Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement offers grant funding (approx. $25,000 – $200,000) for non‑profit and educational organisations to support US–Venezuela cooperation, including economic recovery, sector partnerships, and educational exchanges. Up to 10 grants may be awarded from a total funding pool of around $500,000, with projects expected to start September 1, 2026 and run up to 18 months.
Programme Overview
The VAU Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement (APS) is a framework for US Department of State funding that invites proposals focusing on development, cooperation, and bilateral engagement with Venezuela. The initiative supports projects that align with strategic priorities such as economic transformation, sector cooperation (energy, mining, technology), and higher education partnerships between the United States and Venezuela, fostering long‑term professional and institutional ties.
Funding Details
• Grant Range: Approximately $25,000 to $200,000 per project
• Total Availability: Around $500,000 (dependent on budget and quality of proposals)
• Number of Grants: Up to 10 expected awards
• Project Duration: Up to 18 months
• Anticipated Start: Around 1 September 2026
Funding is awarded through grant agreements to support impactful public diplomacy and cooperation initiatives.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must be formally registered entities with the capacity to receive US federal funding. Typical eligible organisations include:
• Registered non‑profit organisations
• Civil society or think tanks
• Educational institutions
• Public or civil society organisations with relevant programming experience
For‑profit entities are not eligible as primary applicants, though they may participate through subcontracts if clearly defined (e.g., roles and responsibilities in collaborative partnerships) .
Key Programme Priorities
Projects should directly align with strategic priorities to strengthen long‑term cooperation and capacity building. Priorities include:
• Economic recovery, transformation and growth initiatives focusing on mutual development goals
• Bilateral cooperation in key sectors, such as energy, mining and technology
• Higher education cooperation and partnerships between US and Venezuelan institutions
• Efforts that build networks and ties to support stability and shared prosperity
Activities may involve joint research, training, exchange programmes, knowledge‑sharing events, or sector‑specific collaborations designed to deliver measurable policy or capacity outcomes.
Registration and Compliance Requirements
Applicants must:
• Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
• Be registered and active in SAM.gov
These registrations are mandatory before award execution, as required for US federal grant compliance .
Application Rules & Conditions
• Only one proposal per organisation is permitted; multiple submissions lead to automatic disqualification.
• The programme encourages but does not mandate cost share, meaning applicants may propose shared funding but are not required to provide matching funds.
• Projects must demonstrate clear impact, feasibility, and adherence to the APS guidelines.
• Certain project types are not supported, including:
– Partisan political activities
– Charitable or humanitarian relief
– Construction or infrastructure build‑outs
– Religious promotion
– Fundraising or lobbying
– Scientific research or institutional development outside the public diplomacy scope
– Commercial ventures without direct public diplomacy benefit .
Why This Opportunity Matters
This Public Diplomacy APS helps strengthen US–Venezuela relations by supporting initiatives that:
• Promote mutual understanding and cooperation
• Build institutional partnerships in vital sectors
• Support higher education and research ties
• Encourage long‑term development outcomes
By focusing on bilateral engagement, the programme contributes to economic and educational ties as well as professional competencies that benefit both societies.
How to Apply / What To Do
- Confirm eligibility: Ensure your organisation meets nonprofit, educational or civil society criteria and is capable of receiving US government funding.
- Review strategic priorities: Align your project with economic, sectoral, or education‑focused objectives.
- Prepare required registrations: UEI and active SAM.gov registration are essential before award.
- Develop a proposal: Articulate project objectives, outcomes, budget, timeline (up to 18 months) and expected bilateral impact.
- Submit a single proposal by the stated deadline; avoid duplicate submissions.
- Demonstrate sustainability: Show how the initiative may produce lasting cooperation beyond the award term.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the VAU Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement?
An ongoing US Department of State funding call for proposals that strengthen cooperation and development ties with Venezuela through public diplomacy initiatives. - Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are registered non‑profits, civil society organisations, think tanks, and educational institutions capable of receiving and managing US government grants. - What types of projects are supported?
Projects that promote economic cooperation, energy/mining/technology sector engagement, higher education partnerships, and similar collaborative efforts with measurable impact. - How much funding is available?
Grants range from approximately $25,000 to $200,000, with a total funding pool of around $500,000 and up to 10 awards expected. - When should projects start and end?
Selected projects are expected to begin around 1 September 2026 and be completed within 18 months. - Is cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is encouraged but not mandatory. - Can for‑profit organisations apply?
No, not as primary applicants; they may participate as subcontractors with defined roles.
Final Takeaway
The VAU Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement 2026 presents a meaningful funding opportunity for organisations ready to strengthen US–Venezuela cooperation across economic sectors, higher education, and shared development challenges. With a substantial funding pool and emphasis on lasting bilateral partnerships, this programme fosters collaboration that can yield sustained impact and professional exchange across borders .
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Venezuela.
