Annual Program Statement (APS)

The U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece, through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Athens) of the U.S. Department of State, has announced its FY2025 Annual Program Statement (APS) offering funding through the Public Diplomacy Grants Program. The initiative aims to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Greece by promoting shared values and collaboration. The funding authority for this grant comes from the Smith-Mundt Act or the Fulbright-Hays Act and uses FY2025 Public Diplomacy Funding. The program's strategic themes focus on showcasing American excellence in emerging technologies and celebrating 250 years of American achievements, innovation, and leadership. Projects must foster U.S.-Greece cooperation and have a strong U.S. component—such as the inclusion of American experts or institutions. Proposals should offer initiatives rather than conferences and clearly demonstrate how they advance U.S. interests. Two major focus areas include enhancing U.S.-Greece technological cooperation—particularly in AI, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and cloud computing—and celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through public education, roadshows, and cultural events. Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs), governmental or educational institutions, and individuals from the U.S. or Greece. For-profit entities are ineligible. Cost-sharing is encouraged but not mandatory. All applicants must submit a single proposal; multiple submissions from the same organization will render all entries ineligible. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered on SAM.gov, while individuals are exempt from this requirement. Applications must be submitted by email to USEmbAthensGrants@state.gov by July 11, 2025, at 5:59 PM Athens time. Required materials include a cover page, a comprehensive proposal, a detailed budget using the provided templates, and necessary federal forms. For proposals over $25,000, resumes of key personnel must be included. Optional documents such as letters of support or NICRA documentation may also be submitted. All documentation must be in English and adhere to strict formatting guidelines. Proposals will be evaluated by a grants review committee based on several criteria, including organizational capacity, alignment with embassy priorities, program feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to measure outcomes. Sustainability and public engagement are also emphasized. Awards will be granted in varying forms—grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements—with substantial involvement by PDS Athens in implementation when necessary. Notifications of award or rejection will be sent by September 30, 2025. Selected projects must begin no later than September 30, 2025, and typically last between 12 to 16 months. Payment will be issued in at least two installments, with the initial disbursement capped at 80%. Recipients must submit timely financial and program reports, as well as comply with all U.S. Department of State terms, including those regarding anti-discrimination, foreign funding disclosures, and prohibited uses of funds.

Include American institutional involvement; align clearly with U.S. strategic interests; strong monitoring and sustainability plans are critical