Public Affairs Section Notice of Funding Opportunity 2020
🏛 U.S. Mission to Cambodia
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and institutions with ties to Cambodia that can partner with American experts or organizations. Eligible applicants typically include Cambodian NGOs, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and community groups. Projects must strengthen U.S.-Cambodia relations through cultural, educational, or professional exchange programming. All projects require an American cultural element, expert participation, or connection to U.S. organizations or institutions.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
The U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow the instructions below.
Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Phnom Penh invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Cambodia through cultural and exchange programming that highlight shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
Examples of PAS Small Grants Program projects include, but are not limited to
- Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;
- Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions;
- Cultural heritage conservation and preservation projects;
- Professional and academic exchanges and projects.
Priority Program Areas:
- A yearlong 2020 endeavor to highlight the 70th anniversary of U.S.-Cambodia diplomatic relations demonstrating efforts to protect and preserve Cambodian cultural heritage, celebrate Cambodia’s recent progress and development and our enduring commitment to bilateral relations.
- Affirming support of and respect for human rights and LGTBQI focused outreach.
- Protection of press freedoms and countering disinformation in a changing media landscape.
- Strengthening the understanding of civic engagement: making use of the interconnections of modern society to strengthen democracy.
- Promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific Region.
- Protecting the environment and strengthening resolve to tackle regional issues including but not limited to Lower Mekong issues, food security, water and energy challenges.
- Promoting economic growth and sustainable development by encouraging fair and reciprocal trade and transparent, high-quality investment and empowering women and youth to spur economic growth.
- Promoting the development of STEM education among Cambodian youth.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project proposal or narrative
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational background or credentials
- Evidence of American partner commitment (letter of support or MOU)
Program contact
- 👤 Public Affairs Section U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh
- 📧 PASExchanges@state.gov
- 📞 85523728179
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
Can U.S. organizations apply directly?
No. This grant is administered by the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia and targets Cambodian organizations. U.S. organizations can participate as partners or experts within a Cambodian applicant's project.
What types of projects are funded?
Academic lectures, cultural workshops, heritage conservation, professional exchanges, STEM education, environmental projects, and programs promoting human rights or press freedom are eligible.
What's the funding amount per grant?
The award range is up to $20,000 per project, though specific award amounts vary based on project scope.
Is this grant competitive?
Yes. The program emphasizes strong partnerships with American experts and clear alignment with State Department strategic themes like democracy, human rights, and economic development.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required, but matching funds or in-kind contributions strengthen competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly demonstrate how your project strengthens U.S.-Cambodia bilateral relations and includes meaningful American partnership or cultural content.
- Align your project with at least one of the eight priority areas, especially the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations theme.
- Emphasize outcomes that promote understanding of U.S. policy, values, and perspectives among Cambodian audiences.
- Build genuine partnerships with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions rather than treating American involvement as a checkbox.
- Show clear metrics for measuring cultural exchange impact, audience reach, and understanding of shared values.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak or superficial American partnerships that don't substantively strengthen the project. Failure to clearly align with stated priority areas or the diplomatic relations theme. Vague descriptions of project outcomes and audience impact.
Similar grants
- OPEN Annual Program Statement for Public Diplomacy Section Fiscal Year 2026 — U.S. Mission to Cambodia
- CLOSED U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh – PAS Annual Program Statement — U.S. Mission to Cambodia
- CLOSED Call for Proposals – Workshops to Stop the Spread of mis/disinformation — U.S. Mission to Cambodia
- CLOSED Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program — U.S. Mission to the European Union
- OPEN U.S. EMBASSY TO LIBYA PAS ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT — U.S. Mission to Tunisia