Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program – Freedom 250 Edition
🏛 U.S. Mission to Jamaica
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and individuals in Jamaica seeking to advance U.S.-Jamaica partnership through innovation, youth engagement, and democratic strengthening.
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, civil society groups, think tanks, public and private educational institutions, individuals, and public international organizations. Projects must serve audiences including youth, students, educators, entrepreneurs, and civil society organizations.
Funded activities must strengthen bilateral ties and deliver measurable results in economic competitiveness, democratic resilience, or national security. Programs include AI bootcamps, STEM education, civic participation workshops, media literacy initiatives, and health campaigns.
Awards range from $10,000 to $20,000 per project. No cost sharing is required.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
The U.S. Embassy Kingston announces an open competition advancing U.S.-Jamaica partnership through the Freedom 250 framework Innovate, Ignite, and Inspire, supporting projects that strengthen bilateral ties and deliver measurable results in economic competitiveness, democratic resilience, and national security.
Innovate projects demonstrate how democratic principles and technological excellence create mutual prosperity through AI bootcamps and STEM education, positioning Jamaica as a competitive economic partner aligned with U.S. priorities.
Ignite initiatives equip youth with tools for informed civic participation, including workshops that combat misinformation and governance fellowships that build stable societies sharing America’s commitment to common cultural values.
Inspire initiatives demonstrate U.S. commitment to global diplomacy through debate, media literacy, health literacy campaigns, and community townhalls that protect mutual interests.
Target audiences include youth, students, educators, entrepreneurs, and civil society organizations. Programs must deliver measurable impact aligned with U.S. strategic priorities: fostering innovation-driven growth, strengthening democratic institutions, and building resilient communities. This opportunity reinforces the United States’ commitment to advancing prosperity, security, and free expression.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application narrative/project description
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of organizational capacity or individual background
- Expected outcomes and evaluation plan
- Contact information and organizational identification documents
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. Mission to Jamaica
- 📞 703-516-1684
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?
Not-for-profit organizations, civil society groups, think tanks, educational institutions (public and private), individuals, and public international organizations are eligible. You must be based in Jamaica.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects must fall into three categories: Innovate (AI/STEM for economic growth), Ignite (youth civic participation and governance), or Inspire (public diplomacy through debate, media literacy, and community engagement).
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $10,000 to $20,000 per project. Cost sharing is not required.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is July 31, 2026. Check with the U.S. Embassy Kingston for any updates on submission procedures.
What does a competitive application look like?
Strong applications show measurable impact on democratic resilience, economic competitiveness, or national security. Clearly connect your project to U.S.-Jamaica strategic priorities and document outcomes.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project directly to one of the three frameworks: Innovate, Ignite, or Inspire. Show which strategic priority it addresses.
- Define measurable outcomes upfront. The program expects concrete results in democratic resilience, competitiveness, or security.
- Demonstrate clear connection to U.S.-Jamaica bilateral partnership. Explain how your project strengthens mutual prosperity and shared values.
- Involve your target audience (youth, educators, entrepreneurs) in project design. Show they have input on community priorities.
- Budget conservatively within the $10,000–$20,000 range. Justify all costs tied directly to achieving stated outcomes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting projects misaligned with the three frameworks (Innovate/Ignite/Inspire). Failing to articulate measurable outcomes and clear success metrics. Weak connection to U.S. strategic interests or Jamaica partnership goals.
Similar grants
- OPEN Post Kuala Lumpur FY2026 Annual Program Statement — U.S. Mission to Malaysia
- CLOSED U.S. Embassy Djibouti PDS Annual Program Statement — U.S. Mission to Djibouti
- OPEN U.S. EMBASSY TO LIBYA PAS ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT — U.S. Mission to Tunisia
- OPEN U.S. Embassy to the United Kingdom Public Diplomacy Section Annual Program Statement — U.S. Mission to the United Kingdom
- CLOSED PAS Freetown Small Grants Program — U.S. Mission to Sierra Leone