Annual Program Statement (APS) Public Diplomacy Grants Program: Advancing America First Priorities

The Public Diplomacy Grants Program: Advancing America First Priorities is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Ecuador’s Public Diplomacy Section. This program is designed to strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Ecuador by funding initiatives that promote mutual understanding, highlight shared values, and advance U.S. foreign policy priorities. As an Annual Program Statement, it outlines strategic funding priorities and invites organizations and individuals to submit proposals that align with defined thematic goals and demonstrate measurable impact among Ecuadorian audiences. The primary purpose of the program is to support innovative public diplomacy projects that engage key audiences in Ecuador and foster awareness of the benefits of U.S.-Ecuador cooperation. Funded initiatives must incorporate a clear American element, meaning a direct connection to U.S. culture, policy, expertise, institutions, or values. The program emphasizes four priority areas: advancing security cooperation and countering transnational crime, countering illegal immigration, increasing economic prosperity and innovation, and celebrating U.S. excellence including the 250th anniversary of the United States. Activities may include educational exchanges, professional development workshops, cultural programming, media engagement, and collaborative initiatives that build long-term partnerships. Funding is provided through federal public diplomacy funds with individual awards ranging approximately from 15000 to 50000 dollars, and a total program funding pool of about 100000 dollars, subject to availability. Projects must be completed within a performance period of up to 24 months. Allowable costs include personnel, travel, program activities, media production, and monitoring and evaluation, while unallowable costs include construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, and commercial ventures. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, allowing applicants flexibility in structuring project budgets. Eligibility is broad and includes nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, individuals, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. However, for-profit entities are not eligible as primary recipients, though they may participate as subcontractors. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, relevant experience, and compliance with federal requirements such as obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining registration in SAM.gov if applicable. Only one proposal per organization is permitted, and all applications must clearly define roles if partnerships or subawards are involved. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms along with a detailed proposal narrative not exceeding ten pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, key personnel, partnerships, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. A detailed budget and justification narrative must also be provided. Applications are submitted via email to the designated program inbox, and all materials must be prepared in English and denominated in U.S. dollars. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities, clarity of objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. Review is conducted by a technical panel, and applicants are typically notified within approximately 120 days after the submission deadline. Selected projects may involve substantial collaboration with the U.S. Mission, including oversight of program design, participant selection, and messaging. The application deadline for the current cycle is August 6, 2026, with an anticipated project start date of September 30, 2026. As an annual funding opportunity, the program is expected to recur in future years. Award recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly progress and financial reports, and adhere to branding and acknowledgment guidelines. The program ultimately aims to build lasting connections between Ecuadorian communities and the United States through impactful, well-designed public diplomacy initiatives.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and include a clear American element; demonstrate measurable outcomes and detailed implementation planning; provide a well justified and realistic budget