Young Pacific Leaders Solutions Labs

The Young Pacific Leaders Solutions Labs funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of East Asia Pacific Affairs through the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland. This initiative is part of the broader Young Pacific Leaders program, which has operated since 2013 to cultivate emerging leaders across Pacific Island countries and strengthen alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities in the region. The program emphasizes leadership development, regional collaboration, and strategic engagement in areas of economic growth, governance, media freedom, and community resilience. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the design and implementation of a series of Solutions Labs, which are structured workshops addressing key thematic priorities in the Pacific. These include unlocking investment opportunities, advancing economic impacts through sports, strengthening peace through faith-based engagement, and promoting digital freedom and independent journalism. Projects funded under this opportunity are expected to deliver both in-person and virtual programming between 2026 and 2028, with a focus on building participant skills, fostering collaboration, and generating actionable outputs such as policy plans, partnerships, and media products. Funding is provided through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy funds using a cooperative agreement mechanism. Awards are anticipated to range from 100000 to 250000 dollars, with approximately four awards expected and a total funding pool of 1000000 dollars. The period of performance ranges from 12 to 36 months, with projects required to be completed within 36 months. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Certain uses of funds are explicitly prohibited, including construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, and projects primarily for organizational growth rather than programmatic impact. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, individuals, public international organizations, and government institutions. However, for-profit entities are not eligible as primary applicants. Organizations must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier, except for individuals who are exempt from this requirement. Only one application per organization is permitted. Applicants may partner with other entities through subcontracts or subawards, but the primary recipient must be a nonprofit entity. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed narrative proposal of up to ten pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel details, partnerships, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. A detailed budget and budget justification narrative are also required, along with supporting attachments such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated State Department address. Applications are due by June 30, 2026 at 11:30 pm New Zealand time. Questions must be submitted by June 23, 2026. Applicants are typically notified of results within 120 days after the deadline. The anticipated project start date is October 2026. The evaluation process is competitive and based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. The U.S. Embassy maintains substantial involvement in program oversight, including participant selection, content approval, and performance monitoring throughout the grant period. Overall, this funding opportunity is designed to strengthen regional leadership and advance U.S. strategic priorities in the Pacific through targeted, high-impact programming. Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to deliver complex, multi-phase programs with measurable outcomes, strong partnerships, and alignment with diplomatic objectives.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities, provide measurable outcomes with clear indicators, and demonstrate organizational capacity and prior experience