PUAN Grants Program - Special Themes

PUAN Grants Program - Special Themes is sponsored by U.S. Mission to Pakistan and Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). This program supports alumni-led initiatives that apply knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained through U. S.

Government-funded exchange programs to generate meaningful, sustainable impact in Pakistan.

PUAN Grants - Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network The Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) Grants Program is jointly administered by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan and the Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), in collaboration with the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP).

The PUAN Grants Program supports alumni-led initiatives that apply knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained through U.S. Government–funded exchange programs to generate meaningful, sustainable impact in Pakistan.

Through competitive grant funding, the program seeks to strengthen mutual understanding, advance U.S.–Pakistan cooperation, and position alumni as leaders, innovators, and connectors within their communities and professional sectors. Projects supported under the PUAN Grants Program are expected to demonstrate clear alignment with the pre-defined 2026 PUAN grant themes.

All proposals must be submitted through the online application system. The PUAN Grants Program offers two grant categories during each annual funding cycle: Special Themes Grants support alumni-led projects aligned with the pre-defined 2026 PUAN Grant Themes identified by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan.

Projects must clearly demonstrate alignment with one selected theme and articulate measurable outcomes, strategic relevance, and potential for broader impact.

Maximum grant amount: PKR 1,500,000 Eligible applicants: PUAN alumni Target beneficiaries: Communities, institutions, professional sectors, or broader audiences (beyond alumni-only activities)  Economic Reform, Trade & Investment Readiness  Workforce Readiness for Trade, Technology & Investment  Economic Narratives & Public Understanding  Free Expression, Open Information & Digital Innovation  Freedom 250 – Community-Based Innovation & U.S. Best Practices (See “Proposed 2026 PUAN Grant Themes” section for detailed descriptions and examples.)

2. PUAN Connects: Chapter Alumni Engagement PUAN Connects grants support chapter-level alumni engagement activities designed to strengthen alumni networks, encourage collaboration, and advance shared thematic priorities at the local level. These grants are intended for alumni-only engagement and focus on professional exchange and thematic discussions aligned with the 2026 PUAN Grant Themes.

Maximum grant amount: PKR 250,000 Eligible applicants: PUAN alumni Target beneficiaries: PUAN alumni within a single chapter 2026 PUAN Connects Themes:  Economic Reform, Trade & Investment Readiness  Workforce Readiness for Trade, Technology & Investment  Economic Narratives & Public Understanding  Free Expression, Open Information & Digital Innovation  Freedom 250 – Community-Based Innovation & U.S. Best Practices PROPOSED 2026 PUAN GRANT THEMES Applicants must select one theme and design a project fully aligned with its objectives.

Proposals that do not clearly align with a listed theme will not be considered. 1. Economic Reform, Trade & Investment Readiness: Projects under this theme should support greater understanding of economic reform, trade facilitation, and investment readiness in Pakistan, with an emphasis on transparent, rules-based economic practices that enable U.S.–Pakistan commercial engagement.

Examples of eligible activities include: Alumni-led dialogues or workshops on trade, investment, or reform-related topics. Engagements with business communities, SMEs, journalists, or students on economic best practices. Public discussions or forums highlighting transparent, rules-based markets Knowledge-sharing initiatives that improve awareness of international economic standards and trade norms.

2. Workforce Readiness for Trade, Technology & Investment: Projects under this theme should strengthen workforce readiness in sectors critical to U.S.–Pakistan economic engagement by linking skills development to real market demand, U.S.-informed practices, and private-sector participation.

Examples of eligible activities include: Alumni-led training or mentorship programs aligned with trade facilitation, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, or investment-related services. Partnerships with educational institutions, industry associations, or employers to support job readiness or professional skills development.

Career-readiness initiatives linking participants to employment pathways, certifications, or enterprise development in priority economic sectors. 3. Economic Narratives & Public Understanding: Projects under this theme should improve public understanding of U.S.–Pakistan economic cooperation, reform, and opportunity through storytelling, media engagement, and accessible public dialogue.

Examples of eligible activities include: Media workshops or alumni-journalist collaborations focused on economic issues. Digital storytelling initiatives explaining economic opportunity, reform, or bilateral cooperation. Creative or community-based outreach that translates complex economic issues into accessible formats.

Alumni-produced content highlighting bilateral cooperation and shared progress. 4. Free Expression, Open Information & Digital Innovation: Projects under this theme should promote freedom of expression, open information environments, and responsible digital innovation, consistent with U.S. constitutional principles that protect speech both online and offline.

Initiatives should emphasize civic dialogue, independent voices, and the role of open digital spaces in economic growth and democratic participation. Examples of eligible activities include: Alumni-led discussions on free expression, independent media, and civic discourse. Programs highlighting how open digital platforms support entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic opportunity.

Workshops with journalists, creators, technologists, or students on ethical journalism, open debate, and audience trust. Alumni-produced content showcasing the role of free speech in innovation, resilience, and community problem-solving. Projects exploring technology as an enabler of opportunity, not a tool for censorship.

5. Freedom 250 – Community-Based Innovation & U.S. Best Practices: Projects under this theme should commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by showcasing how U.S. ideas, innovation, and problem-solving approaches can be adapted to local Pakistani contexts. Alumni-led initiatives should translate U.S. exchange experiences into creative, small-scale pilots that promote learning, dialogue, and people-to-people engagement.

Examples of eligible activities include: Alumni-led pilot projects adapting U.S. best practices in entrepreneurship, civic engagement, workforce readiness, or community innovation. Exhibits, workshops, or interactive learning experiences highlighting U.S. innovation, governance, or historical milestones and their relevance today.

Collaborative projects with local educators, artists, entrepreneurs, or youth groups to interpret American ideas and values through a Pakistani lens. Digital or hybrid storytelling initiatives demonstrating how alumni apply U.S. learning to local challenges. Once applications close, proposals are reviewed to ensure a fair, transparent, and merit-based selection process.

The review and decision process typically takes up to two months from the application deadline. Successful applicants will be notified following final approval. The maximum project duration—including implementation and submission of all required reports—is five months from the date of approval.

Grant funds are disbursed in two installments: 70% upon signing of the Grant Award Document (GAD) and submission of the Project Inception Report. 30% upon successful completion of the project and approval of final reports. To be eligible for PUAN Grants, applicants must: Be an alumnus/alumna of the U.S. Government-funded exchange program Be registered on the PUAN Alumni Portal ( https://alumni.

puan. pk/ ) Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application The applications for PUAN Grants Program should be submitted through the online portal: alumni. puan.

pk A complete application package must include: Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae A 60-second video clip explaining the project. The eligibility for PUAN Grants Program should include: Applicant must be registered with the PUAN Alumni Portal. Applicant must be 18 years or older