Annual Program Statement

The Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) of the U.S. Department of State has issued the 2025 VAU Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement, identified as funding opportunity number 2025VE-001(A), to support initiatives that enhance people-to-people ties between the United States and Venezuela. The primary aim of this funding opportunity is to strengthen bilateral relationships by supporting programs that reflect shared values, foster mutual understanding, and build institutional partnerships. This program uses Fiscal Year 2025 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and anticipates launching approved projects by October 1, 2025, contingent on the availability of funding. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofit organizations, think tanks, civil society or non-governmental organizations with programming experience, and nonprofit or governmental educational institutions. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration on SAM.gov unless granted an exemption. Only one proposal may be submitted per organization, and applications must be submitted via email by June 30, 2025. Proposals from individuals are not eligible. The maximum award amount is $25,000 per project, with an anticipated total funding pool of $100,000. Up to four awards are expected to be granted under this opportunity. The VAU PDS will prioritize programs that build partnerships and exchanges in higher education. Specific focus areas include curriculum development, research capacity building, postgraduate career services, and intellectual property. All projects must include a tangible American component, such as direct involvement with U.S. institutions or experts, to promote sustained cross-national engagement. Programs must not include partisan political activity, construction, religious promotion, fundraising, lobbying, scientific research, or projects that duplicate existing efforts. Applications must be submitted in English and should include a proposal of no more than ten pages, budget forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B if applicable), a budget justification narrative, and supporting documents such as CVs, letters of support, and relevant cost rate agreements. The proposal should clearly outline goals, objectives, activities, implementation methods, evaluation metrics, and sustainability plans. Applications will be reviewed based on the quality and feasibility of the program idea (30 points), organizational capacity and past performance (20 points), clarity of program goals and planning (15 points), budget rationale (10 points), monitoring and evaluation plans (15 points), and sustainability (10 points). Risk factors such as financial stability, performance history, and management systems will also be assessed. All questions related to the application must be directed to VAUPublicEngagement@fan.gov, and no consultations are available once the application has been submitted. Selected applicants will be notified by email and will receive their award agreements through the Grants Officer. Projects must begin on or after the official start date and adhere to U.S. Department of State policies and regulations. Reporting requirements will be detailed in the award documentation, and awardees must comply with post-award administrative and policy standards, including anti-discrimination and foreign funding disclosure certifications.

Include a clear American component, detailed budget narrative, and logic model; adhere strictly to the format and requirements outlined in the NOFO.