The U.S. Embassy Tirana’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) has announced a funding opportunity under its Annual Program Statement (APS) for FY 2025. This grant supports initiatives aimed at strengthening U.S.-Albanian relations through cultural and educational exchange programs. Projects should incorporate American cultural elements and highlight the connection between American expertise and local Albanian initiatives. The total available funding is $500,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Applications will be accepted until September 21, 2025, though proposals can be submitted and reviewed in two cycles: November 1 to May 21 (reviewed by June 5) and May 22 to September 21 (reviewed by September 30). The program performance period is between six to twenty-four months, starting as early as October 1, 2025.

The APS identifies three priority areas for funding: strengthening democratic institutions, advancing national security and regional stability, and promoting economic growth through entrepreneurship and innovation. Programs that support democratic institutions may include initiatives to develop public policy engagement, media professionalism, and youth mentorship in career development. Security-focused proposals should aim to enhance skills in cybersecurity and technology or support partnerships with multinational organizations. Economic growth initiatives can emphasize “soft skills” like digital literacy, foster entrepreneurship in underserved communities, or support cultural heritage preservation. Applicants should aim to target key audiences, including young professionals, women leaders, at-risk populations, and other underserved communities in Albania.

Eligible applicants include U.S. and Albanian nonprofit organizations, civil society groups, educational institutions, and government agencies. Individuals may apply for grants of up to $150,000, though commercial entities are not eligible. While cost-sharing is not required, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate sustainable project plans. Each organization may only submit one proposal per cycle, and all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and register with SAM.gov to apply. Individuals do not require a UEI but must meet all other eligibility requirements. Proposals should clearly outline their connection to U.S. Mission Albania’s goals, specifying primary and secondary target audiences.

Applicants must submit proposals in English, adhering to formatting guidelines, including mandatory forms and detailed budget justifications. Required documents include a proposal summary, organizational description, problem statement, and a SMART-objective framework for goals and evaluation. Applicants should include résumés of key personnel, letters of support from program partners, and any official permissions necessary for the program. Additionally, a program monitoring and evaluation plan is required, describing how activities and goals will be tracked and measured. Proposals should also include a media plan to promote the project and acknowledge the support of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.

Applications will be evaluated on five main criteria: alignment with mission priorities (35%), quality and feasibility of the program idea (20%), monitoring and evaluation strategy (20%), budget and cost-effectiveness (15%), and the applicant’s organizational capacity and past performance on U.S. government grants (10%). A Grants Review Committee will evaluate eligible proposals based on these factors. Successful applicants will be notified via email, and funding will be disbursed in multiple installments as needed.

For any questions, applicants are encouraged to contact PAS via email at TiranaPDresources@state.gov. However, pre-application consultations will not be provided, and questions answered within the APS document will not receive individual responses. Applicants should review compliance requirements and ensure they meet all submission standards and deadlines to be considered for this opportunity.