Deadline: 07-Aug-26
The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Beirut Public Diplomacy Grant 2026 supports projects that strengthen U.S.-Lebanon relations through digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and initiatives that address false adversarial narratives. The programme provides expected awards of approximately US$100,000 to US$250,000 for eligible Lebanese non-profit organisations.
The funding supports projects that improve public understanding of digital information, strengthen the ability to identify misinformation, promote accurate awareness of U.S. policies, and build institutional capacity among Lebanese knowledge-based organisations. Projects must be completed within 18 months or less.
What is the U.S. Embassy Beirut Public Diplomacy Grant 2026?
The U.S. Embassy Beirut Public Diplomacy Grant 2026 is a funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State designed to support initiatives that strengthen communication, information awareness, and mutual understanding between the United States and Lebanon.
The programme focuses on using:
- Digital literacy
- Artificial intelligence tools
- Public engagement platforms
- Knowledge-sharing initiatives
to address misinformation and improve understanding of U.S. policy priorities.
Grant Amount and Duration
Key funding details include:
- Expected award range: Approximately US$100,000–US$250,000
- Total available funding: US$500,000
- Funding source: FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds
- Maximum project duration: 18 months or less
Funding availability is subject to the availability of government resources.
Program Objectives
The grant programme aims to strengthen public diplomacy efforts by supporting projects that:
- Improve digital literacy among Lebanese audiences
- Increase awareness of misinformation and false narratives
- Promote responsible use of AI tools
- Strengthen information analysis capabilities
- Support informed public discussions
- Improve understanding of U.S. strategic priorities
The initiative seeks to build stronger connections between U.S. institutions and Lebanese communities.
Priority Areas of Support
1. Advancing Digital Literacy
Projects may support activities that improve digital skills among:
- Local communities
- Students
- Educators
- Researchers
- Knowledge-based institutions
Activities may include:
The goal is to help audiences better evaluate online information and identify misleading content.
2. Using Artificial Intelligence to Address False Narratives
Projects may use AI tools and platforms to:
- Identify misinformation
- Analyse information trends
- Detect false narratives
- Develop counter-messaging approaches
AI-based solutions should support responsible information practices while respecting ethical standards.
3. Countering False Adversarial Narratives
The programme supports initiatives that help audiences:
- Recognise misleading claims
- Understand information manipulation techniques
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Respond to false narratives effectively
Projects should promote accurate information while protecting freedom of expression.
4. Supporting Understanding of U.S. Engagement in Lebanon
Projects should help increase awareness of:
- U.S.-mediated engagements
- U.S. conflict resolution efforts
- U.S. policy objectives
- American partnership with Lebanon
The programme aims to promote informed understanding of U.S. involvement in regional stability efforts.
Expected Project Outcomes
Successful projects should contribute to outcomes such as:
- Increased digital literacy among local audiences
- Improved ability to identify misinformation
- Greater awareness of reliable information sources
- Stronger capacity among knowledge-based institutions
- Better understanding of U.S. strategic priorities
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Lebanese non-profit organisations
- Think tanks
- Civil society organisations
- Non-governmental organisations
Applicants should have experience in areas such as:
- Digital education
- Public communication
- Research
- Media literacy
- Technology
- Policy engagement
Organisational Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- Maintain active registration on SAM.gov
- Submit only one proposal per organisation
Who Cannot Apply?
Applications are not eligible from organisations that:
- Do not meet non-profit eligibility requirements
- Lack required registration
- Submit more than one proposal
- Fail to meet grant requirements
Eligible Project Activities
Supported activities may include:
Digital Literacy Training
Examples include:
- Workshops
- Training sessions
- Educational programmes
- Digital awareness campaigns
AI and Technology Initiatives
Activities may include:
- AI-based information analysis
- Digital tools development
- Technology training
- Research on misinformation trends
Research and Knowledge Sharing
Projects may support:
- Policy discussions
- Research publications
- Expert forums
- Stakeholder dialogues
Public Engagement Programmes
Activities may include:
- Seminars
- Community events
- Online forums
- Awareness initiatives
How to Apply for the U.S. Embassy Beirut Grant
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Develop a Project Concept
The proposal should clearly explain:
- The problem being addressed
- Target audiences
- Project activities
- Expected outcomes
Step 2: Align With Public Diplomacy Priorities
Applicants should demonstrate how their project supports:
- Digital literacy
- AI use
- Countering false narratives
- U.S.-Lebanon engagement
Step 3: Prepare the Budget
Applicants should provide:
- Detailed cost estimates
- Explanation of expenses
- Project implementation timeline
Cost sharing is:
- Encouraged but not mandatory
Step 4: Complete Required Registrations
Before submission, organisations must ensure:
- UEI registration is complete
- SAM.gov registration is active
Step 5: Submit One Proposal
Each organisation may submit:
- Only one application
Why It Matters
Misinformation and digital manipulation can influence public understanding, policy discussions, and community relationships.
This programme supports solutions that:
- Strengthen critical thinking
- Improve information awareness
- Promote responsible technology use
- Encourage informed public dialogue
By improving digital literacy and information resilience, projects can contribute to stronger communication between communities and institutions.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their proposals by:
- Clearly defining the misinformation challenge
- Demonstrating practical use of AI or digital tools
- Identifying measurable outcomes
- Showing experience with Lebanese communities
- Including strong monitoring and evaluation plans
- Building partnerships with knowledge institutions
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing projects unrelated to digital literacy or misinformation
- Ignoring AI or technology components where relevant
- Submitting multiple proposals
- Failing to explain expected impact
- Providing unclear budgets
- Applying without active registrations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the U.S. Embassy Beirut Public Diplomacy Grant 2026?
It is a funding opportunity supporting Lebanese non-profit organisations implementing projects related to digital literacy, AI tools, misinformation awareness, and U.S.-Lebanon public diplomacy.
How much funding is available?
Awards are expected to range from approximately US$100,000 to US$250,000.
What is the total funding amount?
The programme has approximately US$500,000 available through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds.
Who can apply?
Lebanese non-profit organisations, think tanks, civil society organisations, and NGOs can apply.
Are individuals eligible to apply?
No. The opportunity is designed for eligible organisations.
Is cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is encouraged but not mandatory.
How long can projects last?
Projects must be completed within 18 months or less.
Conclusion
The U.S. Embassy Beirut Public Diplomacy Grant 2026 provides funding for Lebanese organisations working to improve digital literacy, strengthen information resilience, and promote informed understanding of U.S.-Lebanon relations. Through responsible use of technology, AI tools, and public engagement, the programme supports stronger communities and more effective responses to misinformation.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
