The U.S. Embassy Baghdad Public Diplomacy Section invites applications for its FY2025 Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement (DOS-Baghdad-PD-2025-001). This program funds initiatives that strengthen cultural, educational, and people-to-people ties between the U.S. and Iraq, emphasizing shared values and fostering bilateral cooperation. The program encourages projects that include an American cultural component or engagement with American experts or institutions to promote U.S. perspectives and policies.

The initiative focuses on several priority areas, including governance, civil society development, media professionalism, combating disinformation, countering violent extremism, entrepreneurship, empowerment of underrepresented groups, environmental crisis mitigation, and cultural heritage preservation. The program targets diverse participants, such as youth, women, ethnic and religious minorities, English learners, policymakers, and civil society organizations.

Funding is available for projects lasting 3 to 24 months, with awards ranging from $25,000 to $500,000. Approximately $4,000,000 is allocated for this program, with 5-10 awards anticipated, contingent on funding availability. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations from Iraq and the U.S. For-profit entities and individuals are ineligible. Cost-sharing is not mandatory but may enhance an application’s competitiveness.

Applications must clearly address the program’s goals and include a detailed budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Mandatory documents include forms SF-424, SF-424A, and others specified in the announcement. Submissions must be formatted in English, using 12-point Calibri font, and adhere to specific technical guidelines. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines on March 30, June 30, and August 30, 2025. All materials must be submitted electronically through MyGrants.

Proposals will be reviewed based on quality, organizational capacity, program feasibility, budget reasonableness, and alignment with equity and underserved communities. A review committee will evaluate applications, with final decisions considering risk factors such as financial stability and compliance with management standards.

Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement with the U.S. Embassy and will be required to submit regular financial and programmatic reports. The award supports project implementation expenses but prohibits funding for activities like construction, fundraising, lobbying, or religious programs. Indirect costs are capped at 15% unless a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) is provided.

This program represents an opportunity to advance U.S.-Iraq relations through impactful and collaborative projects. Interested organizations must ensure compliance with all stated requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and registration with SAM.gov. For additional guidance, applicants may contact BaghdadPDGrants@state.gov.