Freedom 250 Bangladesh 2026

The Freedom 250 Bangladesh grant opportunity, issued by the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka through its Public Diplomacy Section, invites eligible organizations to submit proposals for the implementation of high-visibility public engagement activities aligned with the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. This funding opportunity reflects the broader U.S. foreign policy objective of strengthening U.S.-Bangladesh relations and enhancing public awareness of American values, history, innovation, and cultural heritage. Funded through FY2026 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, the initiative aims to support innovative, small-scale programming throughout Bangladesh that celebrates the legacy of U.S. excellence and underscores shared economic, cultural, and strategic ties. With a total available funding of $50,000, this opportunity will support up to five projects, each with a ceiling of $50,000 and a performance period not exceeding ten months. Projects are expected to commence around June 1, 2026, and must be completed by December 31, 2026. Proposed activities may include celebrations during America Week (July 1–7, 2026), traveling exhibitions, educational materials, community service initiatives, and events involving American cultural figures and subject-matter experts. Implementing organizations are expected to create Freedom 250-branded outreach materials in close coordination with the U.S. Embassy. Substantial involvement from the Embassy will be present throughout the grant lifecycle, including input on geographic targeting, event logistics, and material approvals. Eligible applicants include U.S. and non-U.S.-based not-for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, think tanks, civil society organizations, and alumni associations. For-profit organizations are not eligible. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov. Only one proposal may be submitted per organization; multiple submissions from the same organization will render all proposals ineligible. While matching funds are not required, they are allowed. To apply, organizations must submit their complete application package—including mandatory forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and if applicable, SF-424B), a proposal (maximum 8 pages), a detailed budget with justification, résumés of key personnel, and required supporting documentation such as nonprofit status verification and a security plan—by April 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. BST. Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] and include the funding opportunity number in the subject line. Optional questions may be submitted by April 27, 2026. The selection process will evaluate proposals on the basis of innovation, clarity, alignment with U.S. policy priorities, organizational capacity, budget soundness, and monitoring and evaluation strategy. Strong applications will demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period and propose measurable indicators of success, such as improved perceptions of the United States and increased engagement among U.S.-affiliated networks in Bangladesh. Award notifications are expected within 120 days of the deadline. All funded projects must include branding aligned with U.S. Department of State requirements, including the Freedom 250 logo in all outreach materials.

Include strong Monitoring & Evaluation metrics; align activities with U.S. foreign policy priorities; follow detailed formatting and submission instructions.