AEIF: Celebrating Freedom 250 and Advancing USA-ROC
🏛 U.S. Mission to the Republic of the Congo
Can you apply?
This grant is for American organizations and Republic of Congo entities seeking to support cultural, educational, and diplomatic exchange programs celebrating American values and strengthening U.S.-Congo relations. Eligible recipients typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and faith-based organizations operating in or partnering with the Republic of Congo. Activities supported include cultural festivals, educational exchanges, civic engagement programs, democratic governance initiatives, and public diplomacy events. The program prioritizes projects that advance mutual understanding, promote shared democratic values, and commemorate significant American commemorative occasions. Geographic scope is focused on the Republic of Congo, though partnerships involving U.S.-based organizations serving as fiscal sponsors or partners are common. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, clear project goals, and meaningful engagement with Congolese communities.
Program description
The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Brazzaville announces an open competition to implement a program designed to advance key U.S. foreign policy priorities in the Republic of the Congo (ROC). This program will celebrate the Freedom 250 milestone, promote American innovation and technology, and highlight the upcoming World Cup hosted in the United States. It will also foster stronger commercial ties by promoting American businesses and trade between the U.S. and ROC.
Target audiences include youth, entrepreneurs, educators, civil society leaders, and USG program alumni. Eligible recipients are Congolese and U.S.-based non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other qualified entities with experience in public diplomacy, education, entrepreneurship, or anti-trafficking initiatives.
By supporting these objectives, the program will reinforce the U.S.-ROC partnership, promote shared values, and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Standard Form 424 (SF-424) or SF-424 (R&R) application form
- Project narrative and statement of work describing goals, activities, and expected outcomes
- Detailed budget and budget narrative justifying all expenses
- Organization's 501(c)(3) determination letter (if applicable)
- Proof of organizational capacity (annual reports, board information, past program results)
- Evidence of partnerships or memoranda of understanding with Congo-based organizations
- Security assessment or risk mitigation plan (if applicable)
- Evaluation plan with specific metrics and timeline
- Organizational financial statements or audited financials
Program contact
- 👤 Lejuste Moukoubouka Grantor
- 📧 PASBrazza@state.gov
- 📞 00242055021394
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.022 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$570,002
-
$550,000
-
$500,000
-
$500,000
-
$425,000
-
$315,177
-
$290,000
-
$269,061
-
$268,500
-
$250,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.022). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $9,943,397 | |
| 2025 | $9,943,397 | |
| 2026 est. | $9,943,397 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Typically, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and Congolese entities in partnership with U.S. sponsors can apply. Applicants must have established organizational capacity and experience implementing programs in the Republic of Congo.
What is the deadline for applications?
The application deadline is May 22, 2026. Applications open on April 22, 2026, providing a one-month submission window. Early submission is recommended.
What types of activities and programs does this grant support?
Eligible activities include cultural festivals, educational exchanges, civic engagement initiatives, public diplomacy programs, youth development, and projects promoting democratic values and U.S.-Congo relations.
How competitive is this funding opportunity?
State Department public diplomacy grants are moderately to highly competitive. Applicants should demonstrate clear community impact, strong partnerships, measurable outcomes, and alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives.
What is the typical funding range for awards?
Funding amounts vary by project scope and program priorities. Applicants should review the detailed NOFO for specific budget parameters and per-project limits common to this agency's public diplomacy programs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your project strengthens U.S.-Congo relations and promotes American values like democracy, freedom, and civic engagement. Public diplomacy grants require clear connection to diplomatic objectives.
- Build strong local partnerships with Congolese organizations, educational institutions, and community groups. State Department programs value evidence of meaningful local engagement and sustainability beyond the grant period.
- Focus on measurable outcomes and clear indicators of success. Include specific participant numbers, engagement metrics, and long-term impact assessment in your proposal.
- Address security and organizational capacity explicitly. If operating in the Congo, document your operational experience, staff qualifications, and risk management protocols.
- Align your timeline and budget with the one-month application window. State Department applications often have strict formatting requirements and submission systems; begin preparation immediately and test your submission platform early.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail by overstating broad cultural exchange goals without demonstrating specific diplomatic value or measurable community outcomes. Many proposals underestimate the importance of strong local partnerships and fail to show how the project will be sustained after grant funding ends. Additionally, applicants frequently submit vague budgets or inadequate risk management plans when operating in the Congo, raising concerns about organizational capacity and fiduciary responsibility.
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