U.S. Department of State Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU), Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) 

Opportunity number: 2026VE – 001

Application deadline: April 30, 2026

Funding Opportunity Title VAU PDS 2026 APS

Funding Opportunity Number 2026VE - 001

Deadline for Applications April 30, 2026

Assistance Listing Number 19.040 - Public Diplomacy Programs

Length of performance period Up to 18 months

Number of awards anticipated Up to ten awards

Award amounts From a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum $200,000 (approximately)

Total available funding $500,000 pending availability of funds

Type of Funding FY 26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

Anticipated project start date September 1, 2026

The VAU is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant Agreement

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 18 months or less.  The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

This notice is subject to availability of funding. The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

1. Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of State’s VAU invites proposals that focus on Venezuela-based programming in support of President Trump’s three-phase plan for Venezuela, with an emphasis on Venezuela’s economic recovery, transformation, and growth. Specifically, the VAU is seeking proposals that focus on cooperation in the energy, mining and technology sectors as well as higher education partnerships between the United States and Venezuela that build networks that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

• ELIGIBILITY
• Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions

For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO.  Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331 . 

• Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required for this funding opportunity.    

• Other Eligibility Requirements

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. 

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity.

• This opportunity will not support: 
• Projects relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support;
• Construction projects;
• Projects that support specific religious activities;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs:
• Scientific research or surveys;
• Commercial projects;
• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; 
• Projects that duplicate existing projects; or
• Illegal activities

Miscellaneous

• Other