U.S. Mission Public Diplomacy Grants Program Cook Islands Niue

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Mission to New Zealand, is offering funding under the Public Diplomacy Grants Program focused on the Cook Islands and Niue. This program is part of the broader Public Diplomacy framework supported by Smith Mundt funds and is designed to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the United States and Pacific Island nations. The initiative reflects U.S. strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly fostering a free and open regional environment through collaboration, capacity building, and community-led solutions. The program is administered by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, which may maintain ongoing involvement in funded projects through oversight, approvals, and technical guidance. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that advance maritime cooperation, economic linkages, and regional security between the United States, the Cook Islands, and Niue. Applicants are encouraged to design programs that increase economic collaboration, promote sustainable natural resource management, and reduce threats across sectors such as digital security, maritime operations, and public health. Projects should emphasize local engagement and demonstrate how they will build technical expertise and institutional capacity within local communities. Activities may include educational exchanges, professional training programs, cultural initiatives, or applied technical projects that align with one or more of the program’s strategic goals. Funding is available for small-scale projects, with individual awards ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 USD and a total program allocation of approximately 350,000 USD. The program anticipates making around five awards, depending on the size of proposals. Projects must be completed within a performance period of 12 to 24 months, with anticipated start dates beginning in September 2026 or later. Funding may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, or fixed amount awards, and recipients may be eligible for continuation funding depending on performance and availability of funds. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, civil society organizations, educational institutions (both public and private), individuals, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. However, for-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage federal funds, comply with reporting requirements, and maintain registration in SAM.gov if applicable. Projects must benefit audiences primarily located in the Cook Islands or Niue and should involve local partners or stakeholders in both design and implementation. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov using standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B where applicable. In addition to these forms, applicants must submit a detailed proposal (maximum five pages), including a project summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel information, and monitoring and evaluation plan. A detailed budget and budget justification narrative are also required, along with supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. All documents must be submitted in English and budgets must be in U.S. dollars. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the quality and feasibility of the project design, organizational capacity, alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives, clarity of objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation approach, and sustainability of outcomes. Proposals must also comply with federal regulations and avoid prohibited activities such as political advocacy, construction, or direct social services. The review process includes an initial eligibility screening followed by a technical evaluation by a review panel. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2026, and proposals submitted by this date will be reviewed by mid-August, with decisions communicated by the end of August. Applicants can direct questions to the Public Affairs section via email or contact the listed program official by phone. This funding opportunity represents a recurring annual program, providing ongoing opportunities for organizations to engage in public diplomacy efforts that strengthen U.S. relationships in the Pacific region.

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