U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy American Corners

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan’s Public Diplomacy Section, is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity to support and strengthen the American Corners network across the Kyrgyz Republic. American Corners serve as the U.S. government’s primary cultural and information centers abroad, providing access to American educational resources, technology, and programming that fosters mutual understanding between the United States and local communities. This funding opportunity aligns with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives, including strengthening international partnerships, promoting democratic values, and increasing global engagement with American innovation and education, particularly as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide strategic management, operational oversight, and programmatic support to six American Corners located in Bishkek, Kant, Naryn, Karakol, Manas, and Osh. These centers collectively serve approximately 200000 visitors annually. The program emphasizes expanding English language proficiency through conversation clubs and educational programming, increasing engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through workshops and mobile makerspaces, and promoting cultural exchange through events, speaker programs, and commemorative activities tied to American history and values. Additionally, the initiative seeks to maintain modern infrastructure, including reliable internet access and upgraded facilities, ensuring these centers remain accessible and effective platforms for public diplomacy. Funding under this opportunity ranges from 25000 to 75000 dollars per award, with up to three awards anticipated depending on funding availability. The performance period for funded projects is expected to be 12 months, with a projected start date of October 1, 2026. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Funds may be used for personnel, programming, equipment, travel, and other allowable expenses directly tied to project implementation. However, restrictions apply, including prohibitions on construction activities, direct social services, and certain restricted expenditures such as alcohol or pre-award costs. Eligibility is limited to non-profit organizations and educational institutions, both within the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States, provided that U.S.-based applicants partner with a Kyrgyz Republic-registered organization. Eligible entities include civil society organizations, think tanks, and public or private educational institutions. For-profit entities are not eligible as primary applicants but may participate as subcontractors. Applicants must also maintain active registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Only one proposal per organization is permitted, and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate prior experience, partnerships, and alignment with U.S. government programming in the region. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or designated Embassy channels and includes several mandatory components. Applicants must complete standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B where applicable. The proposal narrative is limited to six pages and must include a project summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, implementation plan, timeline, staffing plan, and sustainability strategy. Additional required materials include a detailed budget and budget justification narrative, monitoring and evaluation plan, resumes of key personnel, and supporting documentation such as proof of non-profit status and letters of partnership. All materials must be submitted in English and adhere strictly to formatting requirements. Applications are evaluated based on clearly defined criteria, including the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation rigor, sustainability, and incorporation of American expertise. Review panels assess proposals for alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and the potential to positively influence perceptions of the United States. Successful applicants are typically notified within approximately 120 days after the application deadline, and awards are issued as cooperative agreements, meaning the U.S. Embassy will maintain active involvement in program oversight and implementation. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is August 7, 2026, at 1159 PM Bishkek time. There are no required pre-application steps such as letters of intent. Projects are expected to begin in October 2026 and run for a 12-month period. While this opportunity does not explicitly state recurrence, similar public diplomacy programs are often reissued periodically based on funding availability. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Public Diplomacy Grants Management Team at the U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan for any technical questions or assistance with the application process.

Align proposal clearly with U.S. foreign policy priorities; provide detailed measurable objectives and strong monitoring plan; ensure budget justification is precise and realistic; demonstrate organizational capacity and partnerships