U.S. Mission Iraq PD Small Grants Program | DOS BAGHDAD PD 2024 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2024 001

The U.S. Mission Iraq PD Small Grants Program is a competitive funding opportunity run by the Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. It is issued as an Annual Program Statement, meaning it lays out the mission's main public diplomacy priorities and explains how to apply, while allowing applicants to submit proposals over time rather than waiting for a single fixed application window. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed as they come in by a grant review committee, with submissions open until September 1, 2024. The program is open to projects implemented anywhere in Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), and the opportunity is administered as a grant under CFDA 19.021.

At its core, the program is designed to strengthen cultural ties and practical cooperation between the United States and Iraq. Funded activities are expected to use cultural and exchange programming to highlight shared values and encourage sustained engagement between Iraqi communities and U.S. partners. A central requirement is that every project include a clear American element. In practical terms, that means proposals should build in a tangible connection to the United States, such as participation by American experts, collaboration with U.S. organizations or institutions, or programming that draws on American experience and perspectives in a specific field. The intent is not only relationship-building, but also increasing understanding of U.S. policy and viewpoints through credible, people-to-people engagement.

The program supports a range of project types that fit within public diplomacy and exchange-style activities. Examples specifically called out include academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker series; youth leadership initiatives; professional or academic exchanges and other non-research projects; and programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, whether in technology or other sectors. These examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive, so applicants can propose other formats as long as they clearly advance the program purpose and align with the priority themes.

Priority programming areas emphasize governance, resilience, and inclusive civic participation. Topics include strengthening governance, democracy, and the rule of law; strengthening civil society and promoting civic engagement; enhancing professionalism in the media; combatting disinformation; countering violent extremism; and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The program also prioritizes initiatives that empower women, youth, and religious or ethnic minorities, as well as activities that foster U.S.-Iraqi cultural ties more broadly. Another major theme is protecting and preserving Iraqi cultural heritage, which can include efforts that raise awareness, build local capacity, or support preservation-related engagement tied to cultural identity and shared heritage.

Eligibility is geared toward organizations with the capacity to design and deliver public-facing programs. Eligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations such as think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with relevant programming experience, as well as non-profit or governmental educational institutions. Governmental institutions are also eligible to apply. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding, with grants as the funding instrument. The stated award ceiling is up to $100,000 per award, and the mission anticipates making around 10 awards, though actual numbers can vary depending on proposal quality, alignment with priorities, and available funding.

For planning purposes, applicants should note the operational implications of a rolling review process. Submitting earlier can be advantageous because proposals may be considered and potentially funded before the final deadline, while later submissions may face tighter funding availability. Successful proposals will typically be those that present a clear public diplomacy rationale, define specific audiences and outcomes, demonstrate credible U.S. partnership or American content, and align tightly with one or more of the priority areas while remaining feasible to implement within the Iraqi context.

• The U.S. Mission to Iraq in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Mission Iraq PD Small Grants Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.021.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-01.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-09-01. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2024 001

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: