Federal Arts Grants

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support the sustainability of independent media in Ukraine.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S. and foreign organizations to implement projects that promote economic development, cultural exchange, and stability in Libya, with a focus on collaboration between the U.S. and Libya.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Kyiv Public Diplomacy Section Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Title: Supporting collaborative projects and/or presenting American content at Ukrainian cultural festivals. Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-Ukraine-FY24-11. Deadline for Applications: 23:59, EST July 31, 2024. Assistance Listing Number: 19.040. Total Amount Available: $100,000.00. This notice is subject to funding availability. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to introduce collaborative projects and/or presenting American content at Ukrainian cultural festivals. Priority Region: Ukraine. Program Objectives: The U.S. Embassy Kyiv Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites Ukrainian nongovernmental organizations to apply for funding to highlight and promote American culture and values through presenting collaborative projects and/or American content at Ukrainian cultural festivals. For the purposes of this solicitation, a cultural festival is an organized series of acts, performances, exhibitions, film screenings, or culinary displays. The activities can include workshops, masterclasses, Q sessions, or other types of interactions between participants. Cultural festival could be focused on performing arts, music, culinary arts, fashion, gaming, urbanism etc. In addition, PDS Kyiv will prioritize projects that facilitate substantive interaction between Americans and Ukrainians preferably over multiple days and that demonstrate plans to sustain this interaction through follow-on activities. Examples of substantive interaction include workshops, masterclasses, and question-and-answer sessions. Examples of follow-on activities include small grants for joint projects between Americans and Ukrainians, continuations of projects started during the festival or conference, and virtual engagements. Projects funded through this solicitation must be tailored toward Ukrainian audiences and fit within the theme of the broader event. Applying organizations must demonstrate a clear rationale for how they chose to highlight American culture and values, relating their strategy to the priority areas outlined above. In addition, applying organizations should be prepared to explain how the Americans or aspects of American culture and values involved in their program are uniquely qualified to advance these objectives. Funding priorities are: Strengthening U.S.-Ukraine cultural relations. Introducing American content to Ukrainian audiences. Promoting collaboration between American and Ukrainians artists and audiences. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs related to partisan political activity. Charitable and fundraising activities. Construction. Programs that support religious activities. Lobbying for specific legislation or program. Participants and Audiences: The project must be tailored towards Ukrainian audiences, and most project activities supported by the U.S. Embassy grant should take place in Ukraine and incorporate a substantive U.S. component. This program can target youth, entrepreneurs, government, private, and non-profit stakeholders throughout Ukraine and the United States to spur innovation, raise awareness, and ensure sustainability. Taking into consideration current limitations related to bringing Americans to Ukraine, the project can include virtual interaction between participants and stakeholders. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to twelve months. This timeframe should include time for preparation and wrap-up. Number of awards anticipated: 3-5 awards (dependent on amounts.) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $15,000.00 to a maximum of $55,000.00. Total available funding: $100,000.00. Type of Funding: FY24 Public Diplomacy Funds. Anticipated start date: projects should start between October 1, 2024, and June 1, 2025. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (Substantial Involvement). Examples of substantial involvement may include, but are not limited to: Approving speakers/experts for a program. Approving presented content. Selecting or approving participants. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. 1. Eligible Applicants: The following organizations are eligible to apply: U.S. and Ukrainian not-for-profit organizations, think-tanks, civil society, nongovernmental organizations, not-for-profit educational and cultural institutions. For-Profit organizations or commercial entities are not eligible to apply! 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost-share is recommended but is not required. Although the Review Committee will not assign additional points to applicants who offer cost sharing, the Review Committee will use cost sharing to break ties among applications with equivalent scores after evaluation against all other factors. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements: In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. The full NOFO can be found in the attached documents.

This funding opportunity supports libraries, nonprofits, and educational institutions in the U.S. to develop innovative projects that enhance library services and foster collaboration within communities.

The National Leadership Grants for Museums program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, supports projects that address significant and pressing needs within the museum sector, with the goal of advancing professional practice and strengthening museum services. The program funds innovative, impactful projects that can be scaled, adapted, or replicated to benefit museums broadly. The 2025 opportunity emphasizes projects that align with IMLS goals: lifelong learning, community engagement, and collections stewardship and access. Projects are expected to demonstrate collaboration, address challenges faced by the field, and generate models, tools, or research findings with wide applicability. The program supports two types of projects: non-research projects and research projects. Non-research projects focus on practical solutions, tools, or models to address critical needs in the museum sector, while research projects aim to investigate questions relevant to museum practice using rigorous data collection and analysis methods. Non-research projects require a one-to-one cost share, while research projects do not require cost sharing. Applicants must clearly articulate their project’s goals, work plans, and results to demonstrate impact and sustainability. IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $5,800,000 in total funding, with an estimated 15 grants to be awarded. Individual awards range from $50,000 to $750,000, with an average award size of $453,106. The period of performance spans one to three years, beginning no earlier than September 1, 2025. Applicants must submit proposals electronically via Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions will not be considered. Successful applicants will be notified by August 2025. Eligible applicants include museums, institutions of higher education, museum service organizations, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations that advance the museum profession. Museums must meet IMLS criteria, including professional staffing, regular public exhibitions, and an educational or cultural mission. Museums operating as discrete units within larger organizations may apply independently if they meet specific eligibility criteria, including budgetary and operational autonomy. Partnerships and collaborations are encouraged to maximize the scope and impact of proposed projects. Applications must include a project narrative addressing three key areas: project justification, work plan, and intended results. The narrative must describe the need or challenge being addressed, identify key activities and milestones, and outline the expected outcomes and plans for broad dissemination. Supporting documents, including budget forms, a performance measurement plan, resumes of key staff, and a data management and sharing plan for research projects, are also required. Applicants must ensure their project aligns with one of the program’s goals: advancing experiential and cross-disciplinary learning, addressing community needs through partnerships, or improving collections care and access. IMLS evaluates applications through a peer review process, considering factors such as the project’s alignment with program goals, clarity and feasibility of the work plan, and potential impact and sustainability. Successful projects will demonstrate the ability to create innovative tools, research findings, or practices that address field-wide challenges and improve museum services. Proposals must include plans for broad dissemination of results to ensure benefits extend beyond the participating institutions. Awardees are required to submit interim and final financial and performance reports and comply with all federal regulations and IMLS award conditions. IMLS provides additional resources, including webinars and technical assistance, to support applicants in developing competitive proposals. Further details about the program, including sample applications and contact information for program staff, are available on the IMLS website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations to create innovative programs that celebrate American culture and strengthen U.S.-Japan relations through outreach activities across Japan.

Our Town is the National Endowment for the Arts creative placemaking grants program. Through project-based funding, we support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities over the long term. Successful Our Town projects demonstrate a specific role for arts, culture, and design as part of strategies for strengthening local communities, ultimately centering equity and laying the groundwork for long-term systems change tailored to community needs and opportunities. All applications are submitted by one organization and require one partner organization. The applicant/partner pair must include 1) a nonprofit organization and 2) a local government or quasi-government entity. Cost share/matching grants range from $25,000 to $150,000, with a minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount. The Arts Endowments support of a project may start on July 1, 2025, or any time thereafter. A grant period of up to two years is allowed.

This program provides funding for organizations to preserve and protect cultural heritage in Zambia and around the world, supporting projects like restoring historical sites and conserving traditional arts.

The Public Diplomacy section (PD) of the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros, part of the U.S. Department of State, is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines our funding priorities, our strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program supports projects proposed by U.S., Malagasy, and/or Comorian educational, cultural, and other non-profit organizations or individuals that promote U.S. values, strengthen understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian people and institutions, and/or support U.S. Embassy goals of promoting human rights, transparency and good governance, economic and social prosperity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development of natural resources. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element or a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will encourage increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: Promoting human rights, civic engagement, and democracy; Advancing a free and responsible press and combatting disinformation including election disinformation; Promoting the free exercise of religion and ensuring laws and government policies do not interfere with its practice; Developing skills in innovation technology, STEM, and entrepreneurship for women, girls, and/or underrepresented populations; and, Promoting U.S.-Madagascar/Comoros exchange in sports, music, and art. Participants and Audiences: The list below delineates our target audiences: Professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators; Media professionals; Civil society professionals; Women, girls, minorities, and underrepresented populations. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act or the Fulbright-Hays Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: Up to 4 awards (depending upon amounts) Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $5,000 Total available funding: $20,000 (pending the availability of funds) Type of funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: September 01, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grants, Fixed Amount Awards, Awards to Individuals, or Cooperative Agreements. Cooperative agreements require substantial involvement and are different from grants in that Public Diplomacy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less. The Public Diplomacy Section may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to federally recognized Native American Tribes to improve library and archival services, enhance community programming, and preserve cultural resources.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S. and Jordanian organizations to create public programs that celebrate American history, culture, and civic values, fostering collaboration and engagement between communities in both countries.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of organizations and individuals in Togo to create projects that strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding between the United States and Togo, focusing on themes like peace, democracy, and economic growth.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Canadian organizations in creating public diplomacy projects that foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries, focusing on shared interests like innovation, security, and cultural exchange.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to federally recognized Native American Tribes and Alaska Native corporations to improve their library and archival services, fostering community engagement and cultural preservation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that protect cultural heritage and prevent the illicit trade of artifacts in Tunisia, targeting educational institutions, NGOs, and public entities involved in cultural preservation.

This grant provides funding to U.S. Regional Arts Organizations to support the participation of American performing artists and arts groups in international festivals and events, promoting cultural exchange and artistic excellence.

This funding opportunity is designed to help Native American Tribes enhance their library services and resources to better serve their communities' educational and cultural needs.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions conducting interdisciplinary research to explore and demonstrate the value and impact of the arts in American society.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Japanese organizations in creating innovative projects that strengthen U.S.-Japan relations through public engagement in areas like security, democracy, and entrepreneurship.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Hungarian not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and educational institutions in projects that promote mutual understanding and showcase the U.S.-Hungarian partnership through cultural, economic, and scientific initiatives.