Muscat - Annual Program Statement (APS)- PD Small Grants Program

The U.S. Embassy Muscat Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through its Public Diplomacy Section in Oman. This Annual Program Statement outlines an open competition for funding projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities while strengthening the longstanding partnership between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman. The program is funded through Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is designed to promote mutual understanding, showcase American expertise, and support collaboration across sectors. The Embassy plays an active role in public diplomacy efforts, often engaging directly with recipients, particularly under cooperative agreements where substantial involvement may occur during implementation. The primary purpose of this grant opportunity is to support projects that align with U.S. strategic goals in Oman, including enhancing commercial ties, promoting innovation and emerging technologies, strengthening youth engagement through sports diplomacy, and fostering cultural exchange. Applicants are expected to clearly demonstrate how their proposals support U.S. policy objectives, highlight American excellence, and contribute to long term bilateral cooperation. Projects must incorporate a strong U.S. element, such as collaboration with American experts, institutions, or the use of U.S. models and best practices, ensuring that the funded activities increase understanding of the United States and its role as a partner. Funding under this program ranges from one thousand dollars to one hundred thousand dollars per award, with total program funding estimated at two hundred thousand dollars, subject to availability. Projects must be completed within a performance period of up to twelve months. Allowable activities include workshops, training programs, exchanges, lectures, and collaborative initiatives across sectors such as business, technology, arts, and education. However, the program explicitly prohibits funding for activities such as partisan political engagement, charitable donations, construction, religious promotion, entertainment events, or profit making ventures. These restrictions ensure that all funded activities directly contribute to public diplomacy objectives. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad and inclusive. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, civil society groups, think tanks, public and private educational institutions, individuals, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov, although individuals are exempt from this requirement. Cost sharing is not required, making the program more accessible to a wide range of applicants. The program encourages diverse participation while maintaining compliance with federal funding requirements. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms, including SF 424 and related budget and assurance documents, along with a detailed proposal. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, project goals and objectives, implementation plan, timeline, personnel details, partner information, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and sustainability plan. Applicants must also provide a budget justification narrative and supporting documents such as resumes and letters of support. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated embassy address by the stated deadline. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, clarity of objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability of outcomes. Each criterion is assigned a weighted score, ensuring a structured and transparent review process. The review committee also considers risk factors such as financial stability and past performance before making final award decisions. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is August 9, 2026, with an anticipated project start date in September 2026. Awards are expected to be issued shortly after the review process, though exact notification timing is not specified. This opportunity is part of an annual funding cycle, indicating that similar opportunities may be released in future years. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead for registration requirements and ensure compliance with all submission guidelines to remain eligible for consideration.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. public diplomacy goals; include a clear U.S. element; demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability; provide detailed and realistic budget justification