Pd Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, administers the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program to strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Bolivia. This Annual Program Statement outlines funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for projects that foster mutual understanding and cooperation. The program is funded through FY Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and supports initiatives that highlight shared values, promote U.S. policy perspectives, and build long-term partnerships between the two countries. According to the overview section on page 3 of the document , this is a rolling opportunity with a final submission deadline of August 15, 2026, and projects are expected to begin around September 2026. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support programs that enhance people-to-people ties through cultural, educational, professional, and scientific exchanges. All funded projects must incorporate a U.S. cultural element or direct engagement with U.S. experts or institutions. Priority areas include promoting American innovation and values, strengthening democratic institutions, countering misinformation, expanding economic ties, and fostering English language learning. Activities may include workshops, lectures, exchanges, artistic collaborations, and professional development programs, provided they align with U.S. foreign policy goals and embassy priorities. Funding is provided through grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, with award amounts typically ranging from 5000 to 40000 dollars. The total program funding is not specified and remains subject to availability. Projects must be completed within a performance period of 6 to 24 months. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required, allowing applicants flexibility in structuring their budgets. However, strict funding restrictions apply, including prohibitions on construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, and commercial ventures. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Bolivian individuals, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental or public international organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible as primary recipients but may participate as subcontractors. Organizations must maintain a valid Unique Entity Identifier and registration in SAM.gov, while individuals are exempt from these requirements. The program emphasizes clearly defined roles when partnerships or subcontracts are involved, ensuring accountability and transparency in project implementation. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms such as SF-424 and a detailed proposal of up to 10 pages. Applicants must provide a comprehensive narrative including project objectives, organizational background, implementation plan, timeline, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and sustainability approach. A detailed budget and justification are also required, along with supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. Applications must be submitted electronically via email, and all materials must be in English and formatted according to specified guidelines. Applications are reviewed based on criteria including program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Each criterion is weighted, with the highest emphasis placed on the quality and feasibility of the proposed program. Successful applicants are expected to comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly progress and financial reports, as well as final reports within 120 days of project completion. Notification of unsuccessful applicants is expected by August 30, 2026. This funding opportunity operates on a recurring annual cycle, allowing applicants to submit proposals throughout the year until the final deadline. The rolling nature of submissions enables flexibility, but applicants are encouraged to apply early to maximize consideration. Overall, the program seeks to advance U.S. diplomatic objectives while fostering meaningful partnerships and capacity building in Bolivia through targeted, high-impact projects.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities; clearly define measurable objectives; provide detailed and realistic budget; demonstrate organizational capacity and sustainability