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Digital Cities’ Innovation Accelerator Small Grant Program

Deadline: 13-Mar-2026

AI Snippet Summary:
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy invites applications for the Digital Cities’ Innovation Accelerator Small Grant Program, supporting private-sector-driven digital solutions to enhance municipal public services and infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean. Grants range from USD 100,000 to USD 700,000, with projects implemented over 18 months, emphasizing U.S. digital technologies, civic innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

Program Overview

The Digital Cities’ Innovation Accelerator Small Grant Program is designed to strengthen municipal public services and infrastructure through innovative digital solutions. The program promotes:

  • Deployment of trusted U.S. digital technologies

  • Improvement of local public service delivery

  • Integration of digital infrastructure at the municipal level

  • Collaboration between U.S. organizations and local entities in Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Responsible and innovative adoption of digital tools

Funding and Performance Period

  • Total program funding: USD 1,250,000

  • Individual awards: USD 100,000–USD 700,000

  • Project duration: Up to 18 months for deployment, integration, and impact demonstration

Target Countries

Eligible countries include approved nations across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Brazil.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • U.S.-based and foreign non-profit organizations (NGOs)

  • Foreign municipal public entities

  • Public international organizations

  • Public and private higher education institutions

  • U.S.-based and foreign for-profit institutions

Project Focus Areas

Projects must:

  • Address sub-national public service or infrastructure challenges

  • Leverage trusted U.S. digital solutions and technology expertise

  • Demonstrate measurable improvements in municipal operations

  • Encourage private-sector participation and collaboration with local organizations

How to Apply / Application Process

  1. Round 1 – Statement of Interest (SOI):

    • Submit a concise SOI (up to 3 pages) via the designated Microsoft application form

    • Highlight the proposed digital solution, target municipal challenges, and expected impact

  2. Round 2 – Full Proposal:

    • Shortlisted applicants from Round 1 invited to submit a full proposal (up to 10 pages)

    • Include detailed project description, budget, implementation timeline, risk management, and measurable outcomes

  3. Evaluation Criteria:

    • Relevance to municipal public service or infrastructure needs

    • Innovation and applicability of the U.S.-based digital solution

    • Feasibility and sustainability of implementation

    • Collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders

Why It Matters

This program aims to:

  • Improve municipal service delivery and infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Promote U.S. technology and digital expertise internationally

  • Activate the private sector to solve civic challenges

  • Strengthen cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting SOI or proposals that lack clear municipal impact

  • Failing to demonstrate connection to U.S. digital solutions

  • Omitting collaboration plans with local organizations

  • Ignoring project feasibility or sustainability considerations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is the funding range for the program?
    USD 100,000 to USD 700,000 per project.

  2. How long can projects be implemented?
    Up to 18 months for deployment, integration, and evaluation.

  3. Who can apply?
    Eligible applicants include non-profits, NGOs, municipal public entities, higher education institutions, and for-profit institutions.

  4. Which countries are eligible for implementation?
    Approved countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Brazil.

  5. What types of projects are supported?
    Digital solutions addressing municipal public service or infrastructure challenges, integrating U.S. technology and expertise.

  6. How is the application process structured?
    Two rounds: SOI submission (3 pages) followed by full proposal (10 pages) for shortlisted candidates.

  7. How will projects be evaluated?
    Based on relevance, innovation, feasibility, sustainability, and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Conclusion

The Digital Cities’ Innovation Accelerator Small Grant Program empowers municipalities in Latin America and the Caribbean to leverage U.S. digital technologies and private-sector innovation to enhance public services, infrastructure, and community outcomes. With structured funding, an 18-month implementation period, and cross-border collaboration, the program fosters measurable improvements in municipal governance and civic services.

For more information, visit U.S. State Department.