U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement (Palestinian audiences)

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Public Diplomacy Section, is offering funding under its Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement targeting Palestinian audiences. This opportunity is part of the federal government’s broader effort to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives, particularly in the areas of economic development, regional cooperation, education, tourism, and media resilience. The program is administered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the Embassy will maintain substantial involvement in project oversight, including approval of personnel, deliverables, and major programmatic changes. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that advance U.S. economic, commercial, and security interests while strengthening ties between Palestinian communities and the United States. Applicants must align their proposals with at least one of five strategic goals: advancing economic and technological engagement, promoting trilateral health technology cooperation, increasing Christian tourism, enhancing access to American educational technology, or strengthening media resilience and free speech. All programs must include a clear American component, such as engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, or practices, to ensure cultural and policy exchange. Funding for this program totals approximately 1000000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from 50000 to 250000 dollars. Projects must be completed within a performance period of up to 18 months. While continuation funding may be considered, it is contingent on performance and funding availability. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. The funding cannot be used for activities such as construction, direct social services, partisan political activity, religious programming, or fundraising campaigns, ensuring that supported projects align strictly with public diplomacy objectives. Eligible applicants include U.S., Israeli, or Palestinian nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, both public and private. For-profit entities are not eligible to serve as the primary applicant but may participate as subcontractors. Applicants must maintain a valid registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Proposals must clearly define roles if multiple partners are involved and demonstrate organizational capacity to manage federal funding and deliver program outcomes. The application process requires submission of several mandatory federal forms, including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B where applicable, along with a comprehensive proposal not exceeding ten pages. The proposal must include organizational background, a problem statement, detailed program design, timeline, staffing plan, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and sustainability plan. A detailed budget and justification narrative are also required, outlining all anticipated costs. Additional supporting documents include resumes, letters of support, proof of nonprofit status, and a security plan for program implementation in the region. Applications must be submitted via email by August 6, 2026 at 23:59 Israel Daylight Time. Questions regarding the application must be submitted by July 26, 2026, with responses provided publicly. Applications are reviewed based on criteria such as program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants are typically notified of decisions within 120 days of the deadline. Awards are expected to begin on a rolling basis with project start dates no later than September 29, 2026.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S foreign policy goals include measurable outcomes and detailed monitoring and evaluation plans