Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program

Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program is sponsored by U.S. Embassy Guatemala, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). PDS Guatemala invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, professional, and/or scientific ties between the United States and Guatemala through cultural, educational, and/or exchange programming.

Priority themes include empowerment of Guatemalan women and/or girls, empowering and connecting diverse Guatemalan communities, expanding independent media, and reducing the root causes of irregular migration to the United States.

## Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): FY2025 Public Diplomacy Grants Program Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy Kingston Public Diplomacy Grants Program Funding Opportunity Number: PDS-SJM370-FY25-01 Announcement Type: Initial Announcement Deadline for Concept Notes: May 26, 2025: 04:00 PM (EST) Deadline for Full Applications: July 7, 2025: 04:00 PM (EST) Assistance Listing Number: 19.

040 – Public Diplomacy Programs Length of Performance Period: 3 to 12 months Total Amount Available: To be determined pending availability of funds FY25 Smith Mundt Act & Foreign Assistance Act for Public Diplomacy Funds Minimum Award amount: $10,000 Maximum Award amount: $25,000 Anticipated Project Start Date: September 2025 Funding Instrument Type: Grant / Fixed Amount Award Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed within 3 to 12 months This notice is subject to availability of funding.

The U.S. Embassy Kingston Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to invite eligible applicants to submit proposals in alignment with the defined priority area(s) outlined in Section C of this announcement.

In addition, eligible applicants are required to submit proposals that show clear benefit to the U.S.-Jamaica bilateral relationship and seek to promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Jamaica AND America and/or celebrate American excellence.

This notice of funding opportunity which was made available through the Public Diplomacy Grants Program outlines the funding priorities, strategic themes, and the application submission procedures. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

The Public Diplomacy Section encourages prospective applicants with project management experience from the following organizations to apply: Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, community-based organizations, and civil society/non-governmental organizations Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Governmental institutions For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. 2.

Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements To be eligible to receive an award, 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. Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Please note that the U.S. Embassy Kingston cannot assist with SAM. gov registrations. **Purpose of funding:** Project proposals should aim to strengthen ties between the United States and Jamaica by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation.

Proposals must convey an American element, which supports a priority program area as outlined below or includes a 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. **1.

Goals and Objectives** **Priority program areas include:** * **Combating Financial Scamming and Other Criminal Activity** * For example, preventing and detecting money laundering, improving police-public relations, appreciation of the law, teaching digital literacy, detecting financial scamming, and promoting behaviors that increase community safety.

* **Programs for At-Risk Youth** * For example, diversion programs to prevent youth violence, educational programs for critical life skills, and parent/family interventions. * **Anti-Corruption and Transparency** * For example, educating the public on the dangers of corruption and the importance of transparency.

* Enhance the capacity of national anti-corruption agencies to investigate and prosecute corruption cases assisted using technology * **Economic Prosperity** * For example, business development, closing skills gaps in local communities, human resources, infrastructure, cybersecurity, resource development, and trade.

* For example, managing contagious and infectious diseases, public health workforce development, public health policy and management, and preparing the nation for future pandemics. * **Human Rights and Democracy** * For example, addressing fundamental human rights, human trafficking, governance, the role of civil society, and freedom of the press/media.

* **Science, Technology, and Innovation** * For example, advancing AI technologies for applications in healthcare, defense, and cybersecurity * Expanding access to high-quality career and technical education to equip students and workers with necessary skills Additional details on these policy priorities are available at https://www. state.

gov/policy-issues/ **Target participants/audiences:** * Adults and/or youth in underserved communities * Business leaders and entrepreneurs * Community leaders and influencers * Academic and/or cultural institutions * Journalists and/or media organizations **The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:** * Projects relating to partisan political activity * Charitable or development activities * Projects that support specific religious activities * Lobbying for specific legislation or projects * Projects that duplicate existing projects * Projects that have no clear benefit to the U.S.-Jamaica bilateral relationship **Anticipated project start date:** September 2025 **Project Performance Period:** Proposed projects should be planned for a period no less than three months and no longer than twelve months.

## 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. Application forms for Concept notes (Round 1) and invited full proposals (Round 2) **must** be submitted via email to kingstongrants@state.

gov with the following subject line: ‘[ Name of Organization or Individual Applicant] – FY2025 Public Diplomacy Grant Application’. Applications are to be in English only, and final grant agreements will be in English. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail from Embassy Kingston to indicate receipt of concept notes and full proposals.

**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 pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments. * All documents are formatted to 8. 5 x 11 paper.

* All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are **required**: _**Round One: Project Concept Notes (3 pages maximum)**_ Concept note submissions must include the following: 1. **Due date: May 26, 2025** 4.

Proposed project location and participants. 3. **SAM.

gov registration status** 4. Total grant request Formatted 2. Single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with minimum of 1-inch margins _**Round Two: Full Proposals**_ Upon favorable review of the project concept notes, applicants will be invited to submit full project proposals.

The following documents are required for all full proposals being submitted: 1. **Mandatory Application Forms** 1. SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF424_Individual (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) 2.

SF424A(Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) 3. SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) or SF424B_Individual 2. **Summary Cover Sheet (1 page maximum)** 1.

1. Applicant’s name and organization 4. Project start and end date (period of performance) 5.

Purpose of the project 3. **Proposal (8 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.

1. **Proposal Summary:** Description of the proposed project, including project goals/activities and anticipated impact and requested funding amount. 2.

**Introduction to the Organization/Individual Applying:** Description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. 3. **Problem Statement:** Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed project is needed.

4. **Project Goals/Objectives:** Explanation of what the project intends to achieve and how the U.S.-Jamaican partnership will be improved, supported by SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timebound) objectives detailing targeted accomplishments of the project. The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve.

The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. 5.

**Promotion and Marketing Plan:** Outlines the marketing to promote the activities of the program in traditional and/or digital media; includes description of how partnership with U.S. Embassy will be highlighted (additional information on required branding will be provided if awarded). 6. **Project Activities:** Description of the project’s activities that meet the project goals/objectives.

7. **Program Methods and Design:** Description of how the project is expected to solve the stated problem and achieve the goals/objectives. Include a logic model as appropriate.

8. **Proposed Project Schedule:** Proposed timeline for the project activities, including dates, times, and locations of planned activities. 9.

**Key Personnel:** Names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved and amount of time that will be used in support of the project. 10. **Project Partners:** List of key partner organizations and type of involvement.

11. **Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:** How activities will be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner and how the program will be evaluated to ensure its meeting project goals 12. **Risk Assessment:** Describe any potential or foreseeable risks associated with the project and/ or target audience providing mitigation strategies 13.

**Future Funding or Sustainability:** Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable 4. **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. One-page CV or resume of key personnel on the project.

2. Letters of support from project partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner. 3.

Official permission letters, if required for project activities with program partners. U.S. dollar commercial bank account information in the name of the applying organization or individual. ## SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES 1.

**Address to Request Application Package**Application forms required above are available at Kingston Embassy website (jm. usembassy. gov), grants.

gov, and MyGrants. 2. **Department of State Contacts**If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: kingstongrants@state.

gov. 3. **Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM. gov)** All organizations applying for grants, except individuals, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in 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 this NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to 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: 1. 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: 1. 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): 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.

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). 2.

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. 3. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination lawsIf the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be **within the United States**, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award: 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. 4. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C.

1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements Applicants are advised that 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.

## APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Each application will be evaluated and rated by a review panel composed of members from relevant sections across the mission based on the evaluation criteria outlined below: 1. **Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea****– 20 points:** The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

2. **Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points:** The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a USD bank account.

3. **Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points:** Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. 4.

**Budget – 10 points:** 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.

Additionally, the proposed budget must align with federally allowable costs under grant regulations. 5. **Monitoring and evaluation plan – 15 points:** Applicant demonstrates it is able to 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. 6. **Sustainability – 10 points:** Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

**Review and Selection Process** A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. Once an application has been submitted, U.S. State Department officials and staff — both in the Department and at embassies overseas — may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed. All shortlisted applications will be notified via email.

Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200. 206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors: 2. Management systems and standards 3.

History of performance 4. Audit reports and findings 5. Ability to effectively implement requirements **Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates** Announcement of these awards and the federal award dates will be publicized to the successful applicants no later than July 31, 2025.

The grant award 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 project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer unless otherwise notified 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 U.S. 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. <strong>Unsuccessful applicants:</strong> Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by July 7, 2025 via email.

Payment Method: Payments will be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to commercial banks. Funds may only be used to carry out the project activities and any funds not used towards approved project activities will be requested to be returned. Funds must be deposited to a $USD bank account; funds cannot be deposited to a $JMD bank account.

Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF270Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer. ## POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION **Administrative and National Policy Requirements** Before applying, 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).

* 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. **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. **Guidelines for Budget Justification** 1.

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. 2. 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. 3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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. 7. 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.

8. “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.

9. Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages. If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact kingstongrants@state.

gov