Post Kuala Lumpur FY2026 Annual Program Statement

The Post Kuala Lumpur Annual Program Statement is a discretionary funding opportunity issued by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, part of the U.S. Department of State. This program reflects the mission’s strategic intent to foster strong bilateral relations between the United States and Malaysia through initiatives that promote U.S. technological, cultural, and economic leadership. With up to $500,000 in total anticipated funding, this opportunity invites applicants to propose innovative programs that align with key areas of U.S. foreign policy and soft power projection. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to strengthen U.S.–Malaysia relations by supporting projects that reinforce U.S. technological leadership, showcase American cultural and educational excellence, engage Malaysian alumni of U.S. programs, and counter malign influences while promoting free speech. Key thematic areas include artificial intelligence and emerging technology adoption, sports diplomacy, alumni engagement, English language instruction with U.S. pedagogical standards, and transparency through independent journalism and democratic values. These objectives are designed to enhance the visibility and influence of the United States in Malaysia by working with targeted stakeholder groups across various sectors. Funding under this opportunity will be provided through grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $150,000. The program anticipates issuing 15–25 awards, each expected to be completed within 12 to 24 months. Applicants must align their proposals with at least one of the five priority program areas, clearly demonstrating how their activities will support measurable, sustainable outcomes that benefit U.S. interests. Substantial involvement by the U.S. Embassy is anticipated for cooperative agreements, including participation in programming, communications review, and coordination with U.S. government entities. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), public and private institutions of higher education, individuals, and governmental and public international organizations. All organizations must be registered with SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), although individuals are exempt from these requirements. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. The application process requires submission via email or Grants.gov, with proposals reviewed monthly until the final deadline of July 31, 2026. Applicants must submit SF-424 forms, a detailed proposal (not exceeding 15 pages), a budget narrative, CVs for key personnel, letters of support, and additional required documents. The proposal must address the grant’s goals, target audiences, project activities, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with U.S. interests, feasibility, organizational capacity, clarity of planning, budget accuracy, and sustainability. Successful applicants will be notified via email, with awards issued on a rolling basis. Grantees must submit quarterly progress and financial reports and participate in the Foreign Assistance Data Review reporting process. Final reporting requirements include detailed program and financial reports. Branding guidelines require that all funded programs visibly reflect U.S. government support unless exempted. Applicants may reach out to [email protected] for further guidance, and all materials must comply with federal laws and executive orders, including anti-discrimination, anti-trafficking, and drone procurement prohibitions.

Align proposals with mission priorities and U.S. interests; Use SMART objectives; Include sustainability and evaluation plans; Follow strict formatting and submission rules.