Request for Applications: Public Diplomacy Grants (Ghana)

The U.S. Embassy Accra Public Diplomacy Section is accepting applications for the Public Diplomacy Grants Program to support projects that strengthen U.S.-Ghana relations, promote democratic values, and advance innovation, education, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration. Grants range from US$15,000 to US$60,000, with projects lasting 3 to 10 months.

U.S. Embassy Accra Public Diplomacy Grants Program 2026

About the Public Diplomacy Grants Program

The U.S. Embassy Accra, through its Public Diplomacy Section, provides funding for projects that strengthen the partnership between the United States and Ghana while advancing shared priorities in education, democracy, innovation, entrepreneurship, culture, and community engagement.

The program supports initiatives that foster long-term collaboration between Ghanaian and American communities, institutions, professionals, and emerging leaders. Projects should align with U.S. foreign policy priorities and contribute to sustainable partnerships that generate measurable community impact.

Programme Objectives

The Public Diplomacy Grants Program aims to:

Strengthen U.S.-Ghana bilateral relations.
Promote democratic values and civic engagement.
Encourage cultural understanding and people-to-people connections.
Support innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Increase collaboration in science, technology, and education.
Build stronger institutional partnerships.
Empower youth and future leaders.
Promote knowledge sharing through exchanges and public engagement.

Priority Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following priority areas.

Strengthening U.S.-Ghana Relations

Projects may include:

Cultural exchange programmes.
Educational exchanges.
Public lectures and seminars.
Alumni engagement activities.
Media engagement initiatives.
Youth leadership programmes.
Interfaith dialogue.
Cultural exhibitions.
Artistic workshops.
Community outreach initiatives.

Economic Prosperity and Innovation

Projects may focus on:

Artificial Intelligence (AI).
STEM education.
Entrepreneurship.
Innovation ecosystems.
Technology development.
Trade and investment.
Clean energy.
Digital transformation.
Workforce development.
Business collaboration.

Examples of Supported Activities

Eligible activities include:

Conferences and seminars.
Speaker programmes.
Professional exchanges.
Workshops and training sessions.
Cultural festivals and exhibitions.
Media literacy programmes.
Journalism training.
Youth entrepreneurship forums.
STEM education initiatives.
Innovation competitions.
Technology-focused events.
Community engagement projects.

Funding Information

Successful applicants may receive grants ranging from:

Minimum award: US$15,000
Maximum award: US$60,000

Funding is provided through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, subject to the availability of funds.

Project Duration

Projects must:

Begin within 90 days of receiving the award.
Be completed within 3 to 10 months.
Finish no later than 10 months after project commencement.

Eligible Budget Categories

Funding may support:

Personnel costs.
Travel expenses.
Equipment.
Supplies.
Consultant fees.
Contracted services.
Other direct project costs.
Indirect costs (where appropriately justified).

All requested expenses should be clearly explained and directly related to project implementation.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit organisations.
Civil society organisations (CSOs).
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Think tanks.
Public educational institutions.
Private educational institutions.
Public international organisations.
Government institutions.
Individual applicants.

For-profit organisations are not eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Meet all programme eligibility requirements.
Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
Maintain an active SAM.gov registration unless officially exempt.
Submit only one proposal per organisation.
Demonstrate the organisational capacity to successfully implement the proposed project.

Ineligible Activities

The programme does not support:

Partisan political activities.
Charitable assistance or direct social services.
Construction projects.
Religious activities promoting a specific faith.
Fundraising campaigns.
Lobbying activities.
Scientific research.
Commercial or profit-making activities.
Organisational development projects.
Duplicate or previously funded projects.
Illegal activities.

Application Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

Alignment with programme priorities.
Overall project quality.
Feasibility of implementation.
Organisational capacity.
Quality of project planning.
Budget justification.
Monitoring and evaluation framework.
Expected sustainability.
Clear objectives and measurable outcomes.

Strong applications clearly explain how proposed activities will strengthen U.S.-Ghana cooperation while delivering lasting community impact.

Reporting Requirements

Successful recipients must:

Submit regular programme progress reports.
Provide financial reports.
Submit a final narrative report.
Submit a final financial report.
Comply with U.S. Department of State award conditions.
Follow official branding and acknowledgement requirements.

Why This Grant Matters

The Public Diplomacy Grants Program strengthens collaboration between Ghana and the United States by supporting projects that promote democratic governance, innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and cultural understanding.

By investing in community organisations, educational institutions, and civic leaders, the programme creates opportunities for long-term partnerships, knowledge exchange, and sustainable social and economic development.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply:

Review the official funding guidelines and eligibility requirements.
Confirm your organisation or institution is eligible.
Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active, if required.
Develop a project aligned with one or more programme priorities.
Prepare a detailed implementation plan, timeline, and budget.
Include a monitoring and evaluation framework with measurable outcomes.
Submit only one complete application before the deadline.
Await notification from the U.S. Embassy Accra.

Tips for Applicants

To improve your proposal:

Clearly demonstrate how your project strengthens U.S.-Ghana relations.
Align activities with programme priority areas.
Include realistic objectives and measurable indicators.
Develop a detailed implementation schedule.
Prepare a well-justified budget.
Demonstrate organisational experience and capacity.
Explain how project outcomes will continue after funding ends.
Include strong partnerships where appropriate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

Submitting more than one proposal per organisation.
Requesting funding for ineligible activities.
Providing vague project objectives.
Preparing unrealistic budgets.
Omitting monitoring and evaluation plans.
Failing to demonstrate sustainability.
Missing UEI or SAM.gov requirements.
Submitting incomplete applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Public Diplomacy Grants Program?

Eligible applicants include non-profit organisations, NGOs, civil society organisations, educational institutions, think tanks, governmental institutions, public international organisations, and individuals.

How much funding is available?

Individual grants range from US$15,000 to US$60,000.

How long can funded projects last?

Projects may run for 3 to 10 months and must be completed within 10 months.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects supporting cultural exchange, youth engagement, democracy, entrepreneurship, AI, STEM education, innovation, clean energy, media engagement, and professional exchanges are encouraged.

Are for-profit companies eligible?

No. For-profit organisations are not eligible for this funding opportunity.

What expenses can be included in the budget?

Eligible costs include personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, consultants, contracts, direct project costs, and justified indirect costs.

How will applications be evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on project quality, feasibility, organisational capacity, planning, budget, monitoring and evaluation, sustainability, and alignment with programme priorities.

Conclusion

The U.S. Embassy Accra Public Diplomacy Grants Program 2026 provides an important opportunity for organisations and institutions in Ghana to implement projects that strengthen bilateral relations, promote democratic values, encourage innovation, and expand educational and cultural collaboration. With grants of up to US$60,000, the programme supports high-impact initiatives that create lasting partnerships between Ghanaian and American communities while contributing to sustainable development and mutual understanding.