Annual Program Statement for Public Diplomacy Mission Mexico - FY26

The U.S. Department of State's Public Diplomacy Mission Mexico is soliciting applications to implement cultural, economic, security, educational, professional, and exchange programming that strengthens ties between the U.S. and Mexico through a single award up to $500,000, with applications due August 10, 2026.

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, public and private educational institutions, individuals, and public international organizations and governmental institutions; for-profit entities are ineligible. All organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active SAM.gov registration, except individuals. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required.

The program anticipates awarding 1 to 10 grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 each, with a total available funding of $500,000 pending availability. Projects must be completed within 18 months, with anticipated start dates of August–September 2026. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element or connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions. Programs spanning multiple states and promoting collaboration among U.S. government program alumni are encouraged.

The program prioritizes five strategic goals: Freedom 250 (showcasing American innovation and shared values), countering adversarial actors, dismantling cartels and combating fentanyl, highlighting the U.S. as partner of choice, and advancing trade and reducing deficit. Acceptable activities include academic and professional lectures, artistic and cultural workshops, professional and academic exchanges, and entrepreneurship promotion.

Review criteria weight program quality and feasibility at 30 points, organizational capacity and prior grant performance at 25 points, project planning and ability to achieve objectives at 20 points, budget reasonableness at 10 points, and monitoring and evaluation planning at 10 points. Assistance Listing 19.040 (Public Diplomacy Programs) funds this opportunity. Applications must be submitted via email to MexicoCityPDAPS@groups.state.gov with the funding opportunity title and number in the subject line.