Deadline: 21-May-25
The U.S. Embassy Tirana Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Annual Grants Program.
The Public Affairs Section Tirana invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Albania through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Examples of PAS Grants Program programs may include, but are not limited to:
- Experiential learning programs to build capacity of target audiences in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) with a focus on 21st century skills
- Expert speaker programs
- Programs that foster economic opportunity for young Albanians
Focus Areas
- Special Consideration Will Be Given to Projects and Programs focusing on the following key priority program areas:
- Strengthening Democratic Institutions, Rule of Law, Civil Society, and Media:
- Initiatives that promote professional networking and mentorship for young Albanians embarking on their career path
- Developing the skills of citizens to engage in public policy and the policy-making process
- Programs fostering professionalism and integrity in media reporting.
- National security, regional stability, advancing security as a NATO ally:
- Advancing skills in technology, cybersecurity, and STEAM fields
- Advocacy and skill-building for underserved communities
- Advancing partnerships with multinational organizations.
- Economic growth opportunities, entrepreneurship and innovation, workplace skills development, increased investment in up-and-coming fields:
- “Soft skills” development – critical thinking, digital literacy, workplace preparedness
- Development of creative industries (gaming, film, TV, writing, fine arts, gastronomy, experiential tourism)
- Fostering entrepreneurship opportunities in underserved communities/communities outside of the capital
- Developing binational higher education partnerships to promote exchange of ideas and engage student populations
- Cultural heritage preservation, countering looting and trafficking of moveable cultural property items, as a means of promoting sustainable tourism
- Strengthening Democratic Institutions, Rule of Law, Civil Society, and Media:
Funding Information
- Grant amount: $500,000
- Maximum for each award: $100,000
- Minimum for each award: $10,000
- Length of performance period: 6-24 months.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S. and Albania:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
- Individuals: an individual can apply for up to $150,000 in funding
- Non-profit or governmental educational institutions (registered as non-profit)
- Albanian governmental institutions.
Ineligibility Criteria
- The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
- Programs relating to partisan political activity
- Programs that duplicate existing programs
- Charitable or development activities
- Construction programs
- Programs that support specific religious activities
- Fund-raising campaigns
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
- Scientific research
- Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization.
Application Requirements
- Please ensure:
- The proposal clearly addresses the goals 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 Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.