The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur’s Public Affairs Section (PAS), under the U.S. Department of State, has released its 2025 Annual Program Statement (APS) to support its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This funding opportunity is designed to enhance U.S.–Malaysia relations through programs that advance mutual understanding, promote U.S. policies, and strengthen bilateral cooperation. The opportunity is open through August 31, 2025, and provides a structured pathway for applicants to receive grants for projects that fulfill these diplomatic goals. The funding stems from Fiscal Year 2025 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, with a total program budget of $500,000.

Grants will range between $5,000 and $99,000, with approximately ten awards anticipated, depending on the amounts requested. Funded projects must be completed within one year and are expected to start no earlier than May 1, 2025. The funding can take the form of a grant, a fixed amount award (FAA), or a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements may include substantial involvement from the Embassy in project execution, including joint planning and oversight.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, NGOs, governmental or not-for-profit educational institutions, individuals, and governmental bodies. However, all applicants must ensure that their proposals contain a strong Malaysian component and a significant American element. This could be achieved through the inclusion of American experts, institutions, or cultural perspectives that promote a better understanding of U.S. policies. Applicants are limited to one submission per organization; multiple submissions will render all proposals ineligible.

The program prioritizes proposals that align with specific themes such as regional security cooperation, countering extremism and illegal migration, promoting U.S.–Malaysia economic partnerships, and fostering STEM-based innovation. Projects must have a Malaysian audience and are not eligible if they focus on partisan political activity, individual academic research, religious activity, or general fundraising efforts.

Applications must be submitted in English and include mandatory forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B for certain entities), a one-page summary, a detailed proposal (maximum four pages), a budget justification (two pages), and supplementary attachments like CVs, support letters, and any necessary permissions. The Embassy has outlined four review periods based on when applications are received, with final decisions issued by September 4, 2025. Submissions can be sent via email or through grants.gov.

Proposals will be evaluated based on six criteria: quality and feasibility (20 points), organizational capacity (20), program planning (15), budget (15), monitoring and evaluation (15), and sustainability (15). Successful applicants will be notified via email and required to comply with various federal regulations and reporting requirements. Questions can be directed to PublicAffairsKL@state.gov. All submissions must be made by the final deadline of August 31, 2025.