Public Diplomacy Grants Program

DOS-NIC PDS-MGA-APS-FY26-01
Posted: Apr 01, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Closes: 05/18/2026

Funding Information

Award Ceiling
$80,000
Award Floor
$20,000

Description

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Managua announces an open competition for the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program to advance U.S. security, commercial interests, and regional stability in Nicaragua through innovative public diplomacy initiatives.Proposals must address one of three priority areas: advancing U.S. trade and economic interests by promoting market-oriented, private sector–led growth, fostering trade relationships with the United States, and increasing awareness of foreign economic practices that undermine U.S. and Nicaraguan commercial interests; protecting free speech, defending religious freedom, and countering anti-U.S. narratives by strengthening independent voices, expanding access to credible information, and building the capacity of independent media and civil society; or supporting border security and ending mass migration by increasing public understanding of U.S. immigration laws, the dangers of illegal migration, and combating criminal networks.Target audiences may include independent journalists, civil society organizations, religious workers and institutions, youth and university students, entrepreneurs and small businesses, and rural producers. Programs may use workshops, trainings, exchanges, media initiatives, and community-based activities to expand access to information and create economic opportunities.Eligible applicants include individuals, non-profit organizations, civil society groups, educational institutions, media organizations, and other qualified entities capable of implementing programs aligned with these priorities.

Synopsis

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Managua announces an open competition for the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program to advance U.S. security, commercial interests, and regional stability in Nicaragua through innovative public diplomacy initiatives.


Proposals must address one of three priority areas: advancing U.S. trade and economic interests by promoting market-oriented, private sector–led growth, fostering trade relationships with the United States, and increasing awareness of foreign economic practices that undermine U.S. and Nicaraguan commercial interests; protecting free speech, defending religious freedom, and countering anti-U.S. narratives by strengthening independent voices, expanding access to credible information, and building the capacity of independent media and civil society; or supporting border security and ending mass migration by increasing public understanding of U.S. immigration laws, the dangers of illegal migration, and combating criminal networks.


Target audiences may include independent journalists, civil society organizations, religious workers and institutions, youth and university students, entrepreneurs and small businesses, and rural producers. Programs may use workshops, trainings, exchanges, media initiatives, and community-based activities to expand access to information and create economic opportunities.


Eligible applicants include individuals, non-profit organizations, civil society groups, educational institutions, media organizations, and other qualified entities capable of implementing programs aligned with these priorities.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Individuals Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education
The following organizations (U.S. and foreign) are eligible to apply:
• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
• Public and private educational institutions
• Individuals

Funding Activity Categories

Other (see text field entitled "Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity" for clarification)

CFDA Numbers

  • 19.040 - Public Diplomacy Programs

Contact Information

Agency: Carlsky Belizaire Grantor
Contact: Carlsky Belizaire Grantor
Phone: 505225271007696
Embassy Managua Public Diplomacy Team

Additional Information

Document Type: synopsis
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Version: 1
Last Updated: Apr 01, 2026 01:27:47 PM EDT

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