Muscat - Annual Program Statement (APS)- PD Small Grants Program

The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Muscat announces an open competition to support projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in Oman while strengthening the long-standing partnership between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman. This Annual Program Statement outlines strategic funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines for grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with project durations of up to 12 months.   Successful proposals should clearly demonstrate how their projects support U.S. public diplomacy goals; showcase American excellence, expertise, innovation, and values, and strengthen the bilateral relationship.   The goals of U.S. policy in the region are to: 1) secure opportunities that advance U.S. commercial and strategic interests; 2) promote trusted cooperation in emerging technologies, innovation, and space; and 3) deepen people-to-people ties that showcase American excellence. Applicants should clearly explain how their projects support U.S. public diplomacy goals, strengthen the U.S.-Oman partnership, and highlight American expertise, leadership, and innovation.   Programs should include a clear U.S. element, such as engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, companies, universities, artists, athletes, alumni, or professional networks; the use of American models, standards, technologies, or best practices; or activities that increase understanding of the United States and its partnership with Oman. Program Description 1.      Project Background, Goals, and Objectives   The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Muscat is pleased to invite applications for federal assistance funding opportunities, pending availability of funds, through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines the Embassy’s funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting proposals. Applicants should carefully follow all instructions below.   The Public Diplomacy Section seeks proposals for programs that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in Oman while strengthening the long-standing partnership between the United States and Oman. Competitive proposals should clearly demonstrate how the proposed project makes the United States safer, stronger, or more prosperous; and showcases American excellence, expertise, innovation.   Programs should include a clear U.S. element, such as engagement with U.S. experts, institutions, companies, universities, artists, athletes, alumni, or professional networks; the use of American models, standards, technologies, or best practices; or activities that increase understanding of the United States and its role as a trusted partner for Oman.    2.      Program Objectives   Applicants may submit proposals that address one of the program goals below. Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority outcomes, but applicants may also recommend their own objectives if they clearly align with U.S. Embassy Muscat priorities.   Goal 1. Advancing U.S.-Oman Commercial Ties, and Shared Prosperity:   This goal supports programs that make the United States more prosperous by expanding U.S.-Oman economic cooperation, strengthening commercial ties, and highlighting the value of trusted U.S. expertise, technology, standards, and business practices. Projects may support Omani entrepreneurs, students, business leaders, and institutions in sectors that advance shared economic priorities, including innovation, trade and investment, tourism, logistics, clean energy, creative industries, and other areas linked to Oman’s economic diversification goals.   Programs should demonstrate how engagement with U.S. experts, companies, universities, or professional networks can help Omani audiences develop practical skills, build market-oriented solutions, and identify opportunities for long-term U.S.-Oman com

The following organizations are eligible to apply: o Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations o Public and private educational institutions o Individuals o Eligible Public International Organizations and Governmental Institutions.