U.S. Embassy Managua Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy in Managua, through the U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), has announced an open competition for organizations and individuals to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) for funding under the U.S. Embassy Managua Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement. This grant program aims to advance U.S. public diplomacy priorities by strengthening ties between the people of the United States and Nicaragua. It provides funding to projects that promote increased understanding of the United States among the Nicaraguan public and align with the strategic priorities of the U.S. Embassy in Managua. The program seeks proposals that address key public diplomacy objectives, including promoting information integrity by countering misinformation and enhancing media literacy, fostering economic prosperity by equipping individuals and communities with skills and resources to contribute to the economy, and encouraging safe and legal migration by raising public awareness about legal migration pathways and reducing irregular migration. The funded projects should include a clear U.S. element, such as featuring U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that can provide insight into U.S. policy and perspectives. The grant awards will range from $20,000 to $80,000 for organizations and $20,000 to $50,000 for individuals. The total available funding is dependent on funds availability, and multiple awards are anticipated. The expected length of the projects is up to 12 months, with a project start date anticipated for August 1, 2025. The funding will be provided through the FY24 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, and grants will be issued in the form of either a grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, commercial educational and cultural organizations with not-for-profit activities, and individuals. However, for-profit or commercial entities are not eligible. Additionally, projects that relate to partisan political activities, fundraising, lobbying, commercial ventures, religious activities, or scientific research are not eligible for funding. While cost-sharing or in-kind contributions are not required, they are encouraged. The application process follows a two-step approach. Interested applicants must first submit a concise 1-4 page Statement of Interest (SOI), which outlines the project’s key components, including its objectives, target audience, budget, and anticipated outcomes. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal. The final funding decisions will be based on a thorough review process, evaluating project feasibility, alignment with program priorities, budget realism, and impact potential. Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM CST. Early submissions are encouraged, as funds may be fully committed before the deadline. The review process includes an initial merit review of SOIs, followed by a second merit review for full proposals. Evaluation criteria for SOIs include alignment with program priorities, clarity of objectives, target audience reach, budget feasibility, and compliance with application requirements. Final proposals will be judged based on their strategic impact, creativity, organizational capacity, and sustainability. For additional information and submission details, applicants may contact the Public Diplomacy Section at PASManagua@state.gov. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov before submitting a full proposal. The program emphasizes adherence to U.S. government grant regulations, and award recipients must comply with branding, reporting, and anti-discrimination requirements.