The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, under the Department of State, has issued its Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2025. This funding opportunity, announced under opportunity number PAS-ZAF-FY25-02, is aimed at strengthening partnerships and promoting mutual understanding between South African and American individuals and institutions. Eligible applicants are invited to submit concept notes for projects that foster meaningful engagement and knowledge exchange. Applications are accepted in two phases, starting with a concise concept paper and, for selected applicants, followed by a full proposal submission. The final deadlines for submission of concept notes are May 9, 2025, and July 11, 2025, although earlier submissions are encouraged due to limited funding availability.

The primary objective of this APS is to support projects that connect American and South African people and institutions. Funded projects should involve significant American components, such as collaboration with U.S. experts or the inclusion of U.S. policy and cultural elements. The initiatives should be innovative and strategically aligned with the U.S. Mission’s priorities, including STEM education partnerships, university collaboration, media literacy, alumni networks, entrepreneurship, and community safety. Projects must take place principally in South Africa and target South African audiences, particularly in underserved areas.

The APS prioritizes funding for non-profit organizations and academic institutions. Proposals from for-profit entities are ineligible. While cost sharing is allowed, it is not required, and applicants are not obligated to have an active SAM.gov registration at the concept note phase. However, registration is mandatory before being considered a finalist. Each award is expected to be under $25,000, and approximately 10 awards are anticipated, depending on proposal amounts and funding availability.

Applicants should prepare a two-page concept paper in English, outlining the proposed project, estimated budget, timeline, and expected outcomes. Budgets must be in U.S. dollars. The concept paper should be uploaded via a specified Google Form. Selected applicants will receive further instructions for submitting a full proposal. The evaluation will be based on the proposal's alignment with strategic priorities, innovation, feasibility, American connection, and organizational capacity. Full proposal notifications will be issued no later than October 15, 2025.

Project activities must avoid certain ineligible areas such as partisan politics, religious activities, construction, charitable services, and projects solely for research or institutional development. Special regional priorities exist for provinces such as KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, and others, emphasizing local issues like the blue economy, creative industries, and agricultural education. Additional requirements apply for organizations intending to partner with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Post-award, grantees are expected to comply with standard federal regulations, including financial and programmatic reporting. Projects are subject to review under the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR) system, and organizations may request payments via the SF-270 form. The grant program follows the Smith-Mundt funding guidelines and complies with federal anti-discrimination laws as outlined in Executive Order 14173.