The U.S. Embassy Yerevan Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement (APS), outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The APS is a best practice utilized by many U.S. embassies around the world to solicit proposals for funding via an open and transparent competition process. With few exceptions, awards are made based on open competition. In the interest of fairness and transparency, PDS cannot accept unsolicited proposals. PDS only considers proposals received in response to the Annual Program Statement, and Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOS) posted on Grants.gov and the Embassy website. The Embassy invites proposals from qualified individuals and organizations for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Armenia, including cultural and exchange programs that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert(s), organization(s) or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy, culture, and perspectives. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and awarded pending funding availability. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting proposals. Please follow all instructions below carefully. Priority Program Areas 1. Reinforce U.S.-Armenian Shared Values, by funding proposals that support human rights, social inclusion (including supporting integration of displaced persons), youth outreach, gender equity, and womens empowerment. 2. Strengthen U.S.-Armenia Cultural and Educational Ties, by funding proposals that promote U.S. culture, including music, dance, arts, film, sports, and education, and bring together U.S. and Armenian artists, educators, and other experts together to collaborate and support artistic and cultural projects that advance human rights, equity and social inclusion, youth outreach, and womens empowerment. 3. Advance Shared Prosperity, by funding proposals that foster economic empowerment, resilience, and shared prosperity through STEM education and entrepreneurship initiatives, particularly for youth and other underserved audiences, including women. 4. Advance Regional and Global Security, by funding proposals that support reconciliation, peace-building, and lasting partnerships between the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and normalization of relations between the people of Armenia and Turkey, including plans for continued cooperation after the project ends. 5. Develop Media Capacity and Expand English Language Opportunities, by funding proposals that advance media literacy, train journalists, and expand English language learning and training opportunities for journalists, students, and youth. 6. Strengthen Democracy and Civil Society, by funding proposals that encourage transparency and accountability in governance, foster civic engagement and reforms, and promote democracy, rule of law, and civic education. NOTE: Most projects of this nature are funded under the Democracy Commission and Alumni Outreach small grants.