Public Diplomacy Section Annual Program (Tunisia)

Deadline: 08-Jun-2026

The U.S. Embassy in Tunis has launched the FY2026 Annual Program Statement to fund public diplomacy projects that strengthen U.S.–Tunisia relations through education, culture, innovation, and business collaboration. The programme supports initiatives featuring an American connection and aims to promote mutual understanding, economic ties, and cultural exchange.

Grants range from $10,000 to $200,000, with a total funding pool of $400,000. Projects are expected to last around 12 months starting between September and October 2026.

About the Programme

The APS is a funding initiative by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia. It supports projects that enhance bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia through cultural exchange, education, innovation, and public diplomacy activities.

The programme also highlights key anniversaries:

• 250 years of U.S. independence (2026)
• 230 years of U.S.–Tunisia friendship (2027)

Key Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen U.S.–Tunisia bilateral relations
• Promote U.S. leadership in science, technology, and culture
• Support economic opportunities and business collaboration
• Encourage innovation and STEM cooperation
• Enhance educational and cultural exchange
• Expand access to English language learning
• Strengthen alumni networks of U.S. exchange programmes

Priority Areas

Projects must align with at least one of the following:

• Education and academic collaboration
• Science, technology, and innovation
• Arts, culture, and cultural heritage
• Sports and cultural diplomacy
• Business and economic cooperation
• English language education and training
• Public diplomacy and people-to-people engagement

American Element Requirement

All projects must include a clear U.S. connection such as:

• U.S. experts, speakers, or institutions
• American organisations or partners
• Content showcasing U.S. society, values, or perspectives
• Collaboration with U.S. businesses or universities

Eligible Activities

Supported activities include:

• Academic lectures, seminars, and speaker programmes
• Business networking between U.S. and Tunisian companies
• Startup and innovation collaboration events
• Sports, culinary, and cultural diplomacy initiatives
• Art exhibitions, film festivals, and performances
• VR/AR-based cultural heritage projects
• STEM camps, hackathons, and maker competitions
• Artificial intelligence readiness initiatives
• English language training and teacher development
• Podcasts and media content production
• Academic and professional exchanges

Geographic Scope

• Programs are encouraged to go beyond Greater Tunis
• Engagement across multiple governorates is preferred
• Collaboration with U.S. exchange alumni networks is encouraged

Funding Information

• Grant size: $10,000 to $200,000
• Total funding available: $400,000 (subject to availability)
• Project duration: approximately 12 months
• Start period: September–October 2026
• Cost-sharing: not required but encouraged

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-profit organisations
• Think tanks
• Civil society organisations
• Educational institutions
• Government institutions
• Individuals (registered in the U.S. or Tunisia)

Applicants must:

• Be based in the U.S. or Tunisia
• Have at least 2 years of programming experience

Expected Outcomes

Projects are expected to:

• Strengthen U.S.–Tunisia relations and mutual understanding
• Increase collaboration in education, business, and innovation
• Promote U.S. cultural and scientific leadership
• Enhance skills in STEM, English, and digital innovation
• Support youth engagement and professional development
• Expand cultural and economic partnerships

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Relevance to APS priority areas
• Strength of U.S. partnership or connection
• Feasibility and project design quality
• Experience of implementing organisation
• Budget clarity and cost-effectiveness
• Geographic reach and inclusion strategy

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative is important because it:

• Strengthens diplomatic and cultural ties between the U.S. and Tunisia
• Promotes innovation and education cooperation
• Supports economic development and entrepreneurship
• Expands access to STEM and digital skills
• Enhances cultural understanding and exchange
• Builds long-term institutional partnerships

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Weak or unclear U.S. element
• Limited alignment with priority areas
• Poorly defined outcomes or activities
• Lack of experience in programme delivery
• Narrow geographic scope limited to Tunis only
• Weak budget justification

FAQ

What is the APS FY2026 in Tunisia?

It is a U.S. Embassy funding programme supporting public diplomacy projects that strengthen U.S.–Tunisia relations.

How much funding is available?

Between $10,000 and $200,000 per project.

Who can apply?

Non-profits, NGOs, educational institutions, think tanks, government bodies, and individuals in the U.S. or Tunisia.

What is required in every project?

A clear American element involving U.S. experts, institutions, or collaboration.

What is the project duration?

Approximately 12 months, starting between September and October 2026.

What types of activities are supported?

Education, culture, STEM, business collaboration, sports diplomacy, and exchange programmes.

Conclusion

The U.S. Embassy Tunis APS FY2026 programme supports impactful public diplomacy initiatives that strengthen U.S.–Tunisia relations through education, innovation, culture, and economic collaboration. By funding diverse exchange and partnership activities, it promotes mutual understanding, shared innovation, and long-term bilateral cooperation.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Tunisia.