U.S. Embassy Kuwait PAS Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy Kuwait Public Affairs Section (PAS) is offering funding through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program to promote educational and cultural ties between the United States and Kuwait. This grant aims to foster collaboration in key areas such as arts, business, education, environment, health, humanities, law, and technology. The primary focus is to enhance people-to-people connections, strengthen bilateral partnerships, and advance shared interests through cultural exchange, professional development, and innovative programming. Applicants must integrate a U.S. cultural element into their projects, ensuring engagement with American experts, organizations, or institutions. Eligible applicants include Kuwait-based registered non-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, non-profit educational institutions, and individuals. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible. The grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds, making it more accessible to a broad range of applicants. Priority is given to projects that focus on strengthening U.S.-Kuwait partnerships, enhancing national security, supporting individuals with disabilities, and promoting economic and environmental cooperation. The grant provides funding ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000, with a total funding pool of $200,000. The expected number of awards is between 10 and 15, depending on funding distribution. The program is set to begin on October 1, 2025, and project durations should not exceed 12 months. Funding will be awarded as grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, with cooperative agreements involving substantial involvement from PAS staff. Applications should propose activities such as academic and professional lectures, cultural heritage conservation, media professionalization, environmental awareness through the arts, and U.S.-Kuwait cybersecurity collaborations. Other suggested initiatives include increasing Kuwaiti student enrollment in U.S. universities, empowering women through career development, and promoting responsible use of artificial intelligence. Programs should align with the priority areas outlined in the funding announcement. Proposals will be evaluated based on their ability to foster U.S.-Kuwait relations, address priority areas, and demonstrate effective implementation strategies. The closing date for applications is May 31, 2025, and all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered on SAM.gov to receive funding. Individuals, however, are exempt from these registration requirements. The grant is subject to the availability of funding, and PAS may consider non-competitive continuation funding based on project performance and impact. This opportunity is ideal for organizations and individuals in Kuwait seeking to promote cross-cultural engagement, educational initiatives, and policy awareness. Projects should aim to enhance mutual understanding between the U.S. and Kuwait, providing long-term benefits for both societies. Applicants are encouraged to carefully follow the guidelines and ensure their proposals align with the strategic priorities of the U.S. Embassy Kuwait.