Deadline: 15-Jul-2026
The Public Diplomacy Section Call for Proposals supports cultural, educational, and collaborative projects that strengthen regional security, economic prosperity, and cooperation in Guatemala. The programme provides funding for initiatives that promote shared U.S.–Guatemala priorities, including public diplomacy, educational exchange, economic opportunity, rule of law, and awareness of U.S. policies and values.
The programme offers awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for eligible organisations, individuals, and educational institutions implementing projects that include a required Freedom 250 component connected to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Overview of the Public Diplomacy Section Call for Proposals
The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals for projects that build stronger partnerships between the United States and Guatemala through cultural and educational engagement.
The programme supports initiatives that:
- Strengthen regional security.
- Promote economic development.
- Encourage educational and cultural cooperation.
- Increase understanding of U.S. policies.
- Support democratic values and the rule of law.
- Build relationships between communities and institutions.
Projects should contribute to shared goals of safety, prosperity, and regional cooperation.
Purpose of the Programme
The main purpose of this funding opportunity is to support public diplomacy projects that advance cooperation between the United States and Guatemala.
The programme aims to:
- Promote mutual understanding between countries.
- Strengthen regional partnerships.
- Support economic opportunities.
- Encourage cultural and educational exchange.
- Highlight American expertise and innovation.
- Reinforce the United States as a trusted partner.
Freedom 250 Initiative Requirement
All funded projects must include a Freedom 250 component connected to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The Freedom 250 component must include activities that are:
- Cultural in nature.
- Educational in nature.
- Developed with American experts, organisations, or institutions.
Projects should use this component to:
- Promote understanding of U.S. policies.
- Highlight American achievements and excellence.
- Showcase U.S. contributions in areas such as education, culture, innovation, and cooperation.
- Strengthen perceptions of the United States as a reliable partner.
Priority Areas of Support
Projects should align with one or more programme priorities.
Regional Security and Safety
Projects may support:
- Regional security cooperation.
- Community safety initiatives.
- Efforts to address security challenges.
Countering Malign Foreign Influence
Projects may address:
- Countering harmful influence activities by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
- Promoting transparency and informed decision-making.
- Strengthening partnerships based on shared values.
Addressing Transnational Criminal Organizations
Projects may support:
- Responses to organized crime.
- Community resilience.
- Cooperation against criminal networks.
Supporting Rule of Law in Guatemala
Projects may focus on:
- Strengthening legal institutions.
- Promoting justice systems.
- Supporting governance and accountability.
Reducing Illegal Immigration Through Economic Opportunity
Projects may encourage:
- Employment opportunities.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Economic development.
- Skills development.
The goal is to address migration pressures by expanding opportunities within Guatemala.
Expanding U.S. Business Presence and Market Access
Projects may support:
- Economic partnerships.
- Business collaboration.
- Trade opportunities.
- Market access initiatives.
Cultural and Educational Collaboration
Projects may include:
- Academic exchanges.
- Cultural programmes.
- Educational partnerships.
- Knowledge-sharing activities.
Funding Amount and Grant Details
The programme provides:
- Estimated total funding: $200,000.
- Minimum award amount: $10,000.
- Maximum award amount: $100,000 per project.
Funding amounts depend on:
- Project quality.
- Alignment with priorities.
- Available programme resources.
- Budget justification.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include individuals and organisations capable of implementing public diplomacy projects.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Registered nonprofit organisations.
- Think tanks.
- Civil society organisations.
- Non-governmental organisations.
- Nonprofit educational institutions.
- Governmental educational institutions.
- Individuals.
Applicants should demonstrate relevant programme experience and the ability to manage project activities effectively.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience implementing cultural, educational, or community programmes.
- Ability to manage funding responsibly.
- Clear project goals.
- Strong implementation plans.
- Capacity to measure results.
Eligible Project Activities
Supported activities may include:
- Cultural programmes.
- Educational initiatives.
- Public awareness campaigns.
- Expert exchanges.
- Training activities.
- Institutional partnerships.
- Community engagement programmes.
Projects should create measurable outcomes and strengthen cooperation between the United States and Guatemala.
How to Apply for the Public Diplomacy Section Call for Proposals
Applicants should follow a structured proposal development process.
Step 1: Identify Programme Alignment
Applicants should determine how their project supports:
- Regional security.
- Economic prosperity.
- Cultural cooperation.
- Educational engagement.
- U.S.–Guatemala partnership goals.
Step 2: Develop the Project Concept
Applicants should explain:
- The issue being addressed.
- Project objectives.
- Target participants.
- Planned activities.
- Expected outcomes.
Step 3: Include the Freedom 250 Component
Applicants must include a specific Freedom 250 activity.
The proposal should explain:
- How the activity connects to U.S. history or values.
- How it promotes cultural or educational exchange.
- How it highlights American excellence.
Step 4: Prepare a Budget
Applicants should provide a detailed budget covering:
- Project activities.
- Staffing costs.
- Materials.
- Event expenses.
- Other necessary project costs.
The budget should demonstrate efficient use of funds.
Step 5: Submit the Proposal
Applicants should submit a complete proposal including:
- Organisation or individual information.
- Project description.
- Implementation plan.
- Budget.
- Expected outcomes.
- Evaluation approach.
Project Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
Alignment With Programme Priorities
Projects should clearly support one or more priority areas.
Project Impact
Assessors consider:
- Expected benefits.
- Number and type of participants reached.
- Long-term value.
Feasibility and Implementation Plan
Applications should demonstrate:
- Realistic timelines.
- Strong project management.
- Appropriate resources.
Sustainability
Projects should explain:
- How partnerships will continue.
- How outcomes may extend beyond the funding period.
Budget Effectiveness
Assessors review:
- Cost effectiveness.
- Budget accuracy.
- Connection between expenses and activities.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve proposals by:
- Clearly linking activities to programme priorities.
- Including measurable objectives.
- Developing a strong Freedom 250 component.
- Demonstrating local partnerships.
- Explaining community impact.
- Providing a realistic budget.
- Showing experience managing similar projects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting projects without a Freedom 250 component.
- Failing to connect activities to programme priorities.
- Providing unclear budgets.
- Proposing activities without measurable outcomes.
- Ignoring cultural or educational requirements.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Public Diplomacy Section Call for Proposals
What is the Public Diplomacy Section Call for Proposals?
It is a funding opportunity supporting cultural and educational projects that strengthen cooperation, security, and prosperity between the United States and Guatemala.
How much funding is available?
Awards range from $10,000 to $100,000 per project, with total estimated programme funding of $200,000.
What is the Freedom 250 requirement?
All projects must include a cultural or educational activity connected to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organisations, civil society organisations, think tanks, educational institutions, and individuals.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects may include cultural exchanges, educational programmes, expert collaborations, training activities, and initiatives supporting regional cooperation.
What are the main priority areas?
Priority areas include security, economic prosperity, countering harmful foreign influence, addressing organized crime, supporting rule of law, and expanding economic opportunities.
Must projects involve U.S. partners?
Projects are not required to involve U.S. partners in all activities, but Freedom 250 components must involve cultural, educational, or American expert collaboration.
Conclusion
The Public Diplomacy Section Call for Proposals provides funding for projects that strengthen U.S.–Guatemala cooperation through education, culture, and partnership. By supporting initiatives focused on security, economic opportunity, rule of law, and public understanding, the programme helps build stronger regional relationships.
Eligible organisations and individuals with innovative projects aligned with public diplomacy priorities can apply for funding of up to $100,000 while contributing to shared goals of safety, prosperity, and cooperation.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
