Public Diplomacy Bujumbura Small Grants Program

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy Bujumbura is soliciting applications for the Public Diplomacy Bujumbura Small Grants Program by August 14, 2026, to implement projects supporting U.S. policy objectives and promoting Freedom250 through sports and health initiatives. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 with two awards anticipated, pending funding availability.

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and public international or governmental institutions; for-profit entities are excluded. All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active SAM.gov registration. No cost share is required.

Projects must target youth and young professionals aged 15–35, emerging leaders in sports administration, and opinion leaders, with emphasis on basketball and sports excellence during the American Decade of Sport. The program pursues four core goals: advancing U.S. public diplomacy, strengthening people-to-people ties, capitalizing on the Decade of Sport, and promoting physical and mental health. Projects must be completed within twelve months, with anticipated start in October 2026.

Applications require SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms, a ten-page maximum proposal narrative, detailed line-item budget with justification, key personnel resumes, letters of support from partners, and proof of non-profit status. Review criteria emphasize program quality and feasibility (30 points), organizational capacity and grant compliance history (25 points), project planning ability (20 points), budget reasonableness (10 points), monitoring and evaluation plans (10 points), and sustainability (5 points). Recipients must submit quarterly program and financial reports, comply with 2 CFR 200 and Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, and brand materials with Freedom250 logos.

Assistance Listing: 19.040. Applications are due August 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM GMT+2 to BurundiPublicDiplomacy@state.gov.