Public Diplomacy Grants/Small Grants Program - Ghana

The U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Mission to Ghana is soliciting proposals under the Public Diplomacy Grants/Small Grants Program for Fiscal Year 2026 to advance bilateral relations and U.S. foreign policy priorities in Ghana and West Africa. The solicitation, identified as SGHANA-PDS-FY26-001, seeks programs that strengthen economic and commercial ties, enhance law enforcement collaboration for border security, counter malign actors threatening U.S. interests, and support Ghana’s transition to self-sufficiency. Target audiences include youth, students, young professionals, business leaders, academics, policymakers, military personnel, media, and local partner organizations. Proposals must clearly demonstrate alignment with U.S. strategic goals and the potential to improve America’s reputation among Ghanaian institutions and the public. Applications must be submitted via email by August 14, 2026, and are limited to a five-page narrative with mandatory forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with supporting documentation such as key personnel resumes, letters of support from partners, proof of nonprofit status, and indirect cost documentation including a current NICRA if applicable. Award selection will be based on a merit-based trade-off process evaluating organizational capacity and track record on previous grants (25 points) and project planning and ability to achieve objectives (20 points). Proposals must include a detailed timeline, measurable outcomes, a Monitoring & Evaluation framework using “If-Then” logic, and a line-item budget in U.S. dollars with full justification. Applicants must have an active UEI and SAM.gov registration; for-profit entities are ineligible as prime recipients. Key personnel must be identified with resumes or position descriptions and time commitments specified, and certain individuals may be subject to Risk Analysis Management (RAM) vetting via DS-4184, requiring personal and identification data. Compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 and Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions is mandatory, including drug-free workplace, trafficking in persons, and anti-fraud provisions. High-risk recipients may face withholding of up to 10% of funds until final reports are approved and will be required to submit monthly narrative and quarterly financial reports. The award period is flexible, beginning within 90 days of award and ending no later than 10 months after award, with performance expected primarily in Ghana. Payment requests must be submitted via SF-270 to the Grants Officer with full supporting