Public Diplomacy Grants Program
🏛 U.S. Mission to Nicaragua
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. and foreign individuals, nonprofits, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and media organizations working in Nicaragua. Applicants must advance one of three priorities: U.S. trade and economic interests, free speech and media freedom, or border security and anti-migration messaging. Programs should target independent journalists, civil society, religious institutions, youth, entrepreneurs, or rural producers through workshops, trainings, exchanges, or media initiatives.
Geographic scope is Nicaragua only.
Program description
The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Managua announces an open competition for the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program to advance U.S. security, commercial interests, and regional stability in Nicaragua through innovative public diplomacy initiatives.
Proposals must address one of three priority areas: advancing U.S. trade and economic interests by promoting market-oriented, private sector–led growth, fostering trade relationships with the United States, and increasing awareness of foreign economic practices that undermine U.S. and Nicaraguan commercial interests; protecting free speech, defending religious freedom, and countering anti-U.S. narratives by strengthening independent voices, expanding access to credible information, and building the capacity of independent media and civil society; or supporting border security and ending mass migration by increasing public understanding of U.S. immigration laws, the dangers of illegal migration, and combating criminal networks.
Target audiences may include independent journalists, civil society organizations, religious workers and institutions, youth and university students, entrepreneurs and small businesses, and rural producers. Programs may use workshops, trainings, exchanges, media initiatives, and community-based activities to expand access to information and create economic opportunities.
Eligible applicants include individuals, non-profit organizations, civil society groups, educational institutions, media organizations, and other qualified entities capable of implementing programs aligned with these priorities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational credentials or CV (for individuals)
- Evidence of organizational capacity or prior experience
Program contact
- 👤 Carlsky Belizaire Grantor
- 📧 PASManagua@state.gov
- 📞 505225271007696
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?
U.S. and foreign individuals, nonprofits, civil society groups, educational institutions, and media organizations. Both domestic and international entities are eligible.
What are the funding priorities?
The grant covers three areas: advancing U.S. trade interests, protecting free speech and countering anti-U.S. narratives, or supporting border security and ending mass migration. Your project must align with one priority area.
What activities are eligible?
Workshops, trainings, exchanges, media initiatives, and community-based activities that expand information access and create economic opportunities. Programs target journalists, civil society, youth, entrepreneurs, and rural producers.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is May 18, 2026. Plan your application timeline accordingly.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $20,000 to $80,000 per grant. No cost-sharing is required.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly connect your project to one of the three priority areas: trade/economic growth, media freedom, or border security. Vague alignment will weaken competitiveness.
- Identify your target audience specifically (journalists, youth, entrepreneurs, etc.) and explain why they matter to U.S. interests in Nicaragua.
- Use concrete examples of activities. Abstract proposals about "awareness-raising" rank lower than detailed workshop plans or media campaign designs.
- Address how your organization or partners have successfully reached similar audiences before. Demonstrated experience in Nicaragua is valuable.
- Frame outcomes in measurable terms: number of participants trained, media pieces published, awareness metrics, or economic activity generated.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to align the proposal to one of three specific priorities. Proposing activities that don't match targets (journalists, youth, entrepreneurs). Submitting vague descriptions without concrete activities or measurable outcomes.
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