Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan
Active
- Assistance listing
- 19.501
- Agency
-
Department of State
- Grant awards
- 1,128 $449,839,053 in federal obligations
Program facts
- Assistance types
-
- Cooperative Agreement
- Project Grant
- Treasury accounts
-
- 19-7011-3-0-000
- 19-7801-1-3-000
- More information
Program details come from SAM.gov Assistance Listings. Updated . Grant award figures come from USAspending.gov.
About this program
The Department of State funds public diplomacy programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan under Assistance Listing 19.501, with the most recent grant award dated October 30, 2024. This program supports academic and professional exchanges, higher education partnerships, skills development for youth and young professionals, and cultural heritage preservation in both countries, predominantly through Project Grants (71 percent of awards) and Cooperative Agreements (29 percent).
The program has disbursed awards continuously since 2009, with recent activity averaging 26 awards per year across 2020–2024. Combined federal dollars obligated total $449.8 million, with $456.8 million in total obligated dollars including non-federal cost-share. The Department of State proper has issued 782 awards ($290.8 million in federal funding), while the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs has issued 335 awards ($158.9 million in federal funding). Smaller shares come from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (9 awards, $132 thousand), the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (1 award, $12 thousand), and the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (1 award, $0 federal dollars).
Recent awards span climate education, women's empowerment, media capacity-building, and heritage conservation. Representative recent grants include: $2.7 million to the U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan for alumni engagement networks and public diplomacy programming (September 29, 2024); $912 thousand to operate Lincoln Corners in Karachi and Peshawar as cultural exchange platforms (September 29, 2024); $499 thousand for a professional exchange program bringing Pakistani experts to the United States (September 1, 2024); and $475 thousand to counter predatory lending and investment practices by external actors in Pakistan (September 29, 2024). Smaller awards fund journalist training on misinformation, civil society capacity-building for grant writing, and faith leader climate advocacy training.
Grant opportunities posted recently include: Workforce Integration in Conflict Areas (due May 15, 2026; Cooperative Agreement seeking to build employment pathways in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for U.S. companies in mining and minerals sectors); Educational Advising for Afghans (posted May 9, 2024, now closed; Cooperative Agreement for educational advising services to Afghan undergraduates and high school students); and multiple 2024 opportunities now closed, including programs for digital creator exchanges, women's journalism training, radio media strengthening, and civil society climate advocacy. All opportunities limit applicants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and U.S. and Pakistani civil society organizations meeting technical and legal requirements. Award periods run 1–3 years, with funding floors typically $10,000–$150,000 and ceilings $40,000–$400,000 depending on project scope.
Objective and description
- Objective
The U.S. Government (USG) is providing resources to support U.S. foreign policy goals by promoting diplomatic solutions and strengthening the relationship between the people and government of the United States and citizens of the rest of the world th
- Description
Funds awarded under this assistance listing support public diplomacy programs, including but not limited to academic and professional exchanges, higher education, skills development for youth (including young professionals), as well as cultural heritage preservation.
Eligibility
- Applicant eligibility
For more specific information on eligible applicants and use of assistance, please reference the specific Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) posted on grants.gov.
- Beneficiary eligibility
For more specific information on eligible beneficiaries, please reference the specific NOFO posted on grants.gov.
- Length and time phasing of assistance
Funds are awarded for a 1-3 year period. See www.grants.gov. for specific details or Embassy website.
How to apply
- Criteria for selecting proposals
Submitted proposals should identify the importance and relevance of their application to the broader U.S. foreign policy goals, public diplomacy policy objectives as well as the relevance to the program objectives of the Department of State, as described in the solicitation. A compelling statement on the approach to the project will be given great consideration by the review panel. The proposed activities must directly relate to meeting the goals and objectives and how the effectiveness of project activities will be measured. The review panel will be viewing the implementation plan in terms of how well it addresses the problem statement, relevance of the goals and objectives, feasibility of the proposed activities, and their timeline for completion. Other important factors are the quality of the applicant's plan for and ability to assess progress towards project objectives as well as the impact of the project beyond the conclusion of the funding period. Applicants must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated goals and objectives. In addition, applicants should describe how and with whom they will collaborate to meet project goals. For additional information related to selection criteria, potential applicants should refer to the NOFO on grants.gov.
- Award procedure
The Public Diplomacy Sections (PDS) at U.S. Embassies establish panels to review grant applications, ensuring submitted proposals have met the criteria listed in the NOFO or solicitation. The decision for the final award determination rests with the Grants Officer.
- Time to approval or disapproval
For specific details, refer to the NOFO listed on www.grants.gov or the Embassy website.
- Renewals
Renewals or extensions are considered on a case by case basis. Renewals are contingent upon future Congressional funding, Department priorities, and other factors.
Grant opportunities
Show 40 more
Latest 50 listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
Grant awards
Latest 10 of 1,128 listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
Top recipients by federal obligations
| Rank | Recipient | Federal obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American University Of Afghanistan | $25,745,035 | 6% |
| 2 | Family Health International | $22,075,321 | 5% |
| 3 | American University Of Central Asia | $17,276,148 | 4% |
| 4 | United States Educational Foundation In Pakistan | $14,178,796 | 3% |
| 5 | Meridian International Center | $10,404,458 | 2% |
| 6 | The University Of Chicago | $9,810,720 | 2% |
| 7 | Sesame Workshop | $9,062,110 | 2% |
| 8 | American Councils For International Education: Actr / Accels, Inc. | $6,996,453 | 2% |
| 9 | Smad | $6,349,698 | 1% |
9 of 282 recipients listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
Federal obligations by fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Federal obligations |
|---|---|
| FY2026 | -$4,420,344 |
| FY2025 | -$3,213,057 |
| FY2024 | $9,018,564 |
| FY2023 | $10,061,565 |
| FY2022 | $12,408,112 |
| FY2021 | $10,006,752 |
| FY2020 | $21,955,532 |
| FY2019 | $24,897,308 |
| FY2018 | $24,067,774 |
| FY2017 | $25,311,552 |
| FY2016 | $22,753,514 |
| FY2015 | $26,232,254 |
| FY2014 | $32,732,595 |
| FY2013 | $59,602,903 |
| FY2012 | $63,571,688 |
| FY2011 | $65,038,276 |
| FY2010 | $49,594,142 |
| FY2009 | $133,400 |
Show all 18
Quick answers
What is Assistance Listing 19.501?
Assistance Listing 19.501 is Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan, a federal grant program run by Department of State.
What is the CFDA number for Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Its CFDA number is 19.501: Assistance Listing numbers were called CFDA numbers before 2018.
How much funding has Assistance Listing 19.501 awarded?
1,128 grant awards under 19.501 have obligated $449,839,053 in federal funds to 282 recipients.
Who receives the most funding from 19.501?
The recipients obligated the most under Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan are American University Of Afghanistan ($25,745,035), Family Health International ($22,075,321) and American University Of Central Asia ($17,276,148).
How much did 19.501 obligate in fiscal year 2025?
Grants under 19.501 obligated -$3,213,057 in federal funds in fiscal year 2025.
Are there open grant opportunities under 19.501?
None of the latest 50 opportunities under 19.501 is open now. The latest, Workforce Integration in Conflict Areas, was posted on March 26, 2026.
On GovTribe
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