U.S. Embassy Lebanon PAS Large Grants NOFO | LBN PAS FY21 02

Opportunity Information: Apply for LBN PAS FY21 02

The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS) under the U.S. Department of State, is offering funding through its Public Diplomacy Large Grants Program. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), listed as LBN PAS FY21 02, is a discretionary opportunity that supports projects designed to strengthen mutual understanding between people in the United States and Lebanon. The program is structured as an Annual Program Statement, meaning it lays out the Embassy's main priorities and themes for the year and explains how organizations should submit proposals for funding consideration.

At its core, the grant program is looking for cultural and exchange-oriented projects that help connect Lebanese audiences with U.S. perspectives, policies, and values in practical and engaging ways. A key requirement is that every proposal must include a clear American cultural element or a direct link to the United States, such as collaboration with American experts, U.S.-based organizations, or U.S. institutions in a relevant field. The intent is not just to run local programming, but to create genuine points of connection that increase understanding of the United States and encourage constructive dialogue.

The Embassy is prioritizing proposals in three broad program areas. The first is promoting social cohesion among diverse populations and fostering civic engagement, which can include work that brings communities together, supports participation in civic life, or builds trust and collaboration across social groups. The second priority area is showcasing U.S. values through social and economic entrepreneurship, emphasizing initiatives that encourage innovation, ethical leadership, opportunity creation, and problem-solving approaches often associated with U.S. civic and economic culture. The third priority is informing local audiences about the United States, which may involve educational, cultural, or media-related activities that broaden public understanding of American society, institutions, and viewpoints.

Within these priority areas, the Embassy highlights several example subthemes that applicants can build around, while noting that the list is not exhaustive. These subthemes include democracy and good governance, disability rights and awareness, protecting human rights, investing in arts and culture, preserving cultural heritage, developing cultural capital, and promoting media literacy. Projects that combine these themes with strong community relevance and a credible American partnership or component are aligned with what the Embassy says it wants to support.

In terms of funding structure and logistics, awards may be issued as either grants or cooperative agreements, which typically means some projects may involve closer collaboration with the Embassy depending on the specific award instrument. The funding activity categories are broad and include arts and cultural affairs, community development, education, environment, and humanities. The opportunity lists a maximum award ceiling of $400,000 and anticipates making about two awards. The opportunity was created on November 9, 2020, and the original closing date was March 31, 2021. Eligibility is listed as "Others" with additional clarification expected in the full announcement materials, and applicants are directed to review the "Related Documents" section for the detailed application requirements and submission instructions.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Lebanon in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), community development, education, environment, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Lebanon PAS Large Grants NOFO" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 09, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 31, 2021. (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 $400,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for LBN PAS FY21 02

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