Liberty Under Law: The Shared Anglo-American Tradition

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy London is soliciting applications for innovative public education and civic-engagement programs in the United Kingdom that deepen understanding of the shared Anglo-American common law tradition and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the American Bar Association's Magna Carta Memorial unveiling at Runnymede, with applications due August 21, 2026.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, universities, and consortia with demonstrated transatlantic programming experience; U.K.-based registered charities and educational institutions partnering with at least one U.S. entity; and consortia of these entities with a single lead applicant. For-profit entities, individuals, and government agencies (except public universities) are ineligible. All organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active SAM.gov registration.

The program will award up to three grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 each, with total available funding of $500,000 from FY26 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds. Projects may span up to 18 months, with start date no later than September 30, 2026. Funding instruments include grants, fixed amount awards, and cooperative agreements.

Priority is given to ambitious initiatives connecting foundational principles—freedom of speech, due process, trial by jury, limited government, rule of law, property rights, taxation by consent, and ordered liberty—to contemporary civic life. Eligible activities include symposia, traveling exhibitions, speaker exchanges, and digital outreach.

Review criteria emphasize relevance to program objectives (30 points), project design and feasibility (25 points), organizational capacity (20 points), monitoring and evaluation (15 points), and cost effectiveness (10 points). Preference is given to proposals demonstrating strong U.S.-UK partnerships, creative digital components, and clear plans for legacy materials.

Applications submitted via email to LondonGrants@state.gov on rolling basis must include SF-424 and SF-424A forms, 15-page narrative proposal, detailed line-item budget with justification, key personnel resumes, partner support letters, proof of non-profit status, and SAM.gov registration documentation.

This opportunity is coded under CFDA 19.040, Public Diplomacy Programs.