Public Diplomacy Bujumbura Small Grants Program

The Public Diplomacy Bujumbura Small Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, Burundi, under the Public Diplomacy Section. This program is funded through FY Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is designed to support initiatives that advance U.S. foreign policy objectives while strengthening mutual understanding between the United States and Burundi. The opportunity is released as an Annual Program Statement, signaling that it reflects a broader strategic framework rather than a single narrowly defined project call. The program is competitive and anticipates awarding a limited number of grants to qualified organizations capable of implementing impactful public diplomacy initiatives. The primary purpose of the program is to support projects that promote shared values and strengthen bilateral relationships through cultural, educational, and sports-based programming. A significant thematic focus is placed on the Decade of Sport initiative, emphasizing American leadership in global athletics, particularly basketball, as a tool for diplomacy. In addition, the program prioritizes health and well-being messaging, especially mental health awareness, and aims to build lasting people-to-people connections between U.S. and Burundian communities. Target audiences include youth and young professionals between the ages of 15 and 35, as well as emerging leaders and opinion influencers in sports, media, and public health sectors. Funding is available for projects with a performance period of up to twelve months, and applicants may request between five thousand and twenty five thousand dollars, subject to funding availability. The total funding pool is approximately twenty five thousand dollars, and the Embassy anticipates making around two awards. Projects must align with allowable activities such as workshops, exchanges, lectures, cultural programs, and sports initiatives. However, several restrictions apply, including prohibitions on construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, fundraising campaigns, and religious programming. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, allowing applicants flexibility in structuring their budgets. Eligibility is limited to non profit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. For profit entities are explicitly excluded from serving as the primary applicant, although partnerships and subcontracts are permitted. Applicants must ensure compliance with federal requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining registration in SAM.gov unless exempted. Each organization may submit only one proposal, and failure to comply with submission rules may result in disqualification. Additional eligibility considerations include adherence to federal regulations and restrictions on certain types of activities and expenditures. The application process requires submission of several mandatory federal forms, including SF 424, SF 424A, and potentially SF 424B. Applicants must also prepare a detailed narrative proposal, not exceeding ten pages, outlining the project summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel, partnerships, sustainability plan, and monitoring and evaluation strategy. A detailed budget and justification narrative are also required, along with supporting documentation such as resumes, letters of support, proof of nonprofit status, and registration documentation. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated Public Diplomacy inbox, with specific subject line formatting requirements. Applications are due by August 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time in Burundi. Following submission, proposals undergo a technical eligibility screening and a competitive review process based on criteria such as program quality, organizational capacity, planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Selected recipients will enter into a formal grant agreement and must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly program and financial reports and a final report at the end of the project period. Overall, this program represents a targeted investment in public diplomacy efforts that leverage sports, health, and cultural engagement to foster stronger relationships between the United States and Burundi. It emphasizes measurable outcomes, strategic alignment with U.S. policy priorities, and the capacity of applicants to deliver well designed and sustainable programs within a defined timeframe.

Align proposal closely with U.S. foreign policy priorities; demonstrate strong monitoring and evaluation framework; ensure clear and measurable objectives; provide detailed and realistic budget justification