Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The U.S. Embassy in Doha has launched the U.S.-Qatar Strategic Partnership Initiative to support projects advancing economic, technological, and security cooperation between the United States and Qatar. The programme also commemorates the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence through initiatives highlighting American innovation, freedom, and global leadership.
Funding ranges from approximately $10,000 to $100,000 for projects lasting 6 to 18 months, with a total available budget of $200,000.
Programme Overview
The initiative supports projects that directly advance U.S. strategic interests in Qatar while strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as:
- Technology and innovation
- Economic partnership
- Security and defense cooperation
- Open information and academic exchange
- American heritage and innovation leadership
Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes and clearly defined target audiences aligned with programme priorities.
Key Focus Areas
The programme is organized around four thematic areas:
Strategic Economic and Technology Partnership
Projects may include:
- Technology showcases and demonstrations
- Market access programmes
- Innovation challenges and incubators
- Training and capacity-building activities
- U.S.-Qatar business and technology partnerships
Priority sectors include:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Energy and clean technologies
- Advanced manufacturing
- Critical infrastructure systems
Open Information, Free Inquiry, and Innovation
This theme supports activities that demonstrate how open societies and academic freedom contribute to innovation and technological progress.
Supported activities may include:
- Institutional and academic collaborations
- Workshops and public discussions
- Research and innovation exchanges
- Digital resilience and media literacy training
Sovereignty, Security, and the U.S. as High-Trust Partner
Projects may focus on:
- Defense and security cooperation
- Cybersecurity awareness and capacity-building
- Strategic communications
- Emergency response preparedness
- Security sector networking initiatives
Applicants under this theme must demonstrate prior experience in defense or security engagement.
American Heritage, Excellence, and Freedom 250
This theme commemorates the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence by highlighting American innovation and cultural influence.
Potential activities include:
- Exhibitions and cultural showcases
- Digital storytelling projects
- Youth engagement campaigns
- Innovation-focused heritage programmes
- Collaborative cultural and technology initiatives
Funding Details
- Award range: Approximately $10,000–$100,000
- Total available funding: $200,000
- Project duration: 6–18 months
- Anticipated project start date: September 15, 2026
- Cost sharing: Encouraged but not required
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-profit organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Think tanks
- Educational institutions
- Government institutions in Qatar
- Eligible U.S. educational institutions working with Qatari partners
- Individual Qatari citizens or residents of Qatar
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible:
- For-profit organizations
- Commercial enterprises
Organizations may submit only one application under this funding opportunity.
Project Requirements
Applications must include:
- Clearly defined target audiences
- Measurable objectives and outcomes
- Concrete impact indicators
- Alignment with U.S. strategic interests in Qatar
- Realistic implementation plans and timelines
Ineligible Activities
The programme does not support:
- Partisan political activities
- Charitable or humanitarian aid services
- Construction projects
- Fundraising campaigns
- Lobbying activities
- Scientific research projects
- Commercial ventures
- Institutional development activities
- Duplicate or overlapping programmes
Evaluation Priorities
Applications are likely assessed based on:
- Strategic relevance to U.S.-Qatar cooperation
- Innovation and programme quality
- Measurable impact and outcomes
- Feasibility and implementation capacity
- Strength of partnerships and stakeholder engagement
- Alignment with thematic priorities
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative strengthens long-term cooperation between the United States and Qatar in areas critical to economic growth, technology development, and regional security.
It helps:
- Expand U.S.-Qatar strategic partnerships
- Promote trusted technology collaboration
- Support innovation and knowledge exchange
- Strengthen cybersecurity and defense relationships
- Highlight American innovation and democratic values
- Encourage youth and institutional engagement
Conclusion
The U.S.-Qatar Strategic Partnership Initiative supports projects that advance bilateral cooperation in technology, security, innovation, and cultural engagement. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the programme encourages impactful initiatives that strengthen U.S.-Qatar relations while promoting innovation, openness, and strategic collaboration.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.