Apply Now: U.S. Embassy Economic Partnership Program (Tunisia)

The U.S. Embassy is inviting Statements of Interest (SOIs) for projects that strengthen economic cooperation between the United States and Tunisia while promoting shared prosperity. Eligible organizations can submit innovative project ideas for funding ranging from $250,000 to $20,000,000, with project durations of 12 to 36 months.

Program Overview

The U.S. Embassy has announced a funding opportunity for organizations interested in implementing projects that strengthen economic partnerships between the United States and Tunisia.

Rather than submitting a full proposal initially, applicants are invited to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) that outlines their project concept. The Embassy is seeking ambitious, innovative, and high-impact ideas that contribute to economic growth, trade, and long-term cooperation between the two countries.

Projects should focus on creating sustainable economic opportunities while supporting stronger commercial relationships and regional development.

Grant at a Glance

• Funding Organization: U.S. Embassy
• Application Stage: Statement of Interest (SOI)
• Program Focus: Economic cooperation and shared prosperity
• Target Country: Tunisia
• Priority Locations: Greater Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, and Bizerte
• Grant Amount: $250,000–$20,000,000
• Project Duration: 12–36 months
• Initial Submission: Statement of Interest (1–3 pages)

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Strengthen economic ties between the United States and Tunisia.
• Promote shared economic prosperity.
• Increase trade and commercial cooperation.
• Support sustainable economic development.
• Encourage innovative and high-impact project ideas.
• Foster long-term partnerships between American and Tunisian stakeholders.
• Promote regional economic growth across key commercial hubs.

Funding Priorities

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following priorities:

• Economic cooperation between the United States and Tunisia.
• Trade promotion and commercial partnerships.
• Regional economic development.
• Business and investment opportunities.
• Sustainable economic growth.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Workforce and market development.
• Public-private collaboration.

Priority geographic areas include:

• Greater Tunis.
• Sfax.
• Sousse.
• Bizerte.

Understanding the Statement of Interest (SOI)

A Statement of Interest (SOI) is a short concept document that introduces your proposed project before a full proposal is requested.

Instead of preparing a detailed application, organizations submit a concise overview explaining:

• The project idea.
• The problem being addressed.
• Expected outcomes.
• Alignment with the Embassy’s objectives.
• Organizational capacity to implement the project.

The SOI allows the U.S. Embassy to identify the most promising concepts before inviting selected applicants to submit complete proposals.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Strong economic partnerships contribute to sustainable development, job creation, innovation, and increased trade.

This funding opportunity supports projects that:

• Expand economic cooperation.
• Encourage investment.
• Strengthen local economies.
• Build commercial partnerships.
• Promote inclusive economic growth.
• Create long-term development opportunities.
• Enhance U.S.–Tunisia bilateral relations.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Nonprofit organizations.
• Universities.
• For-profit companies.
• International organizations with local framework expertise.

Applicants should demonstrate the technical expertise, organizational capacity, and local knowledge necessary to implement large-scale economic development projects.

Funding Information

Funding details include:

• Minimum Award: $250,000
• Maximum Award: $20,000,000
• Project Duration: 12–36 months

Funding levels will depend on the scope, scale, and expected impact of the proposed project.

Project Expectations

Successful projects should:

• Strengthen economic cooperation between the United States and Tunisia.
• Promote trade and investment.
• Deliver measurable economic impact.
• Support regional development.
• Demonstrate sustainability.
• Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
• Produce long-term benefits for participating communities.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the following steps:

1. Confirm that your organization is eligible to apply.
2. Develop a strong project concept aligned with the program objectives.
3. Prepare a Statement of Interest (SOI) of one to three pages.
4. Clearly explain the project’s objectives, activities, expected impact, and implementation approach.
5. Demonstrate your organization’s experience and local expertise.
6. Highlight how the project will strengthen U.S.–Tunisia economic cooperation.
7. Submit the SOI according to the application instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy.

Applicants whose SOIs are selected may be invited to submit a full proposal during the next stage of the competition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting a full proposal instead of the required SOI.
• Exceeding the one- to three-page limit.
• Proposing projects unrelated to economic cooperation.
• Failing to explain the project’s impact.
• Ignoring priority geographic areas.
• Providing unclear implementation plans.
• Submitting incomplete application materials.

Tips for a Strong Statement of Interest

To prepare a competitive SOI:

• Present a clear and innovative project concept.
• Focus on measurable economic outcomes.
• Explain how the project supports shared prosperity.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Tunisian economic context.
• Highlight partnerships and implementation capacity.
• Show how the project aligns with U.S. Embassy priorities.
• Keep the document concise, focused, and well organized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this funding opportunity?

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, universities, for-profit firms, and international organizations with local framework expertise.

What is a Statement of Interest (SOI)?

An SOI is a short concept paper of one to three pages that outlines the proposed project before a full proposal is requested.

How much funding is available?

Individual awards range from $250,000 to $20,000,000, depending on the scope and impact of the project.

What is the expected project duration?

Projects may last between 12 and 36 months.

Which locations are prioritized?

Projects should promote economic development in Greater Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, and Bizerte.

Do applicants need to submit a full proposal initially?

No. Applicants should first submit a Statement of Interest (SOI). Selected organizations may later be invited to submit a full proposal.

What types of projects are encouraged?

Projects that strengthen trade, economic cooperation, investment, entrepreneurship, and shared prosperity between the United States and Tunisia are encouraged.

Conclusion

The U.S. Embassy’s Statement of Interest opportunity offers organizations the chance to propose transformative projects that strengthen economic cooperation between the United States and Tunisia. With funding ranging from $250,000 to $20 million, the program seeks innovative ideas that promote trade, investment, regional development, and long-term shared prosperity while building stronger bilateral economic partnerships.