2026 VAU PDS Annual Program Statement

The Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) of the U.S. Department of State has released its 2026 Annual Program Statement (APS) to announce the availability of funding through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). This program seeks to strengthen bilateral ties and promote U.S. foreign policy priorities in Venezuela by supporting projects that build economic, educational, and cultural networks between Venezuela and the United States. The VAU PDS funding opportunity, cataloged under Assistance Listing Number 19.040, invites applications that align with key diplomatic strategies, emphasizing energy, mining, technology, and higher education collaboration. VAU’s primary aim is to support Venezuela’s economic recovery and institutional development through initiatives that create cooperative networks in strategic sectors. Programs funded under this APS should align with one of two main goals: first, to foster energy, mining, and technology cooperation that facilitates Venezuela's growth and workforce readiness; second, to promote higher education engagement through partnerships, capacity building, and intellectual exchange between Venezuelan and U.S. institutions. Projects must explicitly incorporate American elements—such as U.S. cultural components, collaboration with American experts, or shared value promotion—to reinforce long-term bilateral connections. Applicants must be non-profit or governmental educational institutions or registered non-governmental organizations with demonstrable programming experience. For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible to apply. The VAU strongly encourages but does not require cost sharing or matching funds. All applications must be submitted in English and budgets presented in U.S. dollars. A single proposal per organization is allowed; multiple submissions from the same institution will render all entries ineligible. Programs should predominantly occur in Venezuela and be completed within an 18-month performance period. The anticipated start date for projects is September 1, 2026. The application package must include mandatory federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B for exempt organizations), a proposal of no more than six pages, a budget justification narrative, and supporting documents such as résumés of key personnel, letters of support from partners, proof of non-profit status, and organizational registration. The proposal should outline objectives, methods, key activities, timeline, evaluation strategies, and sustainability planning. A strong monitoring and evaluation plan—including a theory of change diagram and performance datasheet—is required and subject to review before funding can be awarded. The total anticipated funding for this APS is approximately $500,000, with awards ranging from $25,000 to $200,000. Up to ten awards may be issued, depending on the availability of funds and proposal quality. Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with U.S. foreign policy, project feasibility, organizational capacity, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Preference may be given to applicants with lower indirect cost rates in the event of tied scores. Projects must avoid ineligible activities such as political advocacy, charitable services, construction, and commercial ventures. All applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] by April 30, 2026, and must include the funding opportunity title and number in the subject line. While there is no pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept paper, applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process early in SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Funded organizations will be expected to submit quarterly progress and financial reports, comply with federal policies, and complete a final report within 120 days after the project ends. This APS does not guarantee funding and is subject to the availability of funds and U.S. government priorities.

Ensure proposals align with U.S. policy goals; include tangible U.S. cultural/institutional connections; detail monitoring and evaluation with a Theory of Change and PMP.