About

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Iraq has announced its call for applications for its Public Diplomacy Annual Program to support initiatives that advance the policy goals of the U.S. Mission to Iraq, which include “fostering stability and economic growth,” “bolstering democracy and governance,” and “ensuring Iraq’s sovereignty and security.”

Successful projects will strengthen cultural, educational, or people-to-people ties between the United States and Iraq through programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation.  All programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Priorities

• Strengthening Governance, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. 

• Strengthening Civil Society and Promoting Civic Engagement. 

• Enhancing Professionalism in the Media.

• Combatting Disinformation. 

• Countering Violent Extremism. 

• Support Entrepreneurship Development in Iraq. 

• Empowering Women, Youth, or Religious and Ethnic Minorities. 

• Enhancing Iraqi Capacity to Mitigate Environmental Crises. 

• Protecting and Preserving Iraqi Cultural Heritage.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $4,000,000.

• Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $500,000.

• Length of performance period: 3 to 24 months.

Ineligible Activities

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: 

  • Programs relating to partisan political activity.

  • Charitable or development activities.

  • Construction programs.

  • Programs that support specific religious activities.

  • Fund-raising campaigns.

  • Lobbying for specific legislation.

  • Scientific research.

  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization.

  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Participants and Audiences

• Youth, both current students and entry-level job applicants.

• Women, particularly entrepreneurs or women involved in technology sectors.

• Policymakers, female leaders, and emerging leaders (both in the public and private sectors). 

• English-language learners, instructors, and program administrators.

• Underserved/minority/refugee communities and internally displaced persons.

• Iraqi journalists and online influencers.

• Civil society organizations and academic institutions.

• U.S. government exchange alumni.

Application Requirements

• The following documents are required: 

  • Mandatory application forms

    • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) 

    • SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

  • Summary Page (optional)

    • Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

  • Proposal (10 pages maximum)

  • The proposal should contain sufficient information to understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below:

    • Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

    • Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

    • Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.

    • Program Goals and Objectives:  The goals describe what the program intends to achieve.  The objectives refer to the intermediate accomplishments. These objectives should be achievable and measurable.

    • Project Activities: Description of the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. 

    • Project Methods and Design: Description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal, including a logic model as appropriate. 

    • Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline:  Proposed timeline for the program activities, including the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

    • Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program, including the proportion of each person’s time that will be used in support of the program. 

    • Project Partners:  Names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

    • Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:  This plan explains how the grantee with monitor activities to ensure they are happening in a timely manner.  It includes details on how the grantee will evaluate the program after its complication to make sure it has met its goals.

    • Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, including the availability of other resources, if applicable.

  • Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget, use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail.

  • Attachments:

    • 1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program.

    • Letters of support from project partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner.

    • If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file. 

    • Official permission letters, if required for program activities.

Eligibility

• The following Iraqi and U.S. organizations are eligible to apply: 

  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations. 

  • Public and private educational institutions.

  • Public international organizations.

  • For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. 

Post Date: January 09, 2025