The U.S. Department of State has announced the 2025 U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Grants Program. This initiative supports projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage internationally, aligning with U.S. foreign policy goals. Specifically, the program seeks to enhance U.S.-Morocco relations by promoting economic growth and preserving cultural heritage within Morocco.

The program funds the preservation of archaeological sites, historic buildings, museum collections, and traditional cultural expressions such as indigenous languages and crafts. Eligible activities include anastylosis (reassembling sites), conservation, consolidation, documentation, preventive conservation, restoration, stabilization, and inventory creation. The focus is on projects that benefit local communities, contribute to Morocco’s development, and support cultural preservation. Ineligible activities include those involving natural heritage, privately owned objects, archaeological excavations for research, and projects with costs outside the range of $10,000 to $500,000.

Applicants must be reputable, non-commercial entities with the capacity to manage cultural preservation projects. Eligible applicants include Moroccan nonprofit organizations, public entities, U.S. nonprofit organizations, and U.S. higher education institutions. Ineligible applicants are individuals, commercial entities, and organizations with a history of non-compliance on past AFCP awards. All entities advancing to the second round must have active registration on SAM.gov by April 29, 2025.

The application process is divided into two rounds. For the first round, applicants must submit a concept note by January 3, 2025, including applicant details, project description, location, timeframe, objectives, budget estimate, and visual documentation of the site or object. Successful applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in the second round. Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be reviewed.

Grant awards range from $10,000 to $500,000, with performance periods of 12 to 60 months. Selected projects will be managed through grants or cooperative agreements, with expenses allowed only from the start date specified in the award document. Compliance with various federal regulations, including those concerning trafficking, drug-free workplaces, and procurement, is required. Proposals must demonstrate alignment with program goals and show how they advance racial equity, underserved communities, and the program’s objectives.

The U.S. Embassy in Morocco is available to assist applicants with project design and concept note preparation between November 27 and December 31, 2024. Queries should be directed to RabatGrants@state.gov, with “AFCP 2025” in the subject line.