Moonshot: Artemis Edition

The Moonshot: Artemis Edition Notice of Funding Opportunity is issued by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, specifically the Morocco Public Affairs Section. This program is funded under the FY Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is designed as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the U.S. government throughout implementation. The initiative reflects the Department’s broader public diplomacy mission to strengthen international partnerships and promote U.S. leadership in science, technology, and innovation. It specifically focuses on Morocco as a strategic partner and seeks to deepen bilateral ties through youth engagement and STEM-focused programming. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to design and implement an 18-month nationwide initiative in Morocco that promotes American leadership in space exploration, particularly through NASA’s Artemis Program. The program aims to engage Moroccan youth aged 15 to 35 in science, technology, entrepreneurship, and the emerging space economy. Applicants are expected to create a multi-phase program that includes public talks, workshops, innovation labs, and competitions, culminating in a national challenge and a Space Camp experience in Huntsville, Alabama. The initiative emphasizes commercial diplomacy by showcasing U.S. companies and innovation models, encouraging Moroccan participants to view the United States as a preferred partner in high-tech industries. Funding for the program is anticipated at approximately $200,000 total, with one award expected. Individual award amounts are projected to range between $150,000 and $200,000. The period of performance is 12 to 18 months, with projects expected to be completed within 18 months or less. Allowable costs include programmatic expenses such as participant travel, workshops, speaker honoraria, materials, communications, and monitoring and evaluation. Restrictions prohibit the use of funds for construction, major unrelated equipment purchases, or purely academic or research-focused activities without a public diplomacy component. Cost sharing is explicitly not required. Eligibility is limited to Moroccan and U.S. nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and civil society organizations that demonstrate experience in STEM programming, youth engagement, and innovation. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov, though individuals are not required to have these at the time of application. The program encourages applicants capable of managing complex, multi-phase initiatives and integrating U.S. expertise and partnerships into program delivery. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms (SF-424 and SF-424A), a detailed proposal narrative of up to 10 pages, a budget justification, and supporting documents such as resumes and letters of support. The proposal must include organizational background, problem statement, project design, timeline, personnel, partnerships, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. Applications must be submitted in English, formatted according to specified guidelines, and sent via email to the designated grants inbox. Applications are due by July 13, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+1. The anticipated project start date is October 2026. A review committee will evaluate applications based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, alignment with objectives, budget realism, monitoring and evaluation, and incorporation of U.S. components. Successful applicants will enter into a cooperative agreement with ongoing oversight from the U.S. Embassy, including approvals for branding, participant selection, and program content. Throughout implementation, recipients must comply with federal regulations, reporting requirements, and branding guidelines. Quarterly financial and program reports are required, and the Department of State retains discretion over continuation funding and program termination. This initiative represents a strategic effort to foster innovation, strengthen U.S.-Morocco relations, and prepare a new generation of Moroccan leaders to engage with the global space economy.

Ensure strong U.S. component integration including experts or companies; align clearly with stated objectives and measurable outcomes; demonstrate organizational capacity and realistic budgeting; include robust monitoring and evaluation plan