The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS), has released its annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires PAS Strategic Programs.” This initiative supports Public Diplomacy Strategic Programs in Argentina and aligns with U.S. diplomatic priorities. The funding is authorized under the Smith-Mundt Act and Fiscal Year 2025 Public Diplomacy funding, with each award ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, subject to fund availability. The overall aim is to advance U.S. policy goals, foster mutual understanding, and promote U.S. values through partnerships with academic, educational, cultural, and non-profit institutions or individuals.

PAS invites proposals across five strategic program areas, each with specific goals and deadlines. These include the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), focused on empowering women in Santa Fe and Santiago del Estero provinces with entrepreneurial training; an Alumni Networking Event to strengthen ties among U.S. government program alumni; a leadership and democracy training for young Argentine university students; a “Study of the United States” initiative aligned with the U.S. 250th anniversary; and a nationwide bilingual job fair coordinated through Argentina’s Binational Centers to support English-speaking employability in U.S. businesses operating locally.

Eligible applicants must be non-profit or educational institutions or individuals; commercial entities are not eligible. Each project must incorporate a U.S. element such as collaboration with U.S. experts or organizations. Applications must include a four-page maximum executive summary detailing the problem addressed, the proposed activities, the target audience, implementation region, budget breakdown in U.S. dollars, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. All submissions must be in English and directed to US-ArgentinaGrants@state.gov. Applicants must also have an active registration in SAM.gov.

Proposals are judged on clarity, alignment with U.S. strategic goals, feasibility, sustainability, and innovation. A strong exchange component between the United States and Argentina is essential. Priority is given to proposals that involve alumni of U.S. government programs and American Spaces. Applications must demonstrate realistic objectives, clear planning, and methods for evaluation. Selected grantees are subject to standard U.S. Department of State terms and conditions, including branding and reporting requirements.

The evaluation and review process is conducted by a Grants Review Committee, with final decisions being non-negotiable and not subject to appeal. The embassy reserves the right to fund less than the requested amount and generally withholds 20% of the award pending satisfactory submission of final reports. Applicants can apply for continuation funding beyond the initial period based on program success and available funds. All funded projects must occur in Argentina and target Argentine audiences.

Finally, there are strict funding restrictions: funds cannot benefit individual businesses, fund scholarships for study in the U.S., or support political or religious activities. Projects must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws, cannot promote mass migration to the U.S., and must not provide support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Queries about the application process can be addressed to the email provided, but the embassy does not offer pre-application consultations or feedback on unsuccessful proposals.