Strengthening ties between the U.S. and Cyprus

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus, has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “Strengthening Ties Between the U.S. and Cyprus” under the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This initiative is designed to reinforce U.S.-Cyprus relations through targeted, strategic engagement. The funding opportunity supports projects that promote mutual understanding, academic and cultural exchange, and collaboration across a range of sectors. Administered with FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, this grant aims to foster sustained partnerships and people-to-people connections between the two countries. The program encourages grant proposals from individuals and institutions that promote U.S.-Cyprus collaboration in several priority areas. These include educational and academic exchange initiatives, STEM cooperation with a focus on areas such as AI and cybersecurity, business ties that support American economic prosperity, initiatives that promote intercommunal dialogue for regional security, and activities providing EducationUSA services in Cyprus. Projects that are sustainable, foster intercommunal interaction, or demonstrate a clear and strong alignment with these priority areas will receive preference in evaluation. Funding for the program is competitive, with a total of $50,000 available, pending fund availability. The award size ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 per project, and up to five projects are expected to be funded. Proposed projects must be completed within 18 months of the start date, which is anticipated to be October 1, 2025. While cost-sharing is not mandatory, it is encouraged and considered during the merit review process. All applications must be submitted in English and must comply with specific formatting and submission guidelines. Eligible applicants include American, Cypriot, and other foreign individuals and nonprofit entities, including educational institutions and governmental bodies. However, for-profit institutions and programs focusing on religious, charitable, or lobbying activities are not eligible. Organizations must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), though individuals are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must submit their complete application packages via email to grantsnicosia@state.gov by 17:00 Cyprus time on June 30, 2025. Required documents include appropriate SF-424 forms, a proposal of no more than three pages detailing the project's scope, goals, and expected outcomes, a budget justification narrative, and any relevant supporting documentation. Evaluation criteria include clarity of alignment with priority areas, feasibility, organizational capacity, marketing strategy, budget accuracy, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. Award decisions will be communicated by October 15, 2025. Any expenses must align with applicable federal regulations, including restrictions on the use of funds for organizations such as UNRWA and for activities not compliant with anti-discrimination laws. Recipients will be required to adhere to federal reporting requirements and compliance standards throughout the duration of their grant.