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FAQs - U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2026 Freedom 250 Special Edition (U.S. Embassy in Georgia)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is an invitation from the U.S. Embassy in Georgia to submit full project proposals for the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2026 Freedom 250 Special Edition Competition.

2) What is the funding opportunity number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is PDS DOS GEO FY26 01.

3) What program administers this grant?

It is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Mission to Georgia under CFDA 19.022.

4) Why is it called the "2026 Freedom 250 Special Edition"?

The 2026 cycle is framed as a commemorative edition tying together two milestones: the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 25th anniversary of the AFCP program.

5) What is the overall purpose or emphasis of this special edition?

This special edition emphasizes cultural heritage preservation as a way to highlight themes of freedom, democracy, and unity. It also encourages projects that reflect U.S. leadership and a long-term commitment to these values.

6) What is a central priority for proposals in this competition?

A central priority is projects that actively connect American and Georgian expertise, including meaningful technical exchange between Americans and Georgian counterparts.

7) What does "connecting American and Georgian expertise" mean in practice?

Proposals are encouraged to include collaboration with U.S. conservators, archaeologists, preservation specialists, researchers, or related institutions, and to use that collaboration to illuminate historical and cultural connections between the United States and Georgia.

8) Is the program only looking for preservation results, or something else too?

The program is looking not only for preservation outcomes, but also for projects that demonstrate shared professional engagement and make the U.S.-Georgia relationship visible through cultural heritage stewardship.

9) What kinds of projects will AFCP prioritize under the thematic criteria?

AFCP will prioritize projects meeting one or more thematic criteria, including cultural objects and sites with direct American connections, heritage tied to American innovations and leadership in the sciences, heritage reflecting intellectual and philosophical roots of American institutions, heritage connected to American-inspired independence movements, and preservation of certain forms of traditional cultural expression with influence on American art forms.

10) What are examples of "direct American connections" that may be prioritized?

Examples include places associated with or frequently visited by notable Americans; sites developed, excavated, or otherwise brought to light through the work of American archaeologists or heritage professionals; and sites tied to American history or U.S. contributions to major historical events such as peace agreements, military memorials, or other commemorative locations.

11) Are science-related heritage projects relevant to this competition?

Yes. AFCP notes a priority for cultural objects or sites linked to American innovations and leadership in the sciences.

12) Are projects about ideas, movements, or political history eligible themes?

Yes. The program highlights cultural heritage that speaks to the intellectual and philosophical roots of American institutions, as well as heritage connected to American-inspired independence movements that present the United States as a model of liberty and self-governance.

13) Does the opportunity only support built heritage (buildings, monuments, sites)?

Not necessarily. AFCP also expresses interest in preserving forms of traditional cultural expression, particularly those that had a significant influence on American art forms, suggesting that eligible projects can extend beyond built heritage into living or performance-related traditions where appropriate.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are reputable and accountable non-commercial entities with demonstrated capacity to manage cultural heritage preservation work.

15) What types of organizations are included as eligible applicants?

The opportunity lists organizations such as non-governmental organizations, museums, ministries of culture, and similar institutions, as long as they can demonstrate the required experience and capacity.

16) What applicant capabilities does the opportunity emphasize?

Applicants should be able to show experience, organizational reliability, and the technical and administrative ability required to carry out a preservation project and properly manage grant funds.

17) Is this opportunity intended for commercial (for-profit) entities?

No. The eligible applicants are described as non-commercial entities.

18) How many awards does the opportunity expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates making one award.

19) What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $250,000.

20) When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on March 4, 2026.

21) What is the application deadline?

The application deadline listed is April 3, 2026.

22) What geographic or institutional context is indicated by the announcement?

The opportunity is issued by the U.S. Embassy in Georgia and administered by the U.S. Mission to Georgia, with an emphasis on connecting American and Georgian expertise and highlighting U.S.-Georgia relationships through cultural heritage stewardship.