Freedom 250 Great American State Fair Initiative Abu Dhabi

The Freedom 250 Great American State Fair Initiative is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi Public Diplomacy Section. This initiative is part of broader public diplomacy programming designed to strengthen international relationships, particularly between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The program commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence by promoting American culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship abroad. It is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the funder will remain actively involved in project oversight and implementation. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the design and execution of a three day immersive American state fair experience in Abu Dhabi. The funded project is expected to showcase American culture through entertainment, culinary experiences, exhibitions, and interactive programming. The initiative emphasizes promoting American commercial interests, increasing brand visibility, and strengthening bilateral relationships. The event must include programming such as vendor participation, cultural exhibitions, and public engagement activities tailored to audiences in the UAE. Funding is provided through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy funds, with awards expected to reach up to approximately one million dollars. The total funding pool is not explicitly defined and is subject to availability. The performance period ranges from twelve to eighteen months, with an anticipated project start date of September 2026. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Funding cannot be used for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, or religious programming, among other restrictions. Eligibility is limited to organizations registered in either the United States or the United Arab Emirates with at least two years of experience in large scale event management, cultural programming, and public engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and certain governmental or educational entities. Applicants must maintain a valid registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Only one application per organization is permitted, and failure to meet administrative requirements will result in disqualification. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B, along with a detailed proposal narrative not exceeding ten pages. Applicants must include organizational background, a problem statement, program design, implementation plan, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and a detailed budget with justification. Additional required materials include resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and documentation of nonprofit status where applicable. Applications may be submitted via email or through Grants.gov. Applications are due by August 10 2026 at 5:00 PM UAE time. A virtual question and answer session is scheduled prior to the deadline to assist applicants. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria including program quality, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification of award decisions within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Successful applicants will enter into a cooperative agreement and must coordinate closely with both the U.S. Embassy and a UAE based local partner entity. The recipient will be responsible for programming and participant engagement, while infrastructure and logistics may be managed by the local partner. Reporting requirements include regular financial and programmatic updates, and all activities must comply with federal regulations and public diplomacy branding guidelines. This initiative is not explicitly recurring but aligns with a milestone celebration, suggesting it is a one time or limited cycle opportunity.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals; emphasize cultural authenticity and commercial impact; provide detailed and measurable objectives; demonstrate experience managing large scale events