APS FY2026 FAQs.docx

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Prosperity through Partnership: Catalyzing U.S.-Algerian Collaboration in Innovation, Commerce and English Language Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-ALG-FY26-01

1. What is the deadline for submitting applications?

Applications must be submitted no later than July 20, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

2. What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, government institutions, museums, media organizations, social enterprises, and specialized professional individuals.

3. Are for-profit companies eligible to apply?

No. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply as the primary recipient under this APS.

4. Can organizations outside Algeria apply?

Yes. Organizations from the United States, Algeria, and other countries may apply if the proposed project has a significant connection to the APS priorities and will be implemented in Algeria.

5. Can an organization submit more than one proposal?

Yes. Organizations may submit multiple proposals.

6. Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing or matching contributions are encouraged but are not required.

7. What funding amounts are available?

Applicants may request between $5,000 and $75,000.

8. What is the expected project duration?

Projects should be completed within 12 months or less.

9. What are the priority program areas?

The APS supports projects that:

· Advance Commercial Diplomacy;

· Promote English Language to Strengthen Economic, Security, and Cultural Ties; or

· Promote American Innovation in Algeria’s Technological Transformation.

10. Must projects include an American component?

Yes. Competitive proposals should include connections with American experts, institutions, organizations, universities, or private-sector companies that promote lasting U.S.-Algerian cooperation.

11. Who are the priority audiences?

Priority audiences include:

· Algerian youth and young leaders (18–35);

· Entrepreneurs and small business owners;

· Mid-career professionals;

· English language educators; and

· Industry professionals and engineers.

12. What types of activities are encouraged?

Examples include:

· Workshops and training programs;

· Conferences and seminars;

· Speaker programs;

· Professional exchanges;

· Cultural and educational programs;

· Entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives;

· English language programs.

13. What activities are not eligible for funding?

The APS does not support:

· Political campaigns or partisan activities;

· Charitable assistance or direct social services;

· Construction projects;

· Religious activities;

· Fundraising campaigns;

· Scientific research;

· Commercial ventures;

· Lobbying activities;

· Projects focused primarily on organizational development.

14. Is a SAM.gov registration required?

Yes. Organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain an active SAM.gov registration unless an exemption is approved by the Grants Officer.

15. Do individual applicants need a UEI or SAM registration?

No. Individual applicants are not required to have a UEI or SAM.gov registration.

16. How should applications be submitted?

Applicants can apply directly through MyGrants platform or applications should be submitted electronically to:

Algiers_Grants@state.gov Applicants should include the funding opportunity title and number in the email subject line.

17. What documents are required with the application?

Required documents include:

· SF-424 or SF-424-I;

· SF-424A;

· SF-424B (where applicable);

· Project proposal;

· Detailed budget;

· Budget justification narrative;

· Resumes of key personnel;

· Proof of registration;

· Proof of non-profit status (if applicable);

· Letters of support from project partners (if applicable).

18. What should be included in the project proposal?

The proposal should include:

· Project summary;

· Organizational background;

· Problem statement;

· Project design and activities;

· Timeline;

· Key personnel;

· Partners;

· Sustainability plan;

· Monitoring and Evaluation Plan;

· Public Engagement Plan.

19. Is a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan required?

Yes. All applicants must submit a draft Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP), including indicators, outputs, outcomes, data collection methods, and a theory of change (please use the sample provided with the APS).

20. Can grant funds be used for salaries?

Yes. Personnel costs are allowable when directly related to project implementation and adequately justified in the budget.

21. Are indirect costs allowed?

Yes. Organizations with a NICRA may charge their approved indirect cost rate. Organizations without a NICRA may request the de minimis rate of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), consistent with federal regulations.

22. Can grant funds be used for international travel?

Yes, if travel is necessary to achieve project objectives and is adequately justified in the proposal and budget.

23. Are pre-award costs allowable?

No. Expenses incurred before the official award start date cannot be charged to the grant.

24. How will applications be evaluated?

Applications will be evaluated on:

· Quality and feasibility of the project concept (40 points);

· Organizational capacity (20 points);

· Project planning and ability to achieve objectives (15 points);

· Budget quality and cost effectiveness (10 points);

· Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (10 points);

· Sustainability (5 points).

25. When will applicants be notified of funding decisions?

Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the application deadline regarding the outcome of the review process.

26. Can a project address more than one APS goal?

Yes. Applicants may propose activities that contribute to multiple APS goals. However, proposals should clearly identify the primary goal and explain how activities support each objective.

27. Are projects required to take place in Algeria?

Yes. All proposed activities must primarily benefit audiences in Algeria and support U.S.-Algerian cooperation.

28. Can projects include virtual or hybrid activities?

Yes. Virtual and hybrid formats are permitted when they effectively support project objectives and target audiences.

29. Are projects focused solely on AI eligible?

Yes, provided they support Goal 3 and emphasize collaboration with American technology, institutions, or expertise.

30. Are sports-related projects eligible?

Yes. Sports projects may be considered if they clearly support APS objectives such as entrepreneurship, workforce development, innovation, English language learning, or adoption of American business models.

31. Can alumni of U.S. government exchange programs participate?

Yes. Exchange alumni may participate as beneficiaries, trainers, mentors, speakers, or project partners.

32. Does a U.S. partner need to provide a formal commitment letter?

While not mandatory, letters of support from U.S. partners are strongly encouraged and can strengthen an application.

33. Can universities partner with NGOs?

Yes. Cross-sector partnerships are encouraged when they strengthen program implementation and outcomes.

34. Can an organization serve as both a subrecipient and implementation partner?

Yes, provided its role is clearly defined and complies with federal grant regulations.

35. Can grant funds be used to purchase computers?

Yes, if the equipment is necessary for project implementation and adequately justified in the budget.

36. Can grant funds be used to purchase AI software subscriptions?

Yes, if the subscriptions directly support project objectives and are reasonable and necessary.

37. Can food and refreshments be included in the budget?

Reasonable catering expenses directly associated with project activities may be allowable if justified.

38. Can grant funds pay participant transportation costs?

Yes. Transportation expenses for participants may be included if necessary for program participation.

39. Can applicants budget for translation and interpretation services?

Yes. Translation and interpretation costs are allowable when necessary for project implementation.

40. Can volunteers be included as cost share?

Yes. Volunteer time may be counted as an in-kind contribution if properly documented.

41. Are contingency costs allowable?

No. Applicants should budget only for known and reasonably estimated expenses.

42. Can organizations include audit costs?

Yes. Audit costs may be allowable under the conditions described in federal regulations and the APS.

43. What is the difference between outputs and outcomes?

Outputs measure what the project delivers (e.g., number of workshops), while outcomes measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills, or behavior resulting from those activities.

44. How many indicators should a project include?

There is no required number, but applicants should select a reasonable set of indicators that effectively measure progress toward objectives.

45. Must applicants conduct pre- and post-program surveys?

Not necessarily, but applicants should propose appropriate methods to measure project results.

46. Can evaluation costs be included in the budget?

Yes. Monitoring and evaluation costs are allowable and encouraged.

47. Can applicants submit proposals in French or Arabic?

No. All application materials must be submitted in English.

48. Can applicants revise an application after submission?

Generally no. Applicants should ensure their application is complete before submission.

49. What happens if a required document is missing?

Applications missing required forms or documents may be deemed ineligible and removed from consideration.

50. Can the Embassy request additional information?

Yes. The Embassy may request additional programmatic, financial, or organizational information during the review process.

51. Will unsuccessful applicants receive feedback?

Due to the volume of applications, detailed feedback may not always be available.

52. Can an organization apply if it has never received a U.S. government grant?

Yes. Previous U.S. government funding experience is not required.

53. What financial management systems should applicants have?

Applicants should have appropriate accounting, procurement, and internal control procedures to manage federal funds responsibly.

54. When can a selected project begin?

Only after the award document has been signed by the Grants Officer and the official start date has been reached.

55. Can project activities be changed after award?

Significant changes to activities, budgets, or timelines require prior approval from the Grants Officer.

56. How often will recipients submit reports?

Most recipients should expect semi annual programmatic and financial reports.

57. Will the Embassy monitor project implementation?

Yes. The Embassy may participate in monitoring activities, review deliverables, and assess progress toward objectives.

58. Can recipients use the U.S. Embassy logo on project materials?

Recipients must follow Department of State branding and marking requirements and obtain appropriate approvals when required.