaluation. The SOI form functions as an initial screening step; therefore, applicants should aim to present a coherent and concise proposal that highlights potential public diplomacy impacts. Although no details are included regarding past recipients, application tips, award ceilings, floors, or total available funding, the structure and submission format suggest this is a small-to-medium-sized competitive grant. The application form is streamlined to encourage diverse applicants while still requesting enough detail to enable initial screening and selection. Applicants are advised to carefully adhere to submission guidelines and ensure their projects are mission-aligned and deliver measurable community or bilateral benefits.

Start early with project design to ensure strong alignment with bilateral goals. Expect embassy involvement if awarded under cooperative or FAA models.