Alternatives to State Border Security Reinforcement Fund

The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Office of International Visitors (ECA/PE/V) announces an open competition for approximately five cooperative agreements to support the staff expenses and overhead costs of the FY 2027 International Visitor Leadership Program’s (IVLP) National Program Agencies (NPAs). Launched in 1940, the IVLP is the Department of State’s foundational professional exchange program. The IVLP advances America First national security priorities and builds long-term relationships between Americans and international leaders in government, business, academia, and other fields. Recipients design and implement customized short-term visits to the United States for current and emerging leaders from around the world. These visits support U.S. foreign policy goals and reflect the participants’ professional interests. Eligible recipients will have expertise in foreign policy, experience in professional exchange programming, and the ability to provide tailored projects for participants from all countries. Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.

The Fulbright U.S. and Visiting Scholar Programs annually provide approximately 970 awards to U.S. scholars and professionals to lecture and/or conduct research overseas and approximately 1,025 awards to visiting (non-U.S.) scholars to lecture and/or conduct research in the United States. In addition to the core U.S. and Visiting Scholar Program components, the agreement also includes, but is not limited to, the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program (S-I-R); Global Scholars Program; International Education Administrator Seminars (IEA) seminars; Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF); research-based, cohort programs to address priority policy areas; and other special awards that align with U.S. government priorities. Please read the Notice of Funding Opportunity and POGI for additional details.

This is Modification 01 to the NOFO: • Inserted certain deadlines and updated dates, including the deadlines for submitting questions and Full Applications (Basic Information, Section IV.C). NOFO Number: DE-FOA-0003623 – High-performance Optimized Recycled Nuclear Isotopes for Gen IV reactors (HORNIG) Agency Overview: The Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy (ARPA-E), an organization within the Department of Energy (DOE), is chartered by Congress in the America COMPETES Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–69), as amended by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–358), as further amended by the Energy Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–260). ARPA-E issues this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under its authorizing statute codified at 42 U.S.C. § 16538. The NOFO and any cooperative agreements or grants made under this NOFO are subject to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 as supplemented by 2 C.F.R. Part 910. ARPA-E funds research on, and the development of, transformative science and technology solutions to address the energy and environmental missions of the Department. The agency focuses on technologies that can be meaningfully advanced with a modest investment over a defined period of time in order to catalyze the translation from scientific discovery into early-stage technology. For the latest news and information about ARPA-E, its programs and the research projects currently supported, see: http://arpa-e.energy.gov/. ARPA-E funds transformational research. Existing energy technologies generally progress on established “learning curves” where refinements to a technology and the economies of scale that accrue as manufacturing and distribution develop drive improvements to the cost/performance metric in a gradual fashion. This continual improvement of a technology is important to its increased commercial deployment and is appropriately the focus of the private sector or the applied technology offices within DOE. In contrast, ARPA-E supports transformative research that has the potential to create fundamentally new learning curves. ARPA-E technology projects typically start with cost/performance estimates well above the level of an incumbent technology. Given the high risk inherent in these projects, many will fail to progress, but some may succeed in generating a new learning curve with a projected cost/performance metric that is significantly better than that of the incumbent technology. ARPA-E will provide support at the highest funding level only for submissions with significant technology risk, aggressive timetables, and careful management of associated risk. ARPA-E funds technology with the potential to be disruptive in the marketplace. The mere creation of a new learning curve does not ensure market penetration. Rather, the ultimate value of a technology is determined by the marketplace, and impactful technologies ultimately become disruptive—that is, they are widely adopted and displace existing technologies from the marketplace or create entirely new markets. ARPA-E understands that definitive proof of market disruption takes time, particularly for energy technologies. Therefore, ARPA-E funds the development of technologies that, if technically successful, have clear disruptive potential, e.g., by demonstrating capability for manufacturing at competitive cost and deployment at scale. ARPA-E funds applied research and development (R&D). The Office of Management and Budget defines “applied research” as an “original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge…directed primarily toward a specific practical aim or objective” and defines “experimental development” as “creative and systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience, which is directed at producing new products or processes or improving existing products or processes.” Applicants interested in receiving financial assistance for basic research (defined by the Office of Management and Budget as “experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts”) should contact the DOE’s Office of Science. Office of Science national scientific user facilities (http://science.energy.gov/user-facilities/) are open to all researchers, including ARPA-E applicants and awardees. These facilities provide advanced tools of modern science including accelerators, colliders, supercomputers, light sources and neutron sources, as well as facilities for studying the nanoworld, the environment, and the atmosphere. Projects focused on early-stage R&D for the improvement of technology along defined roadmaps may be more appropriate for support through the DOE applied energy offices including: the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI), the Office of Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy, the Office of Nuclear Energy, and the Office of Electricity. ARPA-E encourages submissions stemming from ideas that still require proof-of-concept R&D efforts as well as those for which some proof-of-concept demonstration already exists. Submissions can propose a project with the end deliverable being an extremely creative, but partial solution. Program Overview: Transuranic (TRU) elements—such as plutonium (Pu), neptunium (Np), and americium (Am)—are a significant source of fissile materials that are available across existing nuclear inventories and strategic reserves and have the potential to drive advanced reactor deployment. , The technical feasibility of recycling TRU elements into new fuels has been proven at the experimental scale. Advances in fabrication, safeguards, equipment design, and modeling will create the opportunity to transition from experimental success to commercial-scale deployment, enabling higher-throughput and lower-cost fuel production with real-time materials accountancy. The High-performance Optimized Recycled Nuclear Isotopes for Gen IV reactors (HORNIG) program will support research and development projects that deliver commercially deployable TRU fuel technologies, thereby strengthening U.S. energy security, reducing nuclear waste, and enabling long-term energy deployment for public benefit. The HORNIG program seeks to overcome key technical and economic barriers that have historically prevented using TRU fuels in commercial reactors and to create a clear path to domestic nuclear fuel security by supporting the design, fabrication, and qualification of TRU fuels. The program will fund coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts to deliver transformative advances in fuel performance, manufacturability, cost, and regulatory readiness. Technologies developed under this program must have the potential to enable the following program metrics: • A domestic TRU fuel supply chain • A levelized cost of fuel (LCOF) = 1¢/kWh • TRU fuel qualification and regulatory acceptance within seven years By enabling production of advanced reactor fuels from domestically sourced fissile materials, the program will reduce dependence on imported uranium and enrichment services, expand U.S. fuel supply options, and support establishment of a closed fuel cycle. These objectives support ARPA-E’s statutory goals of improving energy security and resilience, improving the management of radiological waste, and maintaining U.S. technological leadership in energy technologies. If successful, HORNIG will strengthen U.S. energy security and infrastructure resilience and deliver lasting public benefit through reliable nuclear power. To view the NOFO in its entirety, please visit https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov

Treasury is publishing multiple funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) for its RESTORE Act grant programs. This announcement applies only to the Direct Component and is only for applications for eligible construction and real property acquisition activities, including environmental restoration projects and including projects with or without a non-federal cost-share for another federally funded project or program. To apply for eligible activities that do not involve any construction, land acquisition, or environmental restoration, applicants should use the non-construction funding opportunity announcement (GR-RDC-25-002). All construction and real property acquisition activities, and any activity that requires a permit from a federal or state agency, including natural resource restoration projects, should be submitted under this construction and real property acquisition funding opportunity announcement. Trust Fund amounts are available to carry out eligible activities described in the RESTORE Act and Treasury’s implementing regulations at 31 CFR 34.201. These are: 1) Restoration and protection of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region. 2) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. 3) Implementation of a Federally- approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan, including fisheries monitoring. 4) Workforce development and job creation. 5) Improvements to or on State parks located in coastal areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. 6) Infrastructure projects benefitting the economy or ecological resources, including port infrastructure. 7) Coastal flood protection and related infrastructure. 8) Promotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast region, including promotion of recreational fishing. 9) Promotion of the consumption of seafood harvested from the Gulf Coast region. 10) Planning assistance. 11) Administrative costs. Eligible activities 1 through 7 listed above must be carried out in the Gulf Coast region.

Treasury is publishing multiple funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) for its RESTORE Act grant programs. This announcement applies only to the Direct Component and is only for applications for eligible non-construction activities, including projects with or without a non-federal cost-share for another federally funded project or program. This announcement also includes planning assistance needed to prepare the Multiyear Implementation Plan (Multiyear Plan) required by the RESTORE Act. To apply for eligible activities involving construction and/or acquisition of real property or any other activity that requires a permit from a federal or state agency, including natural resource restoration projects, applicants should use the construction and real property acquisition funding opportunity announcement (GR-RDC-25-002).Trust Fund amounts are available to carry out eligible activities described in the RESTORE Act and Treasury’s implementing regulations at 31 CFR 34.201. These are: 1) Restoration and protection of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region. 2) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. 3) Implementation of a Federally- approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan, including fisheries monitoring. 4) Workforce development and job creation. 5) Improvements to or on State parks located in coastal areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. 6) Infrastructure projects benefitting the economy or ecological resources, including port infrastructure. 7) Coastal flood protection and related infrastructure.8) Promotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast region, including promotion of recreational fishing. 9) Promotion of the consumption of seafood harvested from the Gulf Coast region. 10) Planning assistance. 11) Administrative costs. Eligible activities 1 through 7 listed above must be carried out in the Gulf Coast region.

This funding program supports the operation of State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) in the 50 states, 5 territories, 3 Freely Associated States, and District of Columbia within allowable program areas as described in the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq). Where relevant, staff and projects must comply with the appropriate Secretary of the Interior"s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation.The purposes of this program are to provide matching grants to States for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties by such means as: survey, planning, technical assistance, physical preservation, Federal tax incentives available for historic properties, nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, distribution of funding to Certified Local Governments, and to assist Federal, State, and Local Government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private individuals in carrying out historic preservation activities. Awards under this program must comply with and support 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for cooperative agreements to implement the FY 2026 (Academic Year 2027-2028) Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals program and outbound Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange (CBBSX) travel component.  The CBYX for Young Professionals and CBBSX programs advance America’s national interests by building lasting personal and institutional relationships that promote prosperity and security between the United States and Germany.    Key Activities:          CBYX for Young Professionals: ·      Approximately 65 American and approximately 65 German participants, ages 18.5-24, engage in year-long academic and professional exchanges. ·      American participants complete two months of in-country German language training, study for one semester at a German university, technical, or professional school, and gain practical work experience. ·      German participants study for one semester at a U.S. university, college, technical, or professional school and gain practical work experience. ·      Both American and German participants live with host families throughout the program year. CBBSX: ·      Ten U.S. Congressional and 10 German parliamentary staffers participate in a short-term reciprocal exchange with each other’s legislatures. ·      The U.S. recipient organization provides travel and administrative support for the outbound CBBSX exchange by coordinating round-trip airfare for the U.S. delegation. Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity and POGI for additional information.

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Amman announces an open competition to design and implement Qissati ma3 America —a digital storytelling campaign that shares the firsthand experiences of Jordanian alumni of U.S. Department of State-funded exchange programs. Jordan is home to thousands of alumni of U.S. government funded exchange programs — professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, educators, athletes, and artists who have lived and studied in the United States. Despite the impact of these programs, alumni stories rarely reach the broader Jordanian public, limiting opportunities to build understanding of American society through firsthand experiences. This initiative will address the gap by transforming alumni perspectives of the United States into a public resource — giving every alumnus the opportunity to share their American story. 3 The recipient will produce a curated collection of at least 50 multimedia stories highlighting American life for Jordanian audiences: its classrooms, campuses, technology culture, sports, and creative industries. The video stories will be archived in a public digital hub and amplified through social media, alumni networks, and traditional media. Applications are accepted via email only to AmmanGrants@state.gov. Submissions through Grants.gov will not be accepted.

In 1988, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Preservation grant program was established to document, preserve, and stabilize historic structures on HBCU campuses. Historic resources on campuses of accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places either individually or as contributing to a National Register or National Historic Landmark historic district are eligible for this program. Projects must meet major program selection criteria and all work must follow the Secretary of the Interior"s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. Projects may also fund survey, nomination, and preservation planning for historic HBCU campuses.

Funding Opportunity Title:   2027 Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Summit Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY26-04 Deadline for Applications : Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9) CFDA Number:  19.040 Type of Funding: FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Total Amount Available: $250,000   This notice is subject to availability of funding. This NOFO is currently listed under Assistance Listing 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs and the Smith-Mundt Act authority. The final funding source, statutory authority, assistance listing, and total available funding remain subject to confirmation and may be updated before award. Any material changes will be issued through an amendment to this NOFO.   Executive Summary The U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals to implement the 2027 Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Summit in the Republic of Korea. This initiative directly operationalizes Administration priorities by cultivating next-generation leaders equipped to reinforce the strategic indispensability of U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation.  Now in its fourth year, the YTL Summit will return to the Republic of Korea for the first time since its 2024 inaugural convening in Busan. The 2027 Summit will evolve to an action-oriented, security policy lab. It will convene a highly qualified cohort of 50 emerging leaders (ages 18 to 35) from the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, alongside select participants from other regional Indo-Pacific countries. To directly support national security priorities, the fourth YTL Summit will introduce a dedicated Advanced Security and Technology Track focusing on maritime security in the age of artificial intelligence, quantum-enabled threats, critical minerals supply chains, technologically advanced shipbuilding, and emerging technology governance.  Program Goal The overarching goal of the 2027 Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Summit is to cultivate a self-sustaining network of trilateral Alliance Champions possessing the technical literacy, strategic networks, and geopolitical alignment required to advance U.S. interests in their future professional capacities.     The 2027 YTL Summit will build on the YTL series, including the inaugural 2024 summit held in Busan, the 2025 summit held in Japan, and the 2026 summit to be held in the United States in August 2026. As the fourth year of the initiative, the 2027 summit should deepen the network’s policy focus and operational relevance by introducing a dedicated security track focused on maritime security in the age of artificial intelligence, quantum-enabled threats, critical minerals, supply chain security, and emerging technology governance. The target date for the 2027 summit is August 2027.     Program Objectives Objective 1 (Policy Literacy): Deepen participant understanding of threats to freedom in the Indo-Pacific, specifically highlighting how emerging technologies alter the maritime landscape.   Objective 2 (Alliance Commitment): Measurably increase participant alignment with U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral defense, economic, and security frameworks.   Objective 3 (Career Vectoring): Directly transition participants into professional pipelines within government, defense industrial bases, strategic finance, and advanced technology sectors that support trilateral security and economic cooperation.   Core Program Design (The Summit Model)   The awardee will design and implement a program structure consisting of the following sequential components. Applicants may propose adjustments to the sequence, format, or delivery method where appropriate, but proposals should clearly demonstrate how the overall summit model will be implemented.   Cohort Recruitment and Vetting:  Recruit and screen 50 elite participants -- 15 from the U.S., 15 from the ROK, 15 from Japan, and up to 5 from key Indo-Pacific nations. Candidates must be drawn from advanced tech sectors, the defense industry, security policy, and strategic finance—or, if students, must demonstrate a sophisticated awareness of and commitment to pursue a career in one of those fields. The embassy retains final authority over all selections. Pre-Summit Virtual Bootcamps:  Plan and host three to four virtual orientation sessions before participant travel. These sessions should introduce participants to the summit themes, build shared background knowledge, feature expert speakers, and include interactive learning or group engagement components that prepare participants for the in-person summit. The 2027 In-Person Summit in the Republic of Korea:  Develop and implement a three-day summit convening leaders from the United States, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and select other Indo-Pacific countries. The summit should include expert-led plenary sessions, cross-national working groups, structured simulations, mentorship, networking, and other activities that build participants’ policy fluency and professional relationships. Participants will arrive one day before the summit and depart one day after the summit. Crisis Tabletop Simulation:  Design and facilitate at least one highly realistic tabletop exercise simulating a regional tech-security or gray-zone crisis requiring immediate trilateral coordination. The exercise should help participants understand the operational and policy challenges of coordinated response among the United States, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and other regional partners. Cross-National Working Groups:  Organize approximately eight to ten participant cross-national working groups that develop concrete policy positions, recommendations, or other constrained deliverables on topics such as maritime security, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, critical minerals, emerging technology governance, and related security challenges over the course of the summit. Expert and Mentor Engagement:  Arrange for up to five industry leaders or international experts to speak at the summit and serve as mentors. Expert engagement should be integrated throughout the summit and should support both plenary learning and small-group work. The embassy will have final approval of all industry leaders and experts. Industrial and Security Site Visit:  Organize one site visit to a location or organization of significance to the summit’s themes, subject to embassy approval. The site visit should reinforce program objectives and deepen participant understanding of the Republic of Korea’s role in trilateral security and emerging technology cooperation. Alumni Mentor Integration:  Integrate YTL alumni or other relevant alumni mentors throughout the program where appropriate. Alumni mentors may support orientation sessions, working groups, tabletop exercises, participant networking, or follow-on engagement. Participant Action Plans:  Participants will develop actionable project proposals that address emerging threats to maritime security and propose the projects in a competitive pitch session. At least three teams will be selected to implement their projects with a small grant within nine months, including turning in reports and briefing Embassy staff on project outcomes. Follow-on activities may include publication, dissemination, and promotion of participant projects. Participants who are not selected for funding should be encouraged to implement key aspects of their proposals. Follow-on engagement: Propose a practical follow-on plan to sustain the YTL network after the summit. Follow-on activities may include mentorship, alumni engagement, virtual discussions, publication or dissemination of participant deliverables, or other activities that help maintain participant commitment to trilateral cooperation.    Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Applicants must submit an M&E Plan featuring a standardized, rubric-based approach to measuring data beyond simple participant satisfaction. The plan must track:   Performance indicators, such as the number of applicants recruited, number of participants selected, number of countries represented, number of virtual orientation sessions held, number of participants completing orientation sessions, number of experts or mentors engaged, number of plenary sessions delivered, number of tabletop exercises conducted, number of working groups formed, number of policy positions or other deliverables completed, number of follow-on activities conducted, participant satisfaction, participant knowledge gains, and participant-reported changes in commitment to trilateral cooperation. Targets and, where appropriate, baseline data. Data collection methods, such as application records, attendance records, participant surveys, pre- and post-program assessments, mentor feedback, working group deliverables, event records, interviews, and digital analytics. Methods for assessing whether participants improved their understanding of allied security cooperation, threats to freedom in the Indo-Pacific, emerging technology and security linkages, trilateral coordination challenges, and professional pathways related to the summit’s themes. Substantial Involvement The U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section will maintain substantial involvement throughout the planning and implementation of the program. This includes, but is not limited to:   Participation in the recruitment, review, and interview process of potential participants. Final approval of all participants. Final approval of all international experts, speakers, and mentors. Approval of venue and lodging arrangements. Embassy will co-develop the summit agenda and curriculum. Participation in the design of virtual and in-person program content, including speaker recommendations, session structure, tabletop exercise design, and working group formats. Review and approval of participant recruitment materials, selection criteria, and final participant lists. Review and approval of public outreach materials, branding, and program visibility products. Participation in summit sessions, remarks, mentorship, or other program activities, as appropriate. Collaboration on the design and monitoring of follow-on activities. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply :  Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations Public and private educational institutions Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions   Individuals are not eligible to apply under this NOFO.   Applicants should demonstrate the organizational capacity, subject-matter understanding, and relevant program management experience necessary to design and implement a high-visibility, international leadership summit focused on U.S.-ROK-Japan cooperation, regional security, and emerging technology issues.   Competitive applicants should demonstrate experience organizing complex international programs, managing participant recruitment and selection, coordinating travel and logistics across multiple countries, facilitating expert-led policy programming, and supporting cross-national youth or emerging leader networks. Applicants must also demonstrate experience and capacity to operate an international summit in the Republic of Korea. Applicants should demonstrate familiarity with the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United States, and the broader Indo-Pacific policy environment, as well as the ability to coordinate with relevant U.S., Korean, Japanese, and regional experts, mentors, institutions, and public-facing program venues.   All application materials must be submitted by email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov  

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Ottawa announces an open competition to implement a program to connect U.S. citizen talent, including subject matter experts, artists and cultural professionals, and current and former American athletes and coaches, with Canadian audiences and institutions on topics of strategic importance to the United States. Recipients should be prepared to identify and recruit U.S. citizen experts in the following strategic areas, in addition to arts, cultural, and sports experts that showcase American excellence: ·        U.S. prosperity and economic security (e.g. supply chains; digital policy; trade; transboundary water issues, etc.). ·        Defense (e.g. defense spending, procurement; NORAD modernization; Arctic domain awareness and deterrence, etc.). ·        Border security (e.g. combatting illegal trafficking, smuggling, migration, etc.). ·        Freedom of speech (e.g. exposing censorship, promoting transparency etc.). ·        Artificial Intelligence (e.g. promoting American AI exports, building enabling infrastructure, countering foreign influence in emerging technologies, etc.). Programs will be conducted in-person and/or through virtual platforms. The proposal should outline how the grantee would address both options. In-person programs will generally range from two days to one week in length. Virtual programs will usually take place on a single specified date and time and may be part of a continuing series. U.S. talent will address topics identified by the U.S. Mission to Canada that will advance Administration and U.S. Mission to Canada strategic goals.

The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Muscat announces an open competition to support projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in Oman while strengthening the long-standing partnership between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman. This Annual Program Statement outlines strategic funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines for grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, with project durations of up to 12 months.   Successful proposals should clearly demonstrate how their projects support U.S. public diplomacy goals; showcase American excellence, expertise, innovation, and values, and strengthen the bilateral relationship.   The goals of U.S. policy in the region are to: 1) secure opportunities that advance U.S. commercial and strategic interests; 2) promote trusted cooperation in emerging technologies, innovation, and space; and 3) deepen people-to-people ties that showcase American excellence. Applicants should clearly explain how their projects support U.S. public diplomacy goals, strengthen the U.S.-Oman partnership, and highlight American expertise, leadership, and innovation.   Programs should include a clear U.S. element, such as engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, companies, universities, artists, athletes, alumni, or professional networks; the use of American models, standards, technologies, or best practices; or activities that increase understanding of the United States and its partnership with Oman. Program Description 1.      Project Background, Goals, and Objectives   The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Muscat is pleased to invite applications for federal assistance funding opportunities, pending availability of funds, through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines the Embassy’s funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting proposals. Applicants should carefully follow all instructions below.   The Public Diplomacy Section seeks proposals for programs that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in Oman while strengthening the long-standing partnership between the United States and Oman. Competitive proposals should clearly demonstrate how the proposed project makes the United States safer, stronger, or more prosperous; and showcases American excellence, expertise, innovation.   Programs should include a clear U.S. element, such as engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, companies, universities, artists, athletes, alumni, or professional networks; the use of American models, standards, technologies, or best practices; or activities that increase understanding of the United States and its role as a trusted partner for Oman.    2.      Program Objectives   Applicants may submit proposals that address one of the program goals below. Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority outcomes, but applicants may also recommend their own objectives if they clearly align with U.S. Embassy Muscat priorities.   Goal 1. Advancing U.S.-Oman Commercial Ties, and Shared Prosperity:   This goal supports programs that make the United States more prosperous by expanding U.S.-Oman economic cooperation, strengthening commercial ties, and highlighting the value of trusted U.S. expertise, technology, standards, and business practices. Projects may support Omani entrepreneurs, students, business leaders, and institutions in sectors that advance shared economic priorities, including innovation, trade and investment, tourism, logistics, clean energy, creative industries, and other areas linked to Oman’s economic diversification goals.   Programs should demonstrate how engagement with U.S. experts, companies, universities, or professional networks can help Omani audiences develop practical skills, build market-oriented solutions, and identify opportunities for long-term U.S.-Oman commercial cooperation.   Project Audience(s): Entrepreneurs, students, business professionals, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, economic organizations, youth, and relevant civil society partners.   Priority Outcome(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address this priority program area.   Increased awareness among Omani audiences of opportunities for U.S.-Oman trade, investment, entrepreneurship, and private-sector collaboration. Stronger connections between Omani entrepreneurs, students, or business leaders and U.S. experts, companies, universities, or professional networks. Greater understanding of American business practices, innovation models, market-based solutions, and trusted U.S. standards in sectors important to Oman’s economic growth. New partnerships or project ideas that position the United States as a preferred partner for economic cooperation, entrepreneurship, and commercial innovation in Oman.   Goal 2. Strengthening Sports Diplomacy, Youth Leadership, and Major-Event Expertise:   This goal supports programs that use sports to advance U.S. public diplomacy goals, strengthen people-to-people ties, and share American excellence in sports management, coaching, athletic development, sports entrepreneurship, and major-event planning. As the United States prepares to host major global sporting events, including the Olympics, proposals may draw on U.S. experience in organizing, managing, and leveraging sports events to support youth development, community engagement, tourism, and economic opportunity.   Projects should demonstrate how U.S. sports expertise can benefit Omani athletes, coaches, sports institutions, youth organizations, and communities while strengthening positive perceptions of the United States and expanding long-term U.S.-Oman cooperation in the sports sector.   Project Audience(s): Youth, athletes, coaches, sports federations and clubs, schools, universities, sports entrepreneurs, community organizations, and relevant public or private-sector partners. Priority Outcome(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address this priority program area. Increased exchange of U.S. and Omani expertise in sports management, coaching, leadership, athletic development, and major-event planning. Expanded professional connections between Omani sports institutions, coaches, athletes, or youth organizations and U.S. sports experts or institutions. Greater understanding of how sports diplomacy can support entrepreneurship, education, health, tourism, and community development. Increased recognition of the United States as a global leader in sports innovation, major-event management, and sports diplomacy.   Goal 3. Showcasing American Excellence in Culture, Heritage, and Creative Industries:   This goal supports programs that showcase American excellence, creativity, innovation, and cultural leadership while strengthening cultural understanding between the United States and Oman. Projects may connect American and Omani artists, cultural institutions, heritage professionals, designers, filmmakers, musicians, writers, museum professionals, and creative entrepreneurs. Programs may highlight the role of culture and heritage in strengthening national identity, mutual understanding, tourism, and economic opportunity. Projects may also showcase U.S. excellence in creative industries, including film, music, design, museums, digital storytelling, gaming, publishing, architecture, cultural entrepreneurship, and other creative sectors where the United States has global influence. Projects under this goal should support marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Freedom 250 programs should highlight American history, constitutional traditions, innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, civic ideals, and the people-to-people ties that connect the United States and Oman.   Project Audience(s): Artists, cultural institutions, museums, heritage professionals, students, youth, creative entrepreneurs, educators, writers, filmmakers, designers, alumni, and the public.   Priority Outcome(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address this priority program area. Increased collaboration between U.S. and Omani cultural, creative, or heritage professionals and institutions. Greater public understanding of the United States through American arts, culture, history, innovation, and creative industries. Strengthened skills among Omani artists, cultural professionals, or creative entrepreneurs through engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, or models. Programs that connect Omani heritage and American creative expertise through exhibitions, workshops, public programs, digital storytelling, or joint cultural initiatives. Freedom 250 programs that increase awareness of American history, constitutional freedoms, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the long-standing U.S.-Oman partnership.   Goal 4. Advancing Emerging Technologies, Space Cooperation, and Innovation:   This goal supports programs that make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous by expanding U.S.-Oman cooperation in emerging technologies, space science, and innovation. Projects should showcase U.S. leadership in science, technology, and space while supporting Omani talent, institutional capacity, and innovation ecosystems in areas of shared strategic interest.   Projects may focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, clean technology, trusted digital infrastructure, satellite technology, Earth observation, STEM education, commercial space, or space entrepreneurship. Competitive proposals should include a clear U.S. connection, such as collaboration with U.S. universities, research institutions, technology companies, NASA-related educational resources, private-sector innovators, U.S. exchange alumni, or American experts.   Programs should demonstrate how U.S. expertise, standards, and innovation models can help Omani students, researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, and professionals develop practical skills, build trusted partnerships, and contribute to long-term U.S.-Oman cooperation in technology and space.   Project Audience(s): Students, youth, universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, technology professionals, STEM organizations, science communicators, educators, civil society organizations, and relevant public or private-sector partners.   Priority Outcome(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address this priority program area. 1.      Increased understanding among Omani audiences of U.S. leadership, standards, and best practices in emerging technologies, advanced technologies, space science, and innovation. 2.      Stronger connections between Omani students, researchers, entrepreneurs, or professionals and U.S. technology, STEM, or space-related experts, institutions, and innovation networks. 3.      Practical skills development in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analysis, digital entrepreneurship, technology governance, STEM education, satellite technology, or space entrepreneurship, utilizing American platforms and providers. 4.      Greater awareness of trusted, responsible, and secure U.S. technology solutions that support innovation, economic growth, institutional resilience, and shared security. 5.      Programs that encourage U.S.-Oman collaboration in space education, Earth observation, climate and environmental monitoring, commercial space, science communication, or related fields.