Call for Proposals to Make America and the Region Safer, Stronger, and More Prosperous
🏛 U.S. Mission to Guatemala
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and individuals working on public diplomacy projects in Guatemala that align with U.S. strategic goals. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits, NGOs, civil society organizations, think tanks, educational institutions, and individuals with relevant programming experience. All projects must include a Freedom 250 component celebrating American excellence through cultural, educational, or expert exchange activities. Projects should focus on counteracting Chinese influence, combating transnational crime, economic development, or expanding U.S. business presence in Guatemala.
Program description
The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals for projects that make America and the region safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
All project requests must include a Freedom 250 component. The Freedom 250 Initiative is part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Activities under this initiative should be either cultural or educational, or a connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions, to promote greater understanding of U.S. policy, perspectives, and American excellence. Activities should be carried out in collaboration or coordination with the U.S. Embassy Guatemala’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). These activities should celebrate American excellence, and reinforce that the United States remains a trusted, dynamic partner.
Priority Program Areas/Goals: Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority outcomes, but applicants may also recommend their own objective.
Goal 1. Countering CCP Malign Influence to Protect U.S. Strategic and Economic Interests.
Goal 2. Countering Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) to Protect American and Guatemalan Communities and Strengthen the Rule of Law in Guatemala.
Goal 3. Ending Illegal Immigration by Building Economic Opportunity.
Goal 4. Expanding U.S. Business Presence and Market Access in Guatemala to Grow American Prosperity.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proposal narrative describing project activities and Freedom 250 component
- Budget and budget narrative
- Applicant organizational background and capacity statement
- Evidence of programming experience (past projects, references)
- Letters of support or coordination letters from U.S. Embassy Guatemala Public Diplomacy Section
Program contact
- 👤 Mariela J Campos Grantor
- 📧 GTM-PASGrants@state.gov
- 📞 502-3128-9942
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 can apply for this grant?
Registered nonprofits, NGOs, civil society organizations, think tanks, educational institutions, and individuals can apply. Applicants should have programming experience relevant to the project.
What is the Freedom 250 component and is it required?
Yes, all proposals must include a Freedom 250 component. This celebrates America's 250th anniversary through cultural or educational activities, or connections with U.S. experts and institutions to showcase American excellence.
What are the priority focus areas?
Projects should address one or more of four goals: countering Chinese influence, combating transnational crime, building economic opportunity to reduce illegal immigration, or expanding U.S. business presence in Guatemala.
What is the funding range and timeline?
Awards range from $10,000 to $100,000. The deadline is July 15, 2026, and projects should be designed for implementation in Guatemala in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy.
Is cost sharing required?
No, cost sharing is not required for this grant. All funding comes from the grant award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your project includes a clear Freedom 250 component that celebrates American excellence and partnerships. This is mandatory for all proposals.
- Work directly with the U.S. Embassy Guatemala's Public Diplomacy Section during project development. Early coordination improves alignment and competitiveness.
- Frame your project outcomes in terms of one of the four priority goals: countering CCP influence, combating transnational crime, economic opportunity, or business expansion.
- Demonstrate concrete programming experience and capacity to execute in Guatemala. Include evidence of past successful projects and local partnerships.
- Keep budget realistic and justified. Awards range $10,000–$100,000, so tailor scope accordingly and explain how funding directly supports stated outcomes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack a clear Freedom 250 component or fail to demonstrate how activities celebrate American excellence. Proposals don't coordinate with the U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section, resulting in misalignment with embassy priorities. Applicants underestimate the importance of showing prior programming experience and local partner relationships in Guatemala.
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