Small Grants Program
🏛 U.S. Mission to the United Nations
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and individuals advancing U.S. policy priorities in the multilateral sphere. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, individuals, educational institutions, and government institutions. For-profit entities cannot apply. All projects must include a U.S. element or connection and advance U.S. diplomatic objectives at the UN and other international organizations in Geneva.
Projects can support lectures, exhibitions, exchanges, training workshops, or awareness campaigns. Priority areas include human rights, religious freedom, peace and security, public-private partnerships, UN reform, and institutional transparency.
Cost-sharing is encouraged but not required. Applications are welcome from individuals and organizations based anywhere, though the work typically engages with Geneva-based institutions.
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Program description
The United States Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva advances U.S. policy at more than 100 international organizations in Geneva. The U.S. Mission engages daily on issues as diverse as humanitarian assistance, global health, international trade, peace and security, arms control, and human rights.
The Program:
The United States Mission in Geneva is accepting project proposals for its fiscal year 2020 Small Grants Program. The Small Grants Program permits individuals, non-government organizations, think tanks, and government and academic institutions to seek funding for projects that promote U.S. policy priorities in the multilateral sphere. All programs must include a U.S. element or connection. Awards will be made to successful applicants subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
Programs can include, but are not limited to, academic and professional lectures or panel discussion; exhibitions and cultural programs; professional and academic exchanges; professional development workshops and training; or public awareness campaigns.
Priority Program Areas:
Though all submitted projects will be considered for funding, we are currently giving priority to projects that highlight:
- Human rights, including protection of human rights defenders
- Freedom of religion or belief
- Promoting peace and security
- Public-private partnerships
- Preserving core UN values
- Promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the UN system
Further details about the program and how to apply at the following link: https://geneva.usmission.gov/annual-program-statement/
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project proposal (narrative description)
- Budget and budget narrative
- Applicant organization information (for organizations)
- Statement of qualifications (for individuals)
- Compliance certification (U.S. Federal and Public Diplomacy regulations)
Program contact
- 👤 Yves Bouvie Grantor
- 📧 GenevaGrants@state.gov
- 📞 41227494359
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
-
$3,076,525
-
$2,650,000
-
$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 to the Small Grants Program?
Nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, individuals, educational institutions, and government agencies are eligible. For-profit companies cannot apply. All applicants must have a U.S. element or connection.
What types of projects does the program fund?
Eligible activities include academic lectures, panel discussions, exhibitions, cultural programs, professional exchanges, training workshops, and public awareness campaigns. Projects must advance U.S. policy priorities in the multilateral sphere.
What is the award amount and is cost-sharing required?
Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000. Cost-sharing is not mandatory but is highly encouraged when possible.
What are the priority funding areas?
The program prioritizes projects on human rights, freedom of religion or belief, peace and security, public-private partnerships, UN reform, and institutional transparency and accountability.
When is the deadline and how often can I apply?
This is a rolling application program with no fixed deadline. You may resubmit proposals in subsequent funding cycles if your application is not selected.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize the U.S. connection clearly in your proposal. Reviewers want to see how your project advances U.S. diplomatic interests at the UN.
- Align your project to at least one priority area (human rights, religious freedom, peace, partnerships, UN reform, or transparency). Projects addressing these topics receive priority consideration.
- Keep your budget modest and realistic within the $5,000–$15,000 range. Detailed cost justifications matter even though cost-sharing isn't required.
- Demonstrate genuine engagement with Geneva-based institutions or multilateral organizations. Specify which UN bodies or international organizations your project involves.
- Submit high-quality, professional materials. This is a competitive program with limited funding. Clear writing and strong program design increase your chances.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to clearly connect your project to U.S. foreign policy objectives or the multilateral sphere. Submitting projects without a genuine U.S. element or connection. Requesting budgets far above the $15,000 maximum or providing vague cost justifications.
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