Strengthening Strategic Partnerships through Expert Engagement

The Advancing U.S. Priorities in Brazil: Speaker and Specialist Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil. This initiative is designed to strengthen bilateral relationships between the United States and Brazil by facilitating expert engagement and knowledge exchange across priority sectors. The program reflects broader U.S. foreign policy goals in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in fostering collaboration, innovation, and mutual understanding between institutions and professionals in both countries. The core purpose of the program is to bring American subject matter experts to Brazil to engage with local audiences through a range of activities such as lectures, workshops, seminars, and training sessions. These engagements are intended to promote dialogue and share practical expertise in areas including energy, innovation, technology, public safety, freedom of expression, and commercial development. The program emphasizes actionable knowledge transfer and aims to support informed decision-making and sustained collaboration across sectors. Activities are expected to occur nationwide across Brazil, including both major urban centers and strategically selected regions. Funding for this opportunity consists of a single anticipated award of up to 250,000 dollars, contingent upon availability of funds. The funding will be administered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Embassy will maintain substantial involvement throughout program implementation. Allowable costs include program logistics, travel arrangements for speakers, interpretation services, digital platforms, and other direct program support services. However, funding cannot be used for construction, charitable activities, lobbying, scientific research, or direct social services such as medical or humanitarian aid. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Eligibility is limited to non-profit organizations, including civil society organizations, think tanks, and educational institutions. Both public and private academic institutions may apply, but for-profit entities are explicitly excluded from serving as the primary recipient. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity to implement nationwide programming and manage federal funds, including compliance with registration requirements such as obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining an active SAM.gov registration. Only one application per organization is permitted. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal package via email. Required components include standard federal forms (SF-424 and SF-424A), a detailed narrative proposal (maximum 15 pages), a monitoring and evaluation plan, a detailed budget and justification narrative, and supporting documentation such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. The proposal must clearly outline program objectives, methods, timelines, personnel, and evaluation strategies. All documents must be submitted in English and budgets must be in U.S. dollars. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, and monitoring and evaluation strategy. Each criterion is assigned a weighted score, with program quality carrying the highest weight. The review process includes eligibility screening, technical evaluation by a review panel, and risk assessment. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 120 days after the application deadline. The application deadline for this opportunity is June 15, 2026 at 23:59 Brasília Time. The anticipated project start date is September 1, 2026, with a performance period ranging from 12 to 36 months. Questions regarding the application process must be submitted by the deadline to the designated program email address. This funding opportunity is not recurring and represents a single-cycle competitive grant aligned with fiscal year funding priorities.

Ensure alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities; provide detailed and measurable objectives; include strong monitoring and evaluation framework; submit a fully justified and detailed budget; demonstrate organizational capacity and prior experience