U.S. Mission to Libya Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program Annual Program Statement (APS)

The U.S. Department of State, through the Libya External Office based in Tunis, administers the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program to support initiatives that strengthen ties between the United States and Libya. This program operates under the broader mandate of U.S. public diplomacy, aiming to foster mutual understanding, reinforce shared values, and promote stability and prosperity in Libya. The funding opportunity is issued as an Annual Program Statement, which outlines priority areas, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for organizations and individuals seeking support. The primary purpose of this grant program is to fund projects that align with key strategic objectives, including promoting economic opportunity and collaboration between the U.S. and Libya, showcasing bilateral partnerships and shared democratic values, and supporting Libya’s unity, stability, and security. Eligible activities may include entrepreneurship development, cultural and educational programming, STEM initiatives, and efforts that connect Libyan communities with U.S. expertise. Programs that involve alumni of U.S. government exchange programs are particularly encouraged, as they help extend the impact of prior diplomatic investments. Funding is provided through multiple instruments, including grants, cooperative agreements, and fixed amount awards. Individual awards typically range between 50000 and 100000 dollars, with approximately five awards anticipated depending on available funding. Projects must be completed within a 12 month performance period. While cost sharing is encouraged to demonstrate commitment and sustainability, it is not a mandatory requirement. Certain activities are explicitly prohibited, including partisan political efforts, construction projects, religious programming, fundraising campaigns, lobbying, and scientific research unrelated to program goals. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive. Applicants may include U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, civil society groups, think tanks, educational institutions, individuals, and governmental or international organizations. Organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov, though individuals are exempt from these requirements. Each organization may submit only one proposal, and failure to comply with submission requirements will result in disqualification. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms such as the SF-424 series, along with a comprehensive proposal narrative. Applicants must clearly define their project objectives, implementation plan, timeline, personnel, partnerships, and evaluation strategy. Supporting materials include a detailed budget justification, resumes of key personnel, and letters of support. Applications must be submitted via email, and all materials must adhere to formatting requirements including English language, U.S. dollar budgets, and standardized document formatting. Applications are reviewed through a competitive evaluation process based on criteria such as program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. A review committee assesses proposals and considers risk factors including financial stability and prior performance. Successful applicants will receive formal award agreements and must comply with federal reporting and administrative requirements throughout the grant period. The timeline for this opportunity is structured around a rolling submission window tied to the posting date. Applications are accepted for 60 days following the announcement. The anticipated program start date is October 1, 2026. While the program is issued annually, continuation funding for successful projects may be considered on a noncompetitive basis, subject to funding availability and performance. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the program email contact provided by the Department of State.