Small Grant Program in the People’s Republic of China
🏛 U.S. Mission to China
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and institutions seeking to support cultural, educational, and social exchange activities in the People's Republic of China. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and other recognized organizations with experience in international exchange programming. The grant supports projects that advance U.S. foreign policy objectives in China, including educational exchanges, cultural initiatives, and community development activities. Geographic scope is limited to projects implemented in mainland China. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, prior experience with similar programs, and alignment with U.S. diplomatic priorities in the region. Projects should have clear measurable outcomes and sustainable impact.
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Program description
Supporting civil society and creating a space for a diversity of people and ideas is a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy abroad. To that end, PAS invites proposals for activities that promote civil engagement, human rights, and good governance, rule of law, environmental protection, education, and multilateral economic engagement.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative/statement of work with clear objectives and outcomes
- Detailed project budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation (IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, audit reports)
- Evidence of prior experience with similar programs or international work
- Organizational and project timeline
- Letters of support or partnership agreements from organizations in China
- Proof of tax-exempt status
- Key personnel resumes and organizational structure
Program contact
- 👤 Shanna Surendra Grantor
- 📧 chinasmallgrants@state.gov
- 📞 86-10-8531-3046
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
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$4,682,072
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$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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
Typically 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, colleges, and other recognized organizations with experience in international programming and demonstrated capacity to implement projects in China are eligible. U.S.-based organizations or those with established relationships in China can apply.
What types of projects does this grant support?
The program typically funds cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, community development, and activities that promote mutual understanding and align with U.S. foreign policy objectives in China. Projects should have clear community benefit and sustainable outcomes.
What is the typical funding range for awards?
As a small grant program, individual awards are typically modest (commonly in the range of $5,000-$50,000), though specific amounts vary by project scope and available funding.
How competitive is this grant?
State Department exchange and engagement grants are generally moderately to highly competitive. Strong applications demonstrate organizational experience, clear project objectives, and alignment with diplomatic priorities.
What is the application deadline?
The specific deadline date is not currently specified. Interested applicants should contact the U.S. Mission to China or monitor the State Department's grants.gov listing for current deadline information and reopen dates.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Research current U.S.-China diplomatic priorities and frame your project to align with them; State Department grants emphasize foreign policy objectives alongside humanitarian or educational goals.
- Emphasize your organization's prior experience with international programming, partnerships in China, and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments in mainland China.
- Build strong partnerships with organizations in China to demonstrate sustainability and genuine community engagement rather than one-off activities.
- Include detailed budget breakdowns and cost-sharing or matching funds if possible; State Department programs often expect leveraging of additional resources.
- Focus on measurable outcomes and indicators of success—exchanges and engagement grants require clear evidence of mutual understanding and long-term impact.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants often underestimate the regulatory and operational complexity of implementing programs in mainland China and fail to account for sufficient contingency planning. Weak applications lack demonstrated prior experience with international or China-based programming, making grantmakers question organizational capacity. Many proposals fail to clearly articulate how the project advances specific U.S. foreign policy objectives or show alignment with current diplomatic priorities in the region.
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