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Call for U.S. Embassy Muscat Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program (Oman)

Deadline: 09-Aug-26

The U.S. Embassy Muscat Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program provides funding for projects that strengthen U.S.-Oman relations and support shared priorities in areas such as entrepreneurship, youth leadership, culture, technology, innovation, and people-to-people connections. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from US$1,000 to US$50,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months.

The program supports organisations, institutions, and individuals that include a clear U.S. connection through partnerships with American experts, institutions, companies, universities, artists, athletes, alumni, or by promoting U.S. approaches, technologies, and best practices.

What is the U.S. Embassy Muscat Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program?

The U.S. Embassy Muscat Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program is an annual funding opportunity designed to support projects that enhance cooperation between the United States and Oman.

The programme aims to advance shared public diplomacy goals by supporting initiatives that encourage:

Funded projects should strengthen mutual understanding and highlight areas where both countries can collaborate.

Grant Amount and Project Duration

The programme provides financial support for eligible public diplomacy projects.

Key funding details include:

  • Grant amount: US$1,000 to US$50,000
  • Total estimated funding available: Approximately US$100,000
  • Expected number of awards: Around two grants
  • Project duration: Up to 12 months

Funding is subject to the availability of government resources.

Program Objectives and Priority Areas

The U.S. Embassy Muscat encourages projects aligned with key U.S.-Oman partnership priorities.

Priority areas include:

U.S.-Oman Economic Cooperation and Shared Prosperity

Projects may support:

  • Commercial partnerships
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Trade and investment cooperation
  • Business development
  • Economic innovation

Sports Diplomacy and Youth Leadership

Projects may focus on:

  • Sports development
  • Youth leadership programmes
  • Major-event management skills
  • Professional exchanges
  • Youth empowerment initiatives

Culture, Heritage and Creative Industries

Supported activities may include:

  • Cultural exchange programmes
  • Heritage preservation
  • Creative industries development
  • Showcasing American culture and artistic excellence

Emerging Technologies and Innovation

Projects may address:

  • Artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • STEM education
  • Digital transformation
  • Space cooperation
  • Technology innovation

U.S. Connection Requirement

All proposed projects must include a clear American element.

Applicants should demonstrate U.S. involvement through:

  • Collaboration with U.S. experts
  • Partnerships with American universities or institutions
  • Engagement with U.S. companies
  • Participation of American artists or athletes
  • Involvement of U.S. alumni networks
  • Promotion of U.S. technologies, standards, or best practices

Projects without a meaningful U.S. connection are unlikely to meet programme objectives.

Who is Eligible?

The programme is open to a wide range of applicants, including:

  • Non-profit organisations
  • Think tanks
  • Civil society organisations
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  • Public educational institutions
  • Private educational institutions
  • Individuals
  • Eligible public international organisations
  • Government institutions

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to successfully manage and deliver public diplomacy activities.

Organisational Requirements

Eligible organisations must:

  • Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
  • Maintain valid registration in SAM.gov

Individuals applying as eligible participants do not need to meet UEI or SAM.gov registration requirements.

What Projects Can Be Funded?

The programme supports activities that strengthen cooperation and public engagement.

Eligible project activities may include:

Projects should create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and long-term relationship building.

How to Apply for the U.S. Embassy Muscat Small Grants Program

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Project Concept

Applicants should design a project that clearly explains:

  • The purpose of the initiative
  • Target participants or beneficiaries
  • Connection to U.S.-Oman priorities
  • Expected outcomes
  • Activities and timeline

Step 2: Demonstrate U.S. Partnership

Applicants should identify how the project includes U.S. expertise through:

  • American partners
  • U.S. speakers or trainers
  • U.S. institutions
  • American models or technologies

Step 3: Prepare the Proposal

The application should clearly describe:

  • Project objectives
  • Implementation plan
  • Budget requirements
  • Expected impact
  • Monitoring and evaluation approach

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit their proposals according to the requirements of the U.S. Embassy Muscat Annual Program Statement.

Organisations should ensure that required registrations, including UEI and SAM.gov registration, are completed before applying.

Why It Matters

The programme supports stronger connections between communities and institutions in the United States and Oman.

Funded projects can help:

  • Expand educational and professional opportunities
  • Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Strengthen cultural understanding
  • Support youth leadership
  • Promote technology cooperation
  • Build long-term partnerships

By supporting collaborative projects, the programme contributes to stronger people-to-people relationships between both countries.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

  • Clearly connecting activities to U.S.-Oman priorities
  • Including strong American partnerships or expertise
  • Defining measurable outcomes
  • Demonstrating community impact
  • Creating realistic budgets and timelines
  • Highlighting innovation and sustainability

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

  • Submitting projects without a clear U.S. connection
  • Proposing activities unrelated to public diplomacy goals
  • Providing unclear project outcomes
  • Ignoring registration requirements
  • Creating unrealistic budgets or timelines
  • Failing to explain how activities benefit participants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the U.S. Embassy Muscat Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program?

It is a funding programme that supports projects strengthening U.S.-Oman relations through cultural exchange, education, innovation, economic cooperation, and public engagement.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible projects can receive grants ranging from US$1,000 to US$50,000.

How long can funded projects last?

Projects must be completed within 12 months.

Who can apply for the grant?

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

Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required for this grant programme.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects related to entrepreneurship, trade, youth leadership, sports diplomacy, culture, heritage, STEM, AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, space cooperation, and innovation may be supported.

Do applicants need SAM.gov registration?

Organisations must have a UEI and valid SAM.gov registration. Individual applicants are exempt from these requirements.

Conclusion

The U.S. Embassy Muscat Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program provides funding for innovative projects that strengthen cooperation between the United States and Oman. By supporting initiatives in education, culture, technology, entrepreneurship, youth leadership, and innovation, the programme helps build stronger partnerships and long-term connections between both countries.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.