Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary in Sabah

The U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur Public Diplomacy Section has released a funding opportunity titled “Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary in Sabah.” This initiative supports programming to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary (Freedom250) through impactful cultural diplomacy in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The opportunity aims to showcase American innovation and values while strengthening U.S.-Malaysia relations. Administered through FY26 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, the program emphasizes people-to-people engagement and is intended to highlight U.S. leadership in innovation, education, entrepreneurship, the arts, and sports. It aligns closely with broader U.S. foreign policy goals in Southeast Asia, including promoting regional stability, democratic governance, and economic development. The funder encourages projects that engage local communities, particularly youth aged 15–35, educators, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders. Proposals should focus on building bilateral relationships, fostering sustainable community impact, and increasing local awareness and appreciation of American achievements and culture. Suggested activities include cultural exchanges, educational workshops, STEM programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, English language training, arts performances, and commemorative events. All funded activities must comply with U.S. and Malaysian laws and must be conducted primarily in Sabah. Funding will be awarded through either grants or cooperative agreements, with two to four awards expected, ranging between $50,000 and $150,000. Cooperative agreements will involve direct engagement from the Embassy, including input on program design, approvals of major activities, and branding oversight. Applicants must provide clear plans for monitoring and evaluation, and the Embassy may participate in events and program facilitation. While cost sharing is not required, applications demonstrating financial or in-kind contributions will receive favorable review consideration and may earn up to 5 additional evaluation points. Eligible applicants include U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, professional associations, chambers of commerce, community-based organizations, Malaysian state and local government institutions, and public international organizations. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. Organizations must either have programmatic experience in Sabah or be able to build effective partnerships with local groups. Programs must occur within a 12-month period and must start no earlier than July 2026. The application deadline is May 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM Malaysia Time. Required submission documents include standard forms SF-424, SF-424A, and (if applicable) SF-424B; a detailed proposal (15-page max); a budget justification narrative; resumes of key personnel; letters of support from partners; and other required documentation such as NICRA (if applicable). Applications can be submitted via Grants.gov or by email to [email protected]. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed based on six weighted criteria: quality and feasibility of the proposal (30 points), organizational capacity and past performance (20), program planning and objectives (20), budget detail and reasonableness (10), monitoring and evaluation strategy (15), and sustainability of impact (5). Successful applicants will be notified by June 30, 2026. The Department of State will issue awards with start dates in July 2026 and will require quarterly program and financial reporting. Any use of funds must follow strict prohibitions, including those against political, religious, or entertainment uses, and the purchase of certain equipment such as drones from restricted entities.

Include a strong monitoring and evaluation plan; sustainability of outcomes is scored; programs with cost share may receive extra points