The U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) has announced funding through the Public Diplomacy Grants Program to support future constructive relations and reinforce ties between the American and Russian people.
All grant proposals must convey an element of U.S. history, culture, or values. Competitive proposals should support a priority program area. Competitive proposals should also include a connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s that will promote increased cooperation between the people of the United States and Russia even after the program has finished.
The United States government has unequivocally condemned the Russian government’s aggressive foreign policy, which culminated in the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, the United States respects the Russian people and their contributions to science, culture, and constructive bilateral relations over many decades and who face systematic repression of their fundamental freedoms by their own government.
The people-to-people connections between the countries have weathered challenging times in the past, and remain the bedrock upon which a future, more constructive relationship could emerge. In that spirit, the United States supports people-to-people engagements, exchange programs, and other initiatives that promote interaction between the Russian and American people with the aim of keeping the door open to that better future. They continue to welcome individual Russian students, scholars, and civil society members to the country and the academic institutions to learn about American people, values, and institutions firsthand.
Priority Areas
Media & Information: Projects that promote an understanding of freedom of the press, good journalistic practices, increased access to information, and improved media and digital literacy for the Russian people;
Sharing America: Projects that promote an understanding of the American values of democracy, freedom of expression, and an open society, as well as proposals that increase the understanding of America’s diverse cultures and groups;
Empowering Women & Minorities: Projects that support the rights of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities;
Environment & Space: Projects that promote improvements, innovation, advancement, and collaboration in the areas of space and the environment;
English Language Learning & Teaching: Projects that support innovative, interactive teaching and learning of the English language. Projects that support ongoing efforts of the Regional English Language Office will be especially welcome.
Funding Information
Total available funding: To be determined
Award amounts: Awards may range from $25,000 – $200,000 for organizations, $25,000 – $50,000 for individuals
Length of performance period: Up to 24 months
Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be planned for a period of no more than 24 months. PDS will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.
Ineligible Funding
The following types of projects are NOT eligible for funding:
Projects relating to partisan political activity;
Charitable or development activities;
Construction projects;
Commercial projects;
Projects that support specific religious activities;
Fundraising campaigns;
Lobbying for specific legislation or projects;
Competitions where the prize is the only outcome of the program;
Scientific research and/or surveys; or
Projects that duplicate existing projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants
Eligibility is limited to recipients qualified to receive U.S. grants and able to develop and implement programs with persons within the Russian Federation and/or programs that incorporate communities maintaining ties to people living in Russia. Preference will be given to programs implemented in the Russian Federation or directly reaching people living in Russia. These include:
Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals carrying out programs in support of civil society;
Commercial educational and cultural organizations with not-for-profit activities;
Museums, national parks, and nature reserves, and;
Individuals
For-profit or commercial entities are NOT eligible to apply.
Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing (providing funding or goods/services in-kind) is allowable but not required.
Other Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible to receive an award, organizations must have a valid registration.
