Italy Annual Program Statement
🏛 U.S. Mission to Italy
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations strengthening U.S.-Italy ties through public diplomacy programs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, cultural organizations, academic institutions, and Italian organizations that can partner with American experts or institutions. Programs must serve an Italian audience and include a significant American cultural or institutional element. Activities such as academic exchanges, cultural workshops, lectures, and joint performances are supported.
The grant prioritizes three areas: democracy and democratic values, economic prosperity (including science and technology), and countering disinformation. Ineligible activities include partisan politics, programs targeting Americans, charitable work, construction, religious activities, fundraising, lobbying, scientific research, and programs that duplicate existing initiatives.
Applicants must demonstrate how their program strengthens bilateral cooperation and promotes understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Cost-sharing is required.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The U.S. Mission to Italy’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement outlining funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.
Purpose of Grants: PDS Italy invites concept notes for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Italy. Programs and activities should highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must have a primary audience of Italians or those residing in Italy and include a significant American cultural element, such as a connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
Examples of PDS grants programs include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and professional lectures, exchanges, seminars, partnerships, and speaker programs;
- Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions featuring participants from the United States;
Priority Program Areas:
- Democracy and Democratic Values: Proposals in this area should strengthen and reinforce the practice of democratic principles within Italy (such as countering racism and gender-based violence, and reducing extremism, antisemitism, and intolerance of marginalized groups in Italy) and/or strengthen the capacity of Italian civil society in fostering democratic values and renewing trust in democracy.
- Economic Prosperity: Proposals in this area should promote transparent and rules-based trade and investment. Proposals that reinforce positive examples of U.S.-Italian collaboration in key sectors, including science and technology, the sustainable and digital economies, culture, and women’s economic empowerment will receive favorable consideration.
- Countering Disinformation: Proposals in this area should increase target audiences’ understanding of and ability to counter foreign information manipulation and interference that undermines faith in democratic governance. We encourage proposals that support increased awareness of disinformation among the media and journalists.
The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
- Programs relating to partisan political activity;
- Programs targeting an American audience;
- Charitable or development activities;
- Construction programs;
- Programs that support specific religious activities;
- Fund-raising campaigns;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
- Scientific research;
- Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
- Programs that duplicate existing programs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Concept note or proposal narrative
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of cost-sharing commitment
- Documentation of American partner involvement
- Organization background and credentials
Program contact
- 👤 Giovanni Guasina - POC
- 📧 romepagrants@state.gov
- 📞 00000000000000
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?
Nonprofits, cultural organizations, academic institutions, and Italian-based groups can apply if they partner with American experts or institutions. Your program must primarily serve Italians and include significant American cultural content.
What types of programs are funded?
Funded programs include academic exchanges, lectures, seminars, artistic workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions. All activities must strengthen U.S.-Italy ties and bilateral cooperation.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is January 26, 2025. This is a fixed, one-time deadline for this Annual Program Statement.
What are the priority areas?
The three priority areas are democracy and democratic values, economic prosperity (including tech and sustainability), and countering disinformation. Proposals addressing these themes receive favorable consideration.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. You must demonstrate your organization's commitment by contributing resources or funds to the project.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate how your program strengthens U.S.-Italy bilateral relationships and demonstrates shared democratic values. Vague connections to "partnership" will weaken your application.
- Include specific details about American partners, experts, or institutions involved. The grant requires a "significant" American cultural element; provide names and descriptions of U.S. contributors.
- Align your proposal with one or more of the three priority areas: democracy, economic prosperity, or countering disinformation. Proposals matching these themes score higher.
- Detail your cost-sharing plan upfront. Show both what your organization and American partners will contribute. Competitive proposals demonstrate significant co-investment.
- Avoid ineligible activities: don't propose construction, religious programming, fundraising, lobbying, or programs that duplicate existing State Department initiatives.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they lack a significant American institutional partnership or expert involvement. Proposals targeting American audiences instead of Italians are ineligible. Weak cost-sharing plans or vague budget justification undermines competitiveness.
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