Public Diplomacy Section Praia: Small Grants Program

The U.S. Embassy Praia's Public Diplomacy Section is seeking project proposals that celebrate America's 250th anniversary while advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities in Cabo Verde through the America250 and Freedom250 initiatives. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, individuals, and public international organizations, with for-profit entities excluded from consideration. Proposals must address priority areas including technology and innovation, artificial intelligence and digital responsibility, cybersecurity, American culture and history, and youth civic participation, with all projects requiring a clear American element such as collaboration with U.S. experts or content highlighting democratic institutions. Evaluation will be based on six criteria: program quality and feasibility (30 points), organizational capacity and grant history (25 points), project planning ability (20 points), budget reasonableness (10 points), monitoring and evaluation plan (10 points), and sustainability (5 points). The application deadline is May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CVT, with submissions required via email to praiagrants@state.gov or through Grants.gov, and applicants will be notified of selection within 120 days of the deadline.

The program anticipates awarding approximately 10 grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 each, with total available funding of $18,000 subject to availability. Selected projects must be completed within 6 to 18 months with an anticipated start date of July 2026. All activities will take place in Cabo Verde, with applicants required to submit federal forms (SF-424 or SF-424-I, SF-424A, SF-424B), a 10-page proposal, detailed line-item budget with justification, monitoring and evaluation plan with theory of change diagram, key personnel resumes, partner support letters, and proof of non-profit status and SAM.gov registration.