Liberty Under Law: The Shared Anglo-American Tradition

The U.S. Department of State, through its U.S. Mission to the United Kingdom, is seeking proposals for innovative public education and civic engagement programs in the UK that deepen understanding of the shared Anglo-American common law tradition and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the American Bar Association’s Magna Carta Memorial in Runnymede. The initiative, titled “Liberty Under Law: The Shared Anglo-American Tradition,” aims to connect foundational legal principles—such as freedom of speech, due process, trial by jury, limited government, rule of law, property rights, taxation by consent, and ordered liberty—to contemporary civic life through scalable, high-visibility activities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver flagship symposia, traveling or modular exhibitions, digital and multimedia content, guest speaker exchanges, and permanent educational resources like open-access archives or curricula, with a clear plan for monitoring and evaluation tied to measurable outcomes in public understanding and engagement. Proposals must be submitted by August 21, 2026, via email to londongrants@state.gov, and must include the SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a 15-page project narrative, a two-page Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Monitoring Plan with a Theory of Change diagram and datasheet, a detailed line-item budget, resumes or position descriptions for key personnel, letters of support from partners, proof of non-profit status, and registration documentation. Awards are expected to range between $100,000 and $500,000, with up to three grants anticipated, and must begin no later than September 30, 2026, with a maximum performance period of 18 months. Evaluation will prioritize project design, innovation, and feasibility (25 points), followed by organizational capacity and past performance (20 points), monitoring and sustainability (15 points), and cost effectiveness (10 points), with a trade-off approach where technical merit outweighs cost. High-risk applicants face additional oversight, including monthly narrative reports, quarterly financial reports, potential withholding of 10% of funds, and mandatory electronic fund transfers. All activities must comply with 2 CFR 200, federal anti-discrimination laws, and Department of State branding guidelines, including use of the Freedom 250 logo. Unallowable costs include construction, direct social services, and FASC-prohibited drones, while pre-award expenses are not reimbursable. Applicants must hold a valid Unique Entity