Public Diplomacy (PD) Small Grants Program

Public Diplomacy (PD) Small Grants Program is sponsored by American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). The AIT Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Taiwan, advance AIT's strategic goals, promote cooperation, and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

**American Institute in Taiwan, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS)** **Annual Program Statement (APS)** **A. ****BASIC INFORMATION** The American Institute in Taiwan(AIT)Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program and the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF)Program.

This is an Annual Program Statement(APS), outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. **Funding Instrument Type:**Grant, Fixed Amount Award (FAAs), or Cooperative agreement.

Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (“Substantial Involvement”). **This notice is subject to availability of funding. ** 1.

**_Executive Summary_** **Priority Region:**Taiwan **Public Diplomacy (PD) Small Grants Program** PDS AIT Taipei and PDS AIT Kaohsiung invite proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Taiwan,advance AIT’s strategic goals, promote cooperation,and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. The programs may take place anywhere within Taiwan.

**Global Cooperation and Training Framework Program** Proposals may also align with or complement the goals of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF). Established in 2015,GCTF is a joint initiative of the United States, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. GCTF is a capacity-building platform which fosters international partnerships and enhances Taiwan’s global visibility.

GCTF programs promote cross-border cooperation, peer learning, and the development of enduring professional networks. GCTF programs may take place anywhere within Taiwan and require approval by the GCTF Joint Committee. _1.

_**_Eligible Applicants_** The following applicants from the United States and Taiwan are eligible to apply: * Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations * Public and private educational institutions * Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions 2. **_Cost Sharing or Matching_** Cost sharing is not required. 3.

**_Other Eligibility Requirements_** All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM. gov as well as a valid registration on SAM. gov.Please see Section E.

3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM. gov. **C.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION** **Goal 1: U.S. National Sovereignty** * **Objective 1. 2**Ensure all Americans can exercise their rights free from foreign interference **Goal 3: Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region** * **Objective 3. 1**Strengthen the Indo-Pacific economic system to support U.S.reindustrialization and reinforce ties with allies [and partners] **Objective 3.

2**Deter aggression and establish favorable military balance across the region **Security and Defense:**Programs that promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region; combat transnational, regional, and global challenges such as cyber threats; encourage resistance to malign influence and adversarial propaganda; and increase Taiwan society’s capacity for civilian response and preparedness to natural and manmade disasters.

**International Connectivity:**Promote or showcase Taiwan as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond to expand Taiwan’s international presence and influence. Provide programming for American Spaces and other PDS initiatives throughout Taiwan that bolster people-to-people ties and strengthen cooperation on key AIT goals.

Programming should focus on engaging broad audiences through training, youth empowerment, leadership, cultural exchange, skill building, and programs.

**Strategic Messaging:**Create digital content to support AIT messaging campaigns on key goals including, but not limited to, expanding Taiwan’s international space, promoting civil resilience and U.S.-Taiwan trade relations, and raising awareness of critical infrastructure resilience, especially on energy, health, and telecommunications. **Goal 5: U.S. Economic and Technological Dominance** **Objective 5.

1**Reindustrialize the United States **Objective 5. 3**Drive the United States’s strategic leverage by increasing U.S. exports and investment **Objective 5.

4**Strengthen U.S. technological edge and industry dominance **Entrepreneurship and Innovation:**Highlight the importance of and raise public awareness about key areas of economic cooperation between the United States and Taiwan, including through programs that advance a modern workforce and global innovation, and promote entrepreneurship through training or networking opportunities.

Leverage or complement the efforts of the U.S.-Taiwan Education Initiative by deepening subnational-level collaboration—connecting U.S. states, cities, and local institutions with Taiwanese counterparts—to expand STEM-focused educational exchanges through university-to-university and private sector partnerships.

**Celebrating American Excellence/Freedom 250:**Programs that 1) celebrate U.S. scientific prowess, innovation, economic dynamism, and ability to shape global trends ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, and/or 2) leverage people-to-people ties through cultural diplomacy, including film, music, and sports programs.

Examples of PD Small Grants Programs include, but are not limited to: * Professional and academic exchanges and programs that advance goals of the U.S. Taiwan Education Initiative, including workforce development,Mandarin language education, and English language promotion * Academic and professional lectures, seminars, speaker programs, events involving alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, and podcast series * Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions * Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs * Training sessions to develop skills that further strategic U.S.-Taiwan cooperation Examples of GCTF programs include, but are not limited to: * Training and technical assistance programs to develop skills relevant to a policy goal * Academic and professional lectures, seminars, speaker programs * Professional exchanges and programs * Policy simulations, labs, and interactive exercises to test ideas, strengthen networks, and build expertise * Podcasts, data visualization, or other media/digital content to enhance Taiwan’s global visibility,international connectivity, and resilience **Participants and Audiences:** * This funding opportunity is available to organizations and individuals who have projects that directly benefit the people of Taiwan.

Target audiences include journalists and media organizations;civil society organizations;business leaders and entrepreneurs;cultural and educational leaders;youth;and academic institutions.

**The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:** * Programs relating to partisan political activity * Charitable or development activities * Programs that support specific religious activities * Lobbying for specific legislation or programs * Personal scientific research * Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization * Programs that duplicate existing programs **2**.

**_Substantial Involvement_** In cases where AIT’s substantial involvement is important to the success of the award,the award will be issued as a cooperative agreement. Examples of substantial involvement include,but are not limited to,AIT’s involvement in program participant selection or active collaboration in the implementation of the award.

Substantial involvement specific to each award will be negotiated with the applicant and codified in the award provisions. **D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT** Please follow all instructions below carefully.

Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

**Content of Application** * 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 documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11(letter-size)paper, and * All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced,12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are required: 1.

**Mandatory application forms** * SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) * SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) * SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM. gov) 1.

**Summary Coversheet:** Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date,program title,program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. 1. **Proposal (****_10_****pages maximum):** The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do.

You may use your own proposal format, but it must include**all**the items below. * **Proposal Summary:**Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

* **Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying**: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the AIT and/or U.S. government agencies.

* **Problem Statement:**Clear,concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed * **Program Goals and Objectives:**The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. What aspect of the relationship between the United States and _Taiwan_ will be improved? The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals.

These should be achievable and measurable. * **Program Activities**: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. * **Program Methods and Design**: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

* **Proposed Program Schedule:**The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times,and locations of planned activities and events. * **Key Personnel:**Names, titles,roles,and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program.

What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? * **Program Partners:** List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. * **Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:** This is an important part of successful grants.

Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? * **Future Funding or Sustainability:** Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. 1.

**Budget Justification Narrative**: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section _I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions_ below for further information.

* 1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program * Letters of support from project partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner * If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file. * Official permission letters, if required for program activities. **E.

S UBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES** 1. **_Address to Request Application Package_** Application forms required above are available at SF-424 Family | Grants. gov 1.

**_American Institute in Taiwan Contacts_** If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:AITPDGrants@state. gov. 1. **_Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.

gov)_** **Required Registrations:** All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM. gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from the NOFO. The 2 CFR 200 requires that subrecipients obtain a UEI.

Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient. **_Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM. gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks.

_****_Please begin your registration as early as possible_****_. _** * Organizations**based in the United States**or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.

gov. * Organizations**based outside of the United States**and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM. gov. Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions: Step 1: Proceed to SAM. gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.

gov registration process. SAM. gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions: Step 2: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below: https://eportal. nspa. nato.

int/AC135Public/sc/CageList. aspx NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT): NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato. int) An exemption from the UEI and sam.

gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:See2 CFR 25. 110for a full list of exemptions. Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.

gov requirements must emailAITPDGrants@state. govat least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.

gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review. 1. **Submission Dates and Times** The Public Diplomacy Section will accept and review proposals on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date July 31, 2026. No applications for fiscal year 2026 funding under this Funding Opportunity will be accepted after that date. 1.

****Funding Restriction**** i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). ii.

Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws 1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and; 2)It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.

A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring. iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C.

1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements Applicants are advised that Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs: 1) Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

iv. P rohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities _American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity_ means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) athttps://www. sam.

gov. _FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system_ means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity. _Unmanned aircraft_ means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

_Unmanned aircraft system_ means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system. (b) _Prohibition.

_ Recipients of funding under this Annual Program Statement (including subawards and subcontracts) will be prohibited from: (1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements; (2)Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award (section 1824 of Pub. L. 118-31, 41 U.S.C.

3901 note prec.) ; and (3)Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system . (c) _Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.

_ The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( [41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.)

for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.] 1. **Other Submission Requirements** All application materials must be submitted by email to:AITPDGrants@state.

gov **F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION** Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below. The criteria listed are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.

**Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants**: The organization has expertise in its stated field and PDS is confident of its ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. **Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives**:Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

**AIT priorities:**Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support AIT’s policy goals or target audiences. **Budget:**The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results.

The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. **Monitoring and evaluation plan:**Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provide milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

**Innovation&Sustainability:**Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. Program shows innovation in design, audience reached, problem to be solved, or method of solving.

**Communications & Outreach**:Proposal clearly describes how information, results, and success stories will be collected and disseminated before, during and after the project; Discusses how program outreach will leverage a range of outreach tools to amplify messaging to a defined target audience; Discusses how project activities will be communicated to stakeholders to foster continued engagement with the project.

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria. 1.

**Review and Selection Process** A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications on a rolling basis. 1. ******Risk Review****** i.

Risk factors ********Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR§200. 206, prior to making a Federal Award AIT will review and consider the following risk factors: * Management systems and standards * Audit reports and findings * Ability to effectively implement requirements The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer.

The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email**. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer. ** If a proposal is selected for funding,the American Institute in Taiwan has no obligation to provide any additional future funding.

Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the American Institute in Taiwan. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

**Payment Method:**Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry out the program activities. Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer. Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of AIT.

In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email. **H. ****POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION** 1.

**_Administrative and National Policy Requirements_** Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE: * Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations(2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22,2024 ,particularly on: * Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.

205), * Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with _Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty_(E. O. 13798) and _Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities_(E.

O. 13864) (§§ 200. 300, 200.

303, 200. 339, and 200. 341), * Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.

322), and * Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200. 340).

For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.

* 2 CFR 25 – UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT * 2 CFR 170 – REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION * 2 CFR 175 – AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS * 2 CFR 182 – GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) * 2 CFR 183 – NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY * 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS * U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS Recipients must comply with Executive Orders as applicable.

A searchable list can be found in the Federal Register:https://www. federalregister. gov/ **Reporting Requirements:**Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports.

The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. **Foreign Assistance Data Review:**As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR).

The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements,indicated within their award documentation.

In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records. 1. **_Branding and Marking_** The American Institute in Taiwan,its programs,funding,and assistance should be easily identifiable to global audiences.

**Guidelines for Budget Justification** Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program. Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries.

If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel. Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $15,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $15,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment. Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor.

Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities. Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes.

All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained. Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA.

Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200. 1. “Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy.

It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues. Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.