2026 U.S. Embassy Caracas PDS Annual Program Statement | Apply Online

FAQs: 2026 U.S. Embassy Caracas (PDS) Annual Program Statement (APS) - Funding Opportunity 2026VE-001

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is the 2026 U.S. Embassy Caracas Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement (APS), Funding Opportunity Number 2026VE-001 (Assistance Listing 19.040). It offers grant funding for Venezuela-focused public diplomacy programs that advance U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy goals through exchanges, partnerships, and engagement activities.

2) Who is offering the grant funding?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Embassy Caracas Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), using FY 2026 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy funds.

3) What types of activities does the APS want to support?

The APS is intended to support Venezuela-centered public diplomacy programming such as exchanges, partnerships, and other engagement activities that strengthen long-term networks between Venezuelan and U.S. institutions and communities. Proposals should clearly describe durable linkages (professional, academic, or sectoral) and measurable public diplomacy outcomes.

4) What are the priority themes for proposals?

The APS emphasizes Venezuela-based initiatives aligned with a referenced three-phase plan for Venezuela, with a strong focus on economic recovery, transformation, and growth. Priority themes include:

• Cooperation and relationship-building in the energy sector
• Cooperation and relationship-building in the mining sector
• Cooperation and relationship-building in the technology sector
• Higher education partnerships connecting U.S. and Venezuelan institutions

5) How should a proposal connect to U.S. public diplomacy goals?

Proposals should explain how planned activities advance U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives in Venezuela and how they contribute to long-term networks between Venezuelan and U.S. communities and institutions. The APS indicates proposals should articulate outcomes tied to U.S. interests described as making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and should include measurable public diplomacy outcomes.

6) How much funding is available?

Total funding available is listed as $500,000, contingent on fund availability.

7) How many awards are expected?

The embassy anticipates making up to ten awards.

8) What is the typical award size?

Typical award sizes range from approximately $25,000 to $200,000.

9) Can the embassy award more or less than the stated amounts?

Yes. The APS states the embassy reserves discretion to award more or less than the amounts listed, depending on what best serves U.S. government interests and subject to grants officer approval.

10) What is the funding instrument?

The funding instrument is a grant agreement.

11) When is the application deadline?

Applications are due by April 30, 2026.

12) When is the anticipated project start date?

The anticipated project start date is September 1, 2026.

13) How long can a project last?

Proposed projects should be designed to finish within 18 months or less.

14) Is continuation funding possible after the initial period?

The APS notes the possibility of non-competitive continuation funding beyond the initial budget period, but only if funds remain available, performance is satisfactory, and the U.S. government determines that continued support is in its interest.

15) Who is eligible to apply as the prime applicant?

Eligibility is limited to:

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

16) Are for-profit entities eligible to apply?

No. For-profit entities are explicitly not eligible to serve as the prime applicant under this notice.

17) Are partnerships allowed?

Yes. Partnerships are permitted, including subcontracting. However, the proposal must clearly spell out the roles and responsibilities of partners.

18) Does the prime applicant have to be a single organization?

Yes. The APS specifies the prime recipient must be a single non-profit, non-governmental entity, and that entity is responsible for the overall application and award.

19) How should partner relationships be structured in the budget and proposal?

The APS highlights the importance of correctly structuring relationships as either subawards or subcontracts consistent with federal guidance and references 2 CFR 200.331. Proposals should clearly identify which partners are subrecipients versus contractors and describe responsibilities accordingly.

20) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required. An applicant can be competitive without offering a match.

21) Can voluntary cost share help an application?

Yes. While not required, voluntary contributions may strengthen a proposal if they are realistic and well-documented.

22) What registration requirements apply to applicants?

Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration.

23) How many proposals can an organization submit?

Each organization is limited to one proposal.

24) What happens if an organization submits more than one proposal?

If an organization submits more than one proposal, all submissions from that organization will be deemed ineligible. Applicants should consolidate multiple ideas into a single, best-focused application.

25) What activities are explicitly not funded (program exclusions)?

The APS lists several exclusions. It will not fund:

• Partisan political activity
• Charitable or development work that provides direct social services (including medical, psychological, or humanitarian support)
• Construction
• Projects that support specific religious activities
• Fundraising campaigns
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
• Scientific research or surveys
• Commercial projects
• Proposals primarily intended to grow or develop the applicant organization itself
• Duplicative projects
• Illegal activities

26) Can a proposal include humanitarian assistance or direct services?

No. The APS excludes charitable or development work that provides direct social services, including medical, psychological, or humanitarian support.

27) Are construction costs allowable under this APS?

No. Construction is specifically listed as an excluded activity.

28) Can the project be religious in nature?

Projects that support specific religious activities are excluded. Proposals should avoid activities framed as supporting specific religious practice or programming.

29) Are fundraising or lobbying projects eligible?

No. Fundraising campaigns and lobbying for specific legislation or programs are explicitly excluded.

30) Does the APS fund scientific research or surveys?

No. Scientific research or surveys are listed as excluded activities.

31) Are commercial projects allowed?

No. Commercial projects are excluded.

32) Can an organization use this grant primarily to build its own capacity or expand itself?

No. Proposals primarily intended to grow or develop the applicant organization itself are excluded. The focus should be on public diplomacy programming and network-building outcomes.

33) Does the APS fund projects that duplicate existing efforts?

No. Duplicative projects are listed as excluded.

34) What geographic or audience focus is expected?

The APS emphasizes Venezuela-based initiatives and Venezuela-focused programming, with the stated intent of strengthening long-term networks between Venezuelan and U.S. institutions and communities.

35) What makes a proposal more aligned with the APS based on the description provided?

Based on the APS summary provided, stronger alignment would generally include: a Venezuela-centered design; clear exchange/partnership components; emphasis on energy, mining, technology, or higher education linkages between Venezuelan and U.S. institutions; measurable public diplomacy outcomes; a realistic budget; a clear implementation plan; and a timeline that completes within 18 months.