Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Singapore. Supports activities and exchanges that strengthen ties between the United States and Singapore, including academic lectures, cultural workshops, and professional development.

**U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE** **U.S. EMBASSY SINGAPORE, PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION** **ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT****2025** _UPDATE:_ Though our funding opportunity is open to receiving grant proposals, we are still deferring all new awards to a later date as per the new administration and policy alignment.

**Funding Opportunity Title**U.S. Embassy Singapore Annual Program Statement FY25 **Funding Opportunity Number**PAS-SINGAPORE-FY25-001 **Announcement Type**Initial Announcement **Deadline for Applications**September 1, 2025 **Assistance Listing Number**19.

040 – Public Diplomacy Programs **Length of performance period**Proposed programs should be completed in one year or less; exceptions will be considered in cases when it is determined that that a longer performance period would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. **Award amounts**Typically, award amounts vary between $5,000 USD and $20,000 USD.

**Type of Funding**Funding authorities rest in the Smith-Mundt Act or in the Fulbright-Hays Act. Each year, Embassy Singapore awards a limited number of grants and cooperative agreements to eligible partners, which are also called federal assistance awards, to support activities and exchanges linking the United States and Singapore to strengthen the bilateral relationship and people-to-people connections.

**Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis and are considered pending the availability of funds. U.S. Embassy Singapore periodically convenes grant panels to make priority funding decisions. The review periods are subject to changes and based on the availability of funding.

** This annual program statement is our Notice of Funding Opportunity for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), which ends on September 30, 2025. Program work must commence before that date to be eligible for FY25 funds. Proposals should be submitted a minimum of two months before the start of the activity for which funding is being sought, but applications can be submitted anytime.

The Public Diplomacy Section may request revisions or additional materials related to the application. Funding of grants is subject to the availability of funds. **Purpose of Small Grants Program** The Small Grants Program supports organizations or individuals whose proposals engage Singaporeans, promote U.S. interests, and strengthen bilateral cooperation between the United States and Singapore.

**All programs must include an American element that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, perspectives, or values.

** Strengthen ties between the United States and Singapore through cultural, educational, and exchange programming by: * Promoting an increased understanding of U.S. perspectives; * Enhancing bilateral cooperation; * Advancing academic partnerships and promoting the U.S. education system; * Advancing awareness of domestic safety and international security and health; * Addressing transnational threats including cybercrime; * Enhancing media and journalism capacity and support for free speech; * Supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and increased economic partnership; * Amplifying the 60 th anniversary of U.S.-Singapore diplomatic relations that will be commemorated in 2026.

**Participants and Audiences** Programs must engage Singaporeans. Applicants should identify a clear target audience and estimate the expected reach through both direct and indirect contact (i.e. activities, engagements, or social and traditional media, etc.).

U.S. Embassy Singapore is interested in funding programs including but not limited to: * Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs; * Artistic and cultural workshops or performances; * Professional and academic enrichment or development activities; or * Other programs that build people-to-people connections between Americans and Singaporeans.

**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; * Fund-raising campaigns; * Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; * Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; * Programs that duplicate existing programs; or * Programs that do not address U.S. priorities for our relationship with Singapore.

**1.

Eligible Applicants** The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from the United States and Singapore, including: * Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience; * Public and private educational institutions; * Public international organizations and governmental institutions; Typically, for-profit or commercial entities are **not eligible** to apply.

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

gov. **C. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS** Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

* 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 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** 1.

**SF-424**_(Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations or_**SF-424-I**_(Application for Federal Assistance – Individuals)_ 2. **SF-424A**_(Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs)_ 3. **SF-424B**_(Assurances for Non-Construction Programs)_ **** Note: Form templates can be downloaded****here****.

** For organizations, download forms from **SF-424 Family**(a. Application for Federal Assistance SF-424, b. Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs SF-424A, and c.

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs SF-424B). For individuals, download forms from **SF-424 Individual** (a. Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 Individual, b.

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs SF-424A, and c. Assurances for Non-Construction Programs SF-424B Individual). **2.

Summary Cover Sheet** A cover sheet stating the information: 1. Organization’s name/Individual’s name 3. Applicant’s contact number 5.

Proposal/program title 6. Program period proposed start and end date 7. Total budget requested (in U.S. dollars) 8.

Brief description of program, objectives, and outcomes (100 words) 9. Brief description of the target audience (demographic/profile and estimated number) 10. Status of www.

SAM. govregistration (see section 6 below): Active (please indicate expiration date or pending activation) 11. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number (12-character alphanumeric ID issued via www.

SAM. gov) **3. Proposal Narrative** 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**: A short narrative that outlines the key elements of the proposed program, including objectives and anticipated impact.

This is the elevator pitch; when read out loud, the proposal summary should not take longer than 45 seconds to read; * **Introduction****to the organization or individual applying**: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program; if applicable, list previous projects with U.S. Embassy Singapore or other U.S. government entities; * **Problem statement**:A clear and concise, well-supported statement of the problem being addressed and why the proposed program is needed to address the problem; * **Program goals and objectives**: A brief outline of the proposed program goals (what the project aims to achieve) and objectives (intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals), and an explanation of how the program will improve relations between Singapore and the United States.

These should be specific, achievable, and measurable; * **Project activities**: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. * **Project methods and design**: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

* **Proposed project schedule and timeline:**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.

State the proportion of their time that will be used in support of this program. * **Program partners**: List the names and types 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, state clearly how activities will be monitored to ensure intermediate goals are being met in a timely manner and how the program will be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the overall goals of the grant. * **Program sustainability**: A summary of plans designed to help the value of the program live beyond the period of performance.

After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a **separate document (Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet) to present each of the budget expenses in a detailed table**. Please provide a list of relevant project expenses in U.S. dollars, consistent with the proposal narrative, broken down into the following categories with cost per item and quantities.

* **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 $10,000 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 $10,000 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. We strongly encourage, but do not mandate, that applicants include cost-sharing elements from additional sources in support of their proposals.

**“Cost Sharing”** refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than U.S. Embassy Singapore. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues. **Note**: Award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

Please also note that programs supported by U.S. Embassy Singapore grants cannot be profit-earning programs. Income earned or derived from ticket sales or other sources related to the program must contribute to program costs not covered by U.S. Embassy Singapore grants.

In addition to the **Mandatory Application Forms**, **Summary Cover Sheet, Proposal Narrative**, **and Budget Narrative**, applicants are encouraged to submit: * **CV/Resume**: A 1-page document for each of the key personnel working on the program.

* **Letters of support**: If other partners have already committed to supporting the program, applicants should submit letters from them acknowledging their support and their understanding that support is also being requested from U.S. Embassy Singapore. * **Official permission letters**: If required for program activities. **D.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS** All proposals must be submitted to **SingaporePDSCultural@state. gov** with **“Small Grants Program Application”** and the applicant organization’s name in the subject line. **Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.

gov) Required Registrations** All organizations applying for grants (whether based in the United States or in another country; except individuals) must have a **Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)** and an **active registration with the SAM. gov**. System for Award Management (SAM.

gov) is a free U.S. government operated website. In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a **Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number (****12-character alphanumeric ID)****issued via****www. SAM.

gov** as well as a **valid registration on****www. 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. 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 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. To access SAM. gov, an organization is required to have a **Login.

gov account**. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM. gov. SAM.

gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM. gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM. gov. **_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 number 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 not need a UEI number 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 1: 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): https://eportal. nspa.

nato. int/Codification/CageTool/home An exemption from the UEI and SAM. gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.

See 2 CFR 25. 110 for a full list of exemptions. Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.

gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at 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. 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). 1.

Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border (only include for projects with a principal place of performance located within the Western Hemisphere): None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.

Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal representation in the United States. Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.

The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted. 1. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws None of the funds awarded under this agreement may be used for any initiatives or programs, or any activities that do not comply with Executive Order 14173 titled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

By signing the SF-424 or SF-424I Application for Federal Assistance, the Applicant certifies the following: (i) 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; (ii) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws **E.

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 holistically in judging the overall quality of an application. **Quality and Feasibility of the program Idea**: The program idea is well developed, with details about how program activities will be carried out.

The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. **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. **Embassy Priorities**: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Singapore’s priority areas 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 can measure program success against key indicators and provides 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. **Sustainability**: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. **Support of Equity and Underserved Communities:**Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

**2. Review and Selection Process** A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer.

The 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 Department of State 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 Department of State. 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 instalments, as needed to carry out the program activities. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email. **G.

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, 2025, 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).

* 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 **Reporting Requirements:**Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports.

The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted. Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.