U.S. Embassy to the United Kingdom Public Diplomacy Section Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy to the United Kingdom Public Diplomacy Section is soliciting applications for grants and cooperative agreements to support public diplomacy initiatives, with applications due by August 10, 2026 and rolling reviews beginning August 1, 2026. Approximately 10 awards are anticipated, ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 each, with total available funding of $230,000 from FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds. Projects must be completed within 12 months or less.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, public and private educational institutions, individuals, and public international or governmental institutions, but not for-profit entities. All organizational applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active SAM.gov registration.

The program supports three priority areas: strengthen U.S. prosperity and UK economic resilience; secure UK support for U.S. policy and strengthen UK defense capabilities; and defend American foundational freedoms and celebrate American independence, culture, and legacy. Awards may be structured as grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements with potential substantial involvement from the Embassy Public Diplomacy Section.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: quality and feasibility (30 points), organizational capacity and prior grant compliance (25 points), project planning ability (20 points), budget (10 points), monitoring and evaluation (10 points), and sustainability (5 points). Applications must include SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B as applicable, a proposal not exceeding 5 pages, detailed budget justification, key personnel resumes, partner letters of support, proof of nonprofit status and registration, and NICRA documentation if applicable. Recipients must submit quarterly progress and financial reports, maintain Foreign Assistance Data Review tracking, and incorporate required Department of State and Freedom 250 branding in all program materials. The program operates under CFDA 19.040 (Public Diplomacy Programs).