The U.S. Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay, through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State, is offering a funding opportunity titled the "Embassy Montevideo Small Grants Program." This program is supported through the FY2025 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and seeks to advance U.S. strategic priorities in Uruguay. The cooperative agreement under this opportunity emphasizes strong embassy involvement in program implementation and aims to enhance U.S.-Uruguay relations through projects that promote economic prosperity, democracy, and security.

The program invites proposals from eligible non-profit organizations and governmental institutions to manage and implement subawards that support U.S. Embassy Montevideo’s strategic interests. These interests include promoting economic development, enhancing technology and innovation, fostering democratic values, and strengthening local security. Subawards ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 may be allocated under the guidance of the primary grantee and must include a U.S. element such as collaboration with American experts or institutions.

Eligible applicants include U.S. and Uruguayan non-profit organizations (with U.S. organizations requiring 501(c)(3) status), think tanks, NGOs, civil society groups, cultural and educational associations, and Uruguayan governmental and educational institutions. For-profit entities and individuals are ineligible. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov. Pre-award costs are not allowed, and cost sharing is not required but can be voluntarily proposed.

Applications must include specific components such as a proposal narrative (up to 15 pages), budget forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B if applicable), and supporting attachments. Proposals must be submitted in English by email and must adhere to formatting requirements. Submissions are due by May 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Uruguay time. The Embassy will host a virtual Q&A session on May 6, 2025, with questions due by May 5, 2025.

Evaluation criteria include alignment with embassy priorities, quality and feasibility of the proposal, clarity of planning, sound budgeting, effective monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. A review panel will evaluate submissions and notify successful applicants within ten days after selection. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed within 50 days after the deadline. Award administration will involve quarterly reporting and compliance with federal regulations and Department of State standard terms.

Contact for submission and inquiries is MontevideoGrants@state.gov. The anticipated project start date is June 15, 2025, and projects should run for 12 to 18 months. The funding is subject to availability, and the Embassy reserves the right to make fewer or smaller awards depending on application quality and strategic priorities.