Cultural Small Grants Program

The Cultural Small Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Georgia, specifically the Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi. This program is part of broader public diplomacy efforts designed to strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Georgia. By supporting cultural initiatives, the program aims to foster mutual understanding, reinforce democratic values, and promote cooperation in areas such as security, economic development, and regional stability. The initiative reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to building strong people-to-people ties and enhancing cultural exchange as a strategic diplomatic tool. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that advance cultural engagement and highlight the shared interests and collaboration between the United States and Georgia. Applicants are expected to propose programs that clearly demonstrate the value of U.S.–Georgia cooperation and contribute to mutual prosperity and stronger communities. A central requirement is the inclusion of an American component in all projects, which may involve partnerships with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions. These collaborations should promote understanding of U.S. perspectives, policies, and approaches while creating opportunities for meaningful exchange and joint initiatives. Funding under this opportunity is relatively modest, with awards ranging from 2000 to 20000 dollars and a total estimated program funding of 50000 dollars. These funds are intended to support cultural, artistic, or sports-related programming that aligns with the mission’s objectives. While specific allowable costs are not detailed in the summary, funded activities typically include programmatic expenses necessary to implement cultural events, exchanges, or educational initiatives. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, making the program accessible to a wide range of applicants without the need for additional financial contributions. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive, encompassing both U.S. and Georgian entities. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations such as think tanks and civil society organizations, public educational institutions, individuals, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. This diverse eligibility structure encourages collaboration across sectors and supports a wide array of programmatic ideas. The inclusion of individuals as eligible applicants further broadens access and allows for innovative, grassroots-level cultural initiatives. The application process is managed through Grants.gov, where applicants can access the full Notice of Funding Opportunity and submit their proposals electronically. While the summary does not detail all required components, applicants should expect to provide a comprehensive proposal outlining project objectives, implementation plans, budgets, and the American component. Evaluation criteria are likely to focus on the project’s alignment with program goals, the strength of U.S.-Georgia collaboration, feasibility, and potential impact on cultural understanding and bilateral relations. The application window is currently open, with proposals due by July 15, 2026. The opportunity was posted and last updated on June 8, 2026, indicating a relatively short application period. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparation promptly to ensure timely submission. For additional information or assistance, interested parties may contact the Tbilisi Cultural Team via email at tblisicultural@state.gov. While no explicit information is provided regarding award notification timelines or performance periods, such details are typically outlined in the full announcement document. The program does not explicitly state whether it recurs annually, though similar public diplomacy grants are often offered on a recurring basis.

Ensure strong American collaboration component and clearly demonstrate impact on U.S.-Georgia relations