Africa Regional Services Paris Annual Program Statement: ARS Speaker Program
🏛 Africa Regional Services
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. citizen speakers, artists, and athletes/coaches with demonstrated expertise in priority areas. Applicants must be individuals fluent in English and either French or Portuguese. Organizations, for-profit entities, and non-U.S. citizens are not eligible. Selected individuals will be added to a roster and may receive funding grants when embassy/consulate requests match their expertise and availability.
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Program description
Priority Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa Regional Services (ARS) Paris, part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, invites U.S. citizen speakers, artists, and athletes/coaches to submit Statements of Interest (SOIs) for inclusion on the ARS U.S. Speaker Program roster. Roster members may be selected for small program specific grants to conduct in-person and virtual outreach across sub-Saharan Africa.
The ARS Speaker Program supports U.S. foreign policy goals in Africa by strengthening security, supporting shared prosperity, and promoting American excellence. In line with the Department’s Freedom 250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Decade of Sport in America programs are encouraged to:
- Share the American story and 250 years of American excellence in innovation, technology, and culture; and celebrate American achievement in sports.
- Lead the next era of results driven U.S.–Africa partnership.
This Annual Program Statement seeks U.S. citizen individuals with demonstrated expertise who can deliver programs in English and either French or Portuguese.
Priority Program Areas include security; economic prosperity, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship; energy security, and critical minerals; and American arts, sports, and creative industries as engines of economic opportunity.
Selected individuals will be added to the ARS roster following review and interview. Being on the roster does not guarantee funding; individual grants will be made only when a specific U.S. embassy or consulate request matches a roster member’s expertise and availability.
SOIs must be submitted using the dedicated form available at https://forms.office.com/g/NyK95VxSH9. All supporting documents (credentials/testimonials/endorsements, U.S. passport and a CV or résumé) must be emailed to arsspeaker@state.gov. Make sure the email subject line says “SOI” with your full name. Incomplete Statements of Interest will be rejected.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Statement of Interest (SOI) form
- U.S. Passport copy
- CV or Résumé
- Credentials/Testimonials/Endorsements
Program contact
- 👤 Marion Salvanet Grantor
- 📧 ARSSpeaker@state.gov
- 📞 33143127073
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.040 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$4,682,072
-
$3,371,312
-
$2,650,000
-
$2,446,525
-
$2,050,500
-
$1,861,451
-
$1,700,000
-
$1,565,795
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,480,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.040). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $129,428,262 | |
| 2019 est. | $34,549,598 | |
| 2020 | $129,979,440 | |
| 2021 | $128,999,999 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
U.S. citizens only—no organizations, for-profit entities, or non-citizens. You must speak English fluently and either French or Portuguese.
What is the deadline and how does selection work?
Deadline is August 31, 2026. Being added to the roster does not guarantee funding; grants are awarded only when a specific embassy request matches your expertise.
What program areas are prioritized?
Security, economic prosperity, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, energy security, critical minerals, and arts/sports/creative industries are top priorities.
What documents do I need to submit?
Complete the online SOI form, then email credentials, testimonials, U.S. passport, and CV to arsspeaker@state.gov with "SOI" and your name in the subject line.
What is the funding range?
Individual grants range from $500 to $12,000, with $50,000 total available across all awardees.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize bilingual fluency. Clearly state which second language (French or Portuguese) you speak and your proficiency level in program materials.
- Align your expertise with State Department priorities. Explicitly connect your background to security, economic development, technology, energy, or creative industries.
- Build a strong credentials package. Include testimonials from past programs, endorsements from recognized figures, and a detailed CV showing relevant experience.
- Prepare for embassy-driven matching. Being on the roster is step one; make your expertise and availability clear so embassies can find you easily.
- Submit complete materials on time. Incomplete SOIs are rejected; verify all documents (passport, CV, credentials) are included before emailing to arsspeaker@state.gov.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting incomplete applications without all required supporting documents or passport copy. Applying as an organization or non-U.S. citizen when only individuals are eligible. Failing to clearly demonstrate bilingual fluency in English plus French or Portuguese.
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