The U.S. Consulate General Lagos, under the U.S. Department of State, has announced the availability of funding through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program for 2025. This program, issued under the Annual Program Statement (APS), aims to strengthen the relationship between the people of the United States and Nigeria through projects that highlight shared goals and values. Applicants must integrate an American component into their projects, such as American expert engagement, cultural celebrations, U.S. training curriculum, or the use of American Spaces materials. Proposals that demonstrate a strong American connection will receive priority in the selection process.

The funding opportunity is available for U.S. and Nigerian registered non-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, and public and private educational institutions. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible. Eligible projects must focus on one or more of the following thematic areas: entrepreneurship and innovation, leadership development, democracy and human rights, press freedom and media training, and education. Specific priorities within these themes include digital skills, youth workforce readiness, civic engagement, anti-corruption initiatives, investigative journalism, and STEM education.

Funding awards will range between $20,000 and $50,000, with an anticipated total program funding of $450,000, subject to availability. The program aims to support between 9 and 22 projects, depending on the funding allocations. The expected project duration is up to 12 months, and continuation of grants beyond the initial period may be considered based on performance and funding availability. The application deadline is March 31, 2025, with an anticipated program start date between June 1, 2025, and November 30, 2025.

Applicants must submit a detailed proposal that includes a summary of the project, goals and objectives, implementation plan, budget justification, project partners, evaluation plan, and sustainability measures. Required forms include SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance), SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs), and SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs). Applications must be submitted via email to LagosPASGrants@state.gov, and all documents must be in English.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability. The review process will be competitive, and applicants will be notified of their status by June 1, 2025. Selected recipients will enter into a formal grant agreement with the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, and payments will be made via electronic funds transfer. All recipients must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration on SAM.gov.