The U.S. Embassy Managua, through the U.S. Department of State, is offering the Public Diplomacy Alumni Small Grants Competition under funding opportunity number PDS-MGA-FY25-01. This initiative is designed to provide financial support to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs, enabling them to develop projects that align with U.S. public diplomacy priorities and strengthen connections between the people of the United States and Nicaragua. The program seeks to engage alumni in meaningful activities that reinforce mutual understanding and promote collaboration between the two nations.

The funding opportunity operates through a two-step application process. Initially, applicants must submit a Statement of Interest (SOI), a concise document outlining project ideas and objectives. This preliminary submission does not constitute a full proposal but serves as an initial screening phase. Following a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Proposals that progress to the second stage will undergo an additional merit review before final funding decisions are made.

Eligible projects must align with one or more of the following priority objectives: promoting information integrity by countering misinformation and supporting independent media, fostering economic prosperity by enhancing skills and resources, and encouraging safe and legal migration by increasing public awareness of lawful migration pathways. Each project must incorporate a clear U.S. element, such as engagement with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions to further knowledge of American policies and perspectives among the Nicaraguan public.

Funding for selected projects will be provided through FY24 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds. Individual awards will range from $5,000 to $30,000, with the total available funding contingent on appropriations. The length of each funded project may extend up to 12 months, with a planned start date of August 1, 2025. Awards may be structured as grants, fixed-amount awards, or cooperative agreements, the latter of which entails direct involvement from the Public Diplomacy Section in project implementation. While cost sharing is not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to contribute in-kind resources where feasible.

Eligibility is limited to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, including alumni associations. Applicants may collaborate with non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions, but the project must be led and submitted by an eligible alumnus. Projects must comply with restrictions that prohibit partisan political activities, construction projects, commercial initiatives, religious programs, lobbying efforts, or research-focused proposals. Additionally, organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov, though individuals are exempt from this requirement.

Applicants must ensure compliance with all submission requirements and deadlines. The final deadline for applications is May 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM CST, though early submissions are encouraged as funding commitments may be made on a rolling basis. SOIs will be reviewed within 20 business days, with successful candidates proceeding to the full proposal stage. Evaluation criteria include alignment with embassy priorities, clarity of objectives, target audience reach, feasibility of budget and timeline, and compliance with required documentation. Full proposals will be assessed based on project impact, feasibility, organizational capacity, monitoring and evaluation plans, marketing strategies, and sustainability measures.

For inquiries related to the application process, applicants may contact the Public Diplomacy Section at PASManagua@state.gov. Required forms and additional guidance can be found on Grants.gov. It is recommended that organizations initiate their SAM.gov registration well in advance, as the process may take several weeks. Successful applicants will be required to adhere to U.S. Department of State guidelines regarding budget justification, branding, and reporting requirements throughout the project period.