U.S. Embassy Moscow, Public Affairs Section FY 2024 Annual Program Statement (APS)

BACKGROUND: 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 our 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. We continue to welcome individual Russian students, scholars, and civil society members to our country and our academic institutions to learn about American people, values, and institutions firsthand.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) announces funding is available through our Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This APS outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedure for submitting requests for funding. Applications for programs are accepted until the deadline of pril 24, 2024. The U.S. Embassy will not accept applications under the 2024 NOFO after that deadline.

Please carefully follow all instructions below. Please use the grant application mandatory forms and consider using the proposal and budget templates found on our website sidebar.

Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants: PDS Moscow invites proposals for projects that 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 (see below). 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.

Priority Programming 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 (https://ru.usembassy.gov/education-culture/english-language-office/).

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.

Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding:

Funding authority rests primarily in Fulbright-Hayes or Smith-Mundt FY2024 Public Diplomacy funding, as well as other funding sources. All programming is subject to the statutory limitations of the funding determined and availability of funds.