The U.S. Embassy Kingston Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. The deadline is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Project proposals should aim to strengthen ties between the United States and Jamaica by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation. Proposals must convey an American element, which supports a priority program area (see below) or includes a 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. Priority program areas include:

• Climate, Environment, and Energy
o For example, addressing the climate crisis, responding to natural disasters, conserving nature, water security, sustainable agriculture, reducing harmful pollutants, energy resilience, and renewable energy.

• Combating Financial Scamming and Other Criminal Activity
o For example, addressing corruption and money laundering, improving police-public relations, appreciation of the law, teaching digital literacy, detecting financial scamming, and promoting behaviors that increase community safety.

• Programs for At-Risk Youth
o For example, diversion programs to prevent youth violence, educational programs for critical life skills, and parent/family interventions.

• Economic Prosperity
o For example, business development, closing skills gaps in local communities, human resources, infrastructure, cybersecurity, resource development, and trade.

• Global Health
o For example, managing contagious and infectious diseases, public health workforce development, and public health policy and management.

• Gender Issues
o For example, women’s empowerment, improving outcomes for marginalized male youth, addressing gender-based violence, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

• Human Rights and Democracy
o For example, addressing fundamental human rights, human trafficking, immigration, refugees, governance, the role of civil society, and freedom of the press/media.

Additional details on these policy priorities are available at https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/

Target participants/audiences:
• Women and/or youth in underserved communities
• Business leaders and entrepreneurs
• Community leaders and influencers
• Academic and/or cultural institutions
• Journalists and/or media organizations

The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:
• Projects relating to partisan political activity
• For-profit activities
• Charitable or development activities
• Construction projects
• Projects that support specific religious activities
• Fundraising campaigns
• Lobbying for specific legislation or projects
• Scientific research
• Projects that duplicate existing projects

Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Funding authorities applicable are the Smith-Mundt Act and Foreign Assistance Act for FY2024 Public Diplomacy funds.