Post Kuala Lumpur FY2026 Annual Program Statement

The Post Kuala Lumpur Annual Program Statement is administered by the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur Public Diplomacy Section under the U.S. Department of State. This funding opportunity supports public diplomacy initiatives designed to advance American leadership, prosperity, and security interests in Malaysia. The program is funded through Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is structured as an annual call for proposals with rolling submissions and periodic review cycles. The initiative reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities, including strengthening international partnerships, promoting democratic values, and enhancing global competitiveness through education, technology, and cultural engagement. The primary purpose of this grant is to support projects that align with one or more defined priority areas, including advancing U.S. technological leadership, promoting American excellence through sports diplomacy, engaging alumni of U.S. exchange programs, expanding American English language education and higher education pathways, and countering malign influence while promoting free speech. Programs must clearly demonstrate alignment with U.S. national interests and provide measurable outcomes and sustainable impact beyond the grant period. Activities may include workshops, exchanges, training programs, partnerships, media campaigns, and public engagement initiatives targeting Malaysian stakeholders. Funding is available for projects with award amounts ranging from 10000 to 150000 dollars, with an estimated total program funding of 500000 dollars and approximately 15 to 25 awards anticipated. The period of performance ranges from 12 to 24 months. Funding may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, or fixed amount awards, with some awards involving substantial involvement from embassy staff in implementation. Allowable costs include programmatic expenses such as travel, materials, personnel, and training, while restrictions prohibit funding for activities such as partisan political work, construction, fundraising, lobbying, or religious programming. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, individuals, public international organizations, and governmental entities, both U.S. and foreign-based. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage federal funds and, for organizations, maintain active registration in SAM.gov with a Unique Entity Identifier. Individuals are exempt from registration requirements. Applicants must also comply with federal regulations and demonstrate strong financial management systems and internal controls. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and potentially SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal of up to 15 pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, objectives, project activities, methodology, timeline, personnel, partnerships, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Additional required components include a budget justification narrative, resumes of key personnel, and supporting documents such as letters of support. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov or email. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through July 31, 2026, with monthly review cycles. Proposals submitted within each monthly window are reviewed mid-month, and applicants are notified of decisions by the end of the month. Awards are issued on a rolling basis following approval. Evaluation criteria include alignment with U.S. priorities, program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. Final funding decisions are made by the Public Affairs Officer based on review committee recommendations and available funding. For questions regarding the application process, applicants may contact the Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur via email at PublicAffairsKL@state.gov. The program represents a strategic investment in strengthening U.S.-Malaysia relations through targeted public diplomacy initiatives that amplify American influence and foster long-term partnerships.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. national interests; clearly define measurable outcomes; demonstrate sustainability beyond funding period; provide detailed and realistic budget justification