Apply Now: Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program (Libya)

The U.S. Department of State is offering small grants of $50,000–$100,000 to support projects that strengthen U.S.-Libya relations and promote stability, economic opportunity, and cultural exchange. The program funds initiatives in entrepreneurship, education, STEM, cultural diplomacy, and national cohesion. Projects must be completed within 12 months and align with U.S. public diplomacy goals in Libya.

Overview of the Grant Program

The U.S. Mission to Libya, operating through the Tunisia-based Libya External Office, has launched a Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program under its Annual Program Statement.

The program supports high-impact, small-scale initiatives that:

• Strengthen U.S.-Libya bilateral relations
• Promote economic development and entrepreneurship
• Enhance cultural and educational exchange
• Support national unity and stability in Libya

Core Objectives

Key Goals

• Strengthen economic collaboration between the U.S. and Libya
• Promote shared cultural and democratic values
• Support youth, students, and professionals
• Enhance Libya’s stability and national cohesion
• Expand educational and technical cooperation

Priority Areas

Projects must align with one or more of the following focus areas:

1. Economic Opportunity and Entrepreneurship

• Supporting startups and small businesses
• Expanding commercial and trade linkages
• Encouraging innovation and private sector growth

2. Cultural and Educational Diplomacy

• U.S.-Libya cultural exchange programs
• English language learning initiatives
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) collaboration
• Heritage preservation projects

3. Stability and National Cohesion

• Promoting unity across Libyan communities
• Strengthening civil society engagement
• Supporting peacebuilding and social cohesion

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to a wide range of applicants:

• U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations
• Educational institutions
• Individuals
• Public international or governmental organizations

Requirements

• Organizations must have a valid UEI (Unique Entity Identifier)
• Registration on SAM.gov is required for organizations (not individuals)
• Only one proposal per organization is allowed
• Cost-sharing is encouraged but not mandatory

Funding Details

• Award size: $50,000 to $100,000 per project
• Estimated number of awards: ~5 grants
• Project duration: Up to 12 months
• Expected start date: Around October 1, 2026

Funding instruments may include:

• Grants
• Cooperative agreements
• Fixed amount awards

(Some awards may involve limited U.S. government participation in implementation.)

What the Program Supports

Eligible Activities

• Entrepreneurship and business development training
• Cultural diplomacy initiatives
• Educational exchange programs
• STEM workshops and collaboration
• English language learning projects
• Heritage and cultural preservation
• Youth engagement and leadership development

Strongly Encouraged

• Projects involving alumni of U.S. exchange programs

Ineligible Activities

The program does NOT fund:

• Political campaigns or partisan activities
• Charitable or humanitarian aid delivery
• Construction projects
• Religious activities or proselytization
• Fundraising initiatives
• Lobbying efforts
• Scientific research (standalone)
• Organizational overhead-focused projects

How It Works / Application Process

Step 1: Identify Project Theme

Align your proposal with:

• Economic opportunity
• Cultural exchange
• Education and STEM
• Stability and cohesion

Step 2: Design Project

Include:

• Clear objectives
• Target beneficiaries (students, professionals, communities)
• U.S.-Libya collaboration element

Step 3: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure:

• Organization has UEI and SAM.gov registration (if applicable)
• Only one submission per organization

Step 4: Submit Proposal

• Submit under the Annual Program Statement
• Follow U.S. Embassy Libya guidelines

Step 5: Review and Selection

Projects are evaluated based on:

• Alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals
• Impact and feasibility
• Sustainability and partnership value

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak connection to U.S.-Libya cooperation
• Overly large or operational-focused projects
• Including ineligible activities (e.g., construction, political work)
• Missing UEI or registration requirements
• Lack of measurable outcomes

Why This Program Matters

This funding opportunity is important because it:

• Strengthens diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Libya
• Promotes economic growth and entrepreneurship
• Expands educational and cultural exchange opportunities
• Supports youth and professional development
• Contributes to long-term stability and unity in Libya

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of this grant program?

It supports projects that strengthen U.S.-Libya relations and promote stability, education, and economic cooperation.

2. How much funding is available?

Between $50,000 and $100,000 per project.

3. How many grants will be awarded?

Approximately five grants, depending on funding availability.

4. What is the project duration?

Up to 12 months.

5. Who can apply?

Nonprofits, educational institutions, individuals, and public international organizations.

6. Is registration required?

Organizations must have a UEI and be registered on SAM.gov.

7. What types of projects are preferred?

Entrepreneurship, education, STEM, cultural exchange, and stability-focused initiatives.

Conclusion

The U.S. Department of State Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program for Libya is designed to foster meaningful cooperation between the United States and Libya. By supporting education, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and stability-focused initiatives, the program helps build stronger institutions, deeper partnerships, and long-term opportunities for Libyan communities.