The U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) has announced its FY 2025 Annual Program Statement (APS), providing funding opportunities for projects that reinforce people-to-people connections between the United States and Russia. This initiative aims to support cultural, educational, and informational exchanges that foster mutual understanding despite ongoing political tensions. The grant seeks to engage Russian citizens and communities maintaining ties with Russia by promoting U.S. values, democratic principles, and educational collaboration.

The program will provide grants for projects that fall within specific priority areas: Media & Information, Sharing America, Collaborative and Educational Projects, and English Language Learning & Teaching. Projects under the Media & Information category should focus on press freedom, journalistic integrity, media literacy, and access to unbiased information. The Sharing America category supports projects that introduce Russian audiences to American democratic values, freedom of expression, and society. Collaborative and Educational Projects aim to enhance knowledge sharing, innovation, and cooperation, particularly in fields aligned with U.S. administration priorities. English Language Learning & Teaching projects should encourage interactive and innovative approaches to English education in Russia.

Funding amounts will vary depending on the applicant type. Organizations may apply for grants between $25,000 and $250,000, while individuals may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. The total available funding is yet to be determined and is subject to the availability of U.S. government funds. Awards will be provided as grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, with project performance periods lasting up to 24 months. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2025, and selected projects are expected to begin as early as September 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications early to ensure eligibility.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, think tanks, educational institutions, civil society organizations, museums, national parks, nature reserves, and individuals. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible. Additionally, proposals must focus on projects implemented within Russia or engaging Russian communities abroad. The U.S. Embassy strongly encourages projects that involve U.S. organizations, experts, or institutions to foster long-term bilateral cooperation. Cost sharing or matching contributions are permitted but not required.

Applicants must submit a comprehensive application, including required federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), a proposal cover sheet, a detailed project proposal, a budget spreadsheet with a justification narrative, key personnel resumes, letters of support from partners, and any necessary documentation such as NICRA agreements for indirect costs. Proposals should clearly articulate goals, target audiences, project activities, expected outcomes, and a plan for measuring success. The embassy will not accept incomplete applications or proposals that include partisan political activities, religious events, lobbying, commercial ventures, or construction projects.

A grants selection committee will evaluate applications based on organizational capacity, alignment with embassy priorities, feasibility, budget justification, and project impact. Notifications regarding funding decisions will be issued no later than September 30, 2025. Successful applicants will receive electronic payments in installments, with financial and programmatic reporting requirements throughout the grant period. Questions regarding the grant application process can be directed to GrantsRussia@state.gov.