Cultural Programming in the Peoples Republic of China | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Cultural Programming in the Peoples Republic of China" grant?

It is a discretionary U.S. government funding opportunity run by the U.S. Mission to China. It supports cultural and academic programming intended to strengthen mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of China.

Who runs this program?

The program is led by the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and supported by U.S. Consulates General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Wuhan.

What is the main purpose of the grant?

The core purpose is to use cultural and academic programming as a practical way to expand and deepen cultural and academic outreach across China and to strengthen mutual understanding between U.S. and Chinese audiences.

What types of projects does the grant support?

Projects are meant to explain American culture to Chinese audiences through exchanges, partnerships, and public-facing cultural activities. The emphasis is on substantive programming that helps audiences engage with American traditions, civic values, social dynamics, and historical context.

What does the U.S. Mission to China mean by presenting the "full range and complexity" of American society?

It indicates a preference for programming that reflects the depth and breadth of the United States rather than a narrow or one-dimensional view. In practice, that suggests proposals should be thoughtful and contextual, not simply promotional.

Is this considered a cultural grant or an academic grant?

The opportunity is framed around cultural and academic outreach and is categorized under arts/cultural affairs, with projects described as cultural and academic programming.

Do projects have to involve partners in China?

The opportunity anticipates projects implemented through exchanges, partnerships, and public-facing activities for Chinese audiences. Proposals may build on existing relationships with Chinese counterparts or create new ties.

Can an applicant propose a project without an existing relationship in China?

Yes. The announcement notes that proposals can either build on existing relationships between eligible U.S. organizations and Chinese counterparts or create new ties where none currently exist.

What is the award amount for this grant?

Awards range from $10,000 (floor) to $50,000 (ceiling).

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required, meaning applicants are expected to contribute their own resources or secure third-party support to cover part of the project costs instead of relying entirely on federal funds.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is listed as arts/cultural affairs.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not higher education institutions), and individuals.

Can individuals apply, or is this only for organizations?

Individuals are listed as eligible, in addition to a broad range of organizational applicants such as universities and nonprofits.

Are nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status eligible?

Yes, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status are eligible as long as they are not higher education institutions.

What kinds of applicants are implied by the eligibility description?

Based on the eligibility categories, this could include universities, museums, arts organizations, cultural NGOs, independent experts, and similar entities, as long as they can carry out programming aligned with the Mission's public diplomacy goals and handle grant administration requirements including matching.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is EAPBJ 15 GR 001. It is also shown with additional internal coding as EAP 011215.

What is the official title of the opportunity?

The title is "Cultural Programming in the Peoples Republic of China."

When was the opportunity posted and when was the deadline?

The opportunity was posted on January 12, 2015, and the application deadline was February 28, 2015.

Has this opportunity been archived?

Yes. It was archived on April 28, 2015.

Which office at the U.S. Embassy appears to administer the program?

The Public Affairs section at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing is indicated as the administrative home and the point of contact, particularly for applicants who could not access the announcement electronically.

Who should be contacted if the announcement cannot be accessed electronically?

Applicants who could not access the announcement electronically were directed to contact the Public Affairs section at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

How does this grant fit into the U.S. government's broader goals overseas?

The U.S. government frames the work of embassies and consulates as part of a broader foreign policy approach in which they "tell America's story" and help international audiences better understand U.S. culture, history, values, and policies. This grant supports that approach in China through cultural and academic programming.

What is the intended audience for supported activities?

Supported activities are intended for Chinese audiences and aim to increase understanding of U.S. society and culture among people in China.

Why does the program emphasize people-to-people understanding?

The announcement notes that the U.S.-China relationship is a major bilateral relationship and highlights an ongoing need for people-to-people understanding, which the funded projects are meant to advance.