The U.S. Department of State's Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at Mission Mexico is offering funding under the FY25 Annual Program Statement to foster cultural and educational exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding between the United States and Mexico. This grant opportunity, titled the "Public Diplomacy Mission Mexico FY25 Annual Program Statement," aims to support programs that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. Eligible programs must include a U.S. cultural component or a connection with U.S. experts or institutions to promote awareness of U.S. perspectives. The initiative encourages submissions that foster collaboration across multiple Mexican states and build networks among alumni of U.S. government-sponsored programs.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that advance U.S.-Mexico relations through cultural, economic, educational, and professional programming. The strategic priorities include economic development, workforce development, academic exchanges, migration-related support, and sustainability. Specific goals encompass initiatives such as promoting labor rights under the USMCA, strengthening supply chains, fostering entrepreneurship, improving English-language teaching, expanding academic cooperation between Mexican and U.S. institutions, addressing migration challenges, and advancing clean energy and biodiversity initiatives.

The grant supports a broad range of activities including academic lectures, cultural exhibitions, sports workshops, conservation programs, and professional exchanges. However, certain activities are excluded from funding, such as construction projects, partisan political activities, fundraising, religious programming, scientific research, and lobbying. Successful proposals will align with the program goals and clearly outline objectives, target audiences, and the proposed activities.

Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofit and civil society organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities. U.S.-based applicants must partner with a Mexican organization. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not mandatory. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), with organizations also requiring registration in SAM.gov. Individuals are exempt from the SAM.gov registration requirement.

Application packages must be submitted in English with all materials formatted correctly and budgets presented in U.S. dollars. Required documents include SF-424 forms, a summary page, a detailed proposal, a budget narrative, CVs for key personnel, letters of support from partners, and relevant permissions or cost rate agreements. Only one proposal per organization will be accepted, and submission must occur before the closing date of April 1, 2025.

Proposals will be evaluated on multiple criteria, including the quality and feasibility of the program, the applicant’s capacity and record with federal grants, clarity of goals and planning, budget reasonableness, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability beyond the grant period. Funding decisions will be made by a review committee, and recipients will be informed by email. Selected recipients will receive detailed award notices and must adhere to reporting requirements and U.S. Department of State administrative policies. The anticipated program start date is June 2025.