Open Call: Public Diplomacy Grants Program (Russia)

Deadline: 03-Mar-2025

The U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for projects that support future constructive relations and reinforce ties between the American and Russian people.

The U.S. government unequivocally condemns the Russian government’s aggressive foreign policy. The Kremlin’s efforts to silence independent voices, restrict access to unbiased information, and punish dissent represent a pattern of systematic repression of the Russian people’s fundamental freedoms. The United States recognizes this and distinguishes between Russia’s government and its people. The United States respects the Russian people’s contributions to science, culture, and education. Maintaining and strengthening the people-to-people connections between the countries serves the long-term interests of the United States and remains the bedrock upon which a future, more constructive bilateral relationship could emerge. In that spirit, the United States supports people-to-people engagements, exchange programs, and other initiatives that allow Russian students, scholars, and civil society members to experience the United States, its culture, and its values firsthand, and that promote interaction between the Russian and American people with the aim of keeping the door open to a better future.

Grant proposals must convey an element of U.S. history, culture, or values. Competitive proposals should support a priority program area (see below) and should also include a connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s that will promote increased cooperation between the people of the United States and Russia even after the program has finished.

Priority Areas

• Media & Information: Projects that promote an understanding of freedom of the press, good journalistic practices, increased access to information, and improved media and digital literacy for the Russian people;
• Sharing America: Projects that promote an understanding of the American values of democracy, freedom of expression, and an open society, as well as proposals that increase the understanding of America’s diverse cultures and groups;
• Empowering Women & Minorities: Projects that support the rights of women, minorities, marginalized populations, and persons with disabilities;
• Environment & Space: Projects that promote improvements, innovation, advancement, and collaboration in the areas of space and the environment;
• English Language Learning & Teaching: Projects that support innovative, interactive teaching and learning of the English language.

Funding Information

• Award amounts: Awards may range from $25,000 – $250,000 for organizations, and $25,000 – $50,000 for individuals
• Length of performance period: Up to 24 months

Ineligible Projects 

• The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:
  • Projects relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • Construction projects;
  • Commercial projects;
  • Projects that support specific religious activities;
  • Fundraising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or projects;
  • Competitions where the prize is the only outcome of the program;
  • Scientific research and/or surveys; or
  • Projects that duplicate existing projects

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility is limited to recipients qualified to receive U.S. grants and able to develop and implement programs in the Russian Federation, or programs that engage communities maintaining ties to people living in Russia. Preference will be given to recipients implementing programs in the Russian Federation or directly reaching people living in Russia. These include:
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals carrying out programs in support of civil society;
  • Museums, national parks, and nature reserves, and;
  • Individuals.
• For-profit or commercial entities are NOT eligible to apply.

Application Requirements 

• Content of Application:
  • The proposal clearly addresses the goals, audiences and objectives of this funding opportunity;
  • All documents are in English;
  • All budgets are in U.S. dollars;
  • All pages are numbered;
  • All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and
  • All documents are single-spaced, 14-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins;
  • Authorized signatures must be provided as indicated on the required mandatory forms.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia.