U.S. Department of State VAU PDS offers grants to strengthen U.S.-Venezuela ties and promote democracy.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU)

Public Diplomacy Section (PDS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Title: VAU PDS Annual Program Statement

Funding Opportunity Number: FY2024VE006

Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2024

CFDA Number:  19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs

Total Amount Available: $100,000

Maximum for Each Award: $25,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The VAU of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the people of Venezuela through programs that highlight shared values and promote a peaceful, democratic transition. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Purpose of Public Diplomacy Grants:

VAU Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals that support democratic initiatives, higher education cooperation and an active citizenry in Venezuela, highlighting shared values, bilateral cooperation, and support for diversity, equality, accessibility, and inclusion. 

Priority Program Areas:

VAU PDS will prioritize grant proposals that address the following themes:

• Strengthening independent media through capacity-building programs and other professional engagement;

• Promoting democratic values and citizen participation through education and outreach, particularly for marginalized groups, including youth, women, LGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, indigenous, and Afro-Venezuelans; and

• Building university partnerships and other higher-education exchanges that focus on curricula development, research capacity building, and tech transfer/intellectual property policies. 

PLEASE NOTE: All programs must include an American component, conveying an element of U.S. culture, history, and/or shared values. This must be a concrete element that establishes or strengthens ties between people in Venezuela and the United States. For example, competitive proposals will include a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and/or increased bilateral cooperation that continues after the program has concluded. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: At this time no U.S. citizen can travel to Venezuela for in-person programs with this funding. Therefore, speakers and other activities with U.S. organizations need to be conducted through online engagement.

Participants and Audiences:

Venezuelans in Venezuela and their U.S. counterparts in the sectors represented in the priority program areas listed above.

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;
• Programs that duplicate existing programs; or
• Programs without an American component.

Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: FY 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: up to 12 months 

Number of awards anticipated: 4 awards (dependent on available funding)

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000

Total potential available funding: $100,000

Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding

Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Cooperative agreements. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that VAU PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (“Substantial Involvement”). 

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. 

If interested in applying, please visit https://ve.mwp.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/05/VENEZUELA-2024-VAU-PDS-APS-NOFO-FINAL-5-14-24.docx-1.pdf to review all information regarding this NOFO.