Storytelling to Safeguard Cultural Identity and Sovereignty: Bolstering the Tourism Industry
🏛 U.S. Mission to Uzbekistan
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions working on cultural heritage preservation, tourism development, or content creation. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, think tanks, NGOs, and public/private educational institutions with relevant expertise. Only one U.S.-based nonprofit can serve as the prime recipient. For-profit entities are not eligible. Organizations must demonstrate capacity to partner with Uzbek government agencies and local creative industry partners.
Geographic scope is limited to implementation in Uzbekistan, though the applicant organization must be U.S.-based. Subcontracts with other entities are permitted, but roles must be clearly defined.
This grant is for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions working on cultural heritage preservation, tourism development, or content creation. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, think tanks, NGOs, and public/private educational institutions with relevant expertise. Only one U.S.-based nonprofit can serve as the prime recipient. For-profit entities are not eligible. Organizations must demonstrate capacity to partner with Uzbek government agencies and local creative industry partners.
Geographic scope is limited to implementation in Uzbekistan, though the applicant organization must be U.S.-based. Subcontracts with other entities are permitted, but roles must be clearly defined.
Program description
The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Tashkent announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to implement ” Storytelling to Safeguard Cultural Identity and Sovereignty: Bolstering the Tourism Industry” in Uzbekistan. This program aims to maximize the impact of U.S. investments in cultural heritage preservation and Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) projects amplifying shared civilizational values and U.S. linkages while enhancing tourism experiences and building capacity for story-telling and content creation related to AFCP-supported heritage sites across Uzbekistan.
The selected implementer will work in partnership with the Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), Cultural Heritage Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan (CHA), National Tourism Committee, National Content Creation Center, and local creative industry partners to deliver an integrated training program targeting two key audiences: tourism professionals and tour guides, and content creators (bloggers, journalists, filmmakers, and digital creators). The program will establish a specialized lab – Heritage Content Creation & Storytelling Lab – to develop practical skills and increase quality of heritage-related storytelling in different formats and platforms.
This program will enhance the visibility and impact of U.S. cultural preservation investments while strengthening U.S.-Uzbekistan cultural cooperation in support of a Joint Statement of Intent in the Field of Cultural Heritage declared during a C5+1 meeting in November 2025.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions working on cultural heritage preservation, tourism development, or content creation. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, think tanks, NGOs, and public/private educational institutions with relevant expertise. Only one U.S.-based nonprofit can serve as the prime recipient. For-profit entities are not eligible. Organizations must demonstrate capacity to partner with Uzbek government agencies and local creative industry partners.
Geographic scope is limited to implementation in Uzbekistan, though the applicant organization must be U.S.-based. Subcontracts with other entities are permitted, but roles must be clearly defined.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit documentation
- Organizational capacity statement
- Proof of partnerships with Uzbek agencies (letters of support)
Program contact
- 👤 Feruza Mukhamedjanova Grantor
- 📧 tashkent-program@state.gov
- 📞 900383054
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.
FAQ
Who can apply?
U.S.-based nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, and educational institutions with cultural heritage, tourism, or content creation expertise. For-profit organizations are not eligible.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $30,000 to $50,000 as a cooperative agreement. No cost-sharing is required.
What activities are supported?
Training for tourism professionals, guides, and content creators. Establishing a Heritage Content Creation & Storytelling Lab. Strengthening U.S.-Uzbekistan cultural cooperation in heritage preservation.
Can we subcontract?
Yes. Only one U.S.-based nonprofit can be the prime recipient, but you may subcontract with other entities. Responsibilities must be clearly defined.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 30, 2026. This is a fixed deadline with no rolling acceptance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's experience in cultural heritage preservation or tourism development. Demonstrate successful past projects in these areas.
- Show clear capacity to partner effectively with Uzbek government agencies and local creative industry partners. Name specific contacts if possible.
- Focus your budget on training delivery and lab establishment activities. Show how funding will directly build storytelling capacity.
- If subcontracting, define each partner's role precisely. Explain why subcontracting strengthens rather than weakens your proposal.
- Highlight connections to U.S. cultural values and investments. Show how your work amplifies the visibility of U.S. heritage preservation efforts.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate prior experience in cultural heritage or tourism work. Submitting as a for-profit entity or with a for-profit as prime recipient. Proposing activities that don't align with building storytelling and content creation capacity.
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