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Freedom 250 Bangladesh 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the Freedom 250 Bangladesh 2026 funding opportunity?

Freedom 250 Bangladesh 2026 is a U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Dhaka funding opportunity to support a set of high-visibility public engagement programs across Bangladesh. The programming is meant to mark 250 years of American liberty and independence through practical, modern, public-facing activities that Bangladeshi audiences can easily connect with, while reinforcing the cultural, economic, and strategic relationship between the United States and Bangladesh.

2) Who is offering this grant?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.

3) What is the main goal of the program?

The goal is to translate the 250th anniversary theme into engaging programs that highlight the historical legacy of the United States, U.S. leadership and innovation, and shared connections with Bangladesh. The Embassy is looking for programming that is public-facing, easy to engage with, and designed for visibility and impact.

4) What kind of programming is the Embassy looking for?

The announcement emphasizes small-scale but high-impact programming that can be deployed in multiple locations and formats through the end of 2026, rather than one single large event. Activities should be designed to travel or be replicated across major cities and platforms.

5) Is this funding meant for one big flagship event?

No. The overall concept is a set of smaller, high-impact activities implemented across multiple locations and formats through December 31, 2026, rather than one large, standalone event.

6) What is the award instrument type?

The award will be made as a cooperative agreement.

7) What does a cooperative agreement mean for the implementing partner?

A cooperative agreement means the implementing partner would work closely with the U.S. Embassy and coordinate planning, branding, and execution. In other words, the partner should expect hands-on coordination with the Embassy rather than operating completely independently.

8) How long does the initiative run?

The initiative runs through December 31, 2026.

9) What is America Week, and when is it scheduled?

America Week is described as a centerpiece of the initiative. It is scheduled for July 1-7, 2026.

10) Where are activities expected to take place during America Week?

Activities are anticipated in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet. This indicates the Embassy is interested in programming that can travel or be replicated across several major cities in Bangladesh.

11) What are examples of activities that could be funded?

The announcement lists several example program directions, including:

• Public engagement exchanges and events featuring prominent American athletes, cultural or literary figures, innovators, and other subject-matter experts for talks, workshops, performances, or interactive sessions.
• American-style public events and community celebrations that spotlight U.S. traditions and values in locally resonant ways.
• Outreach highlighting U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation in business and entrepreneurship, energy, science, technology, and culture (for example: panels, startup showcases, innovation challenges, mentorship events, or partnership spotlights).
• Traveling exhibitions and educational materials about American history, adapted for Bangladeshi audiences and using local languages when appropriate.
• Community service activities that bring together American and Bangladeshi citizens.
• Programming that makes strong use of American Spaces for U.S.-tailored public engagement.

12) Does the Embassy want programs to be modern and easy for local audiences to connect with?

Yes. The opportunity specifically calls for activities that are engaging, modern, and easy for Bangladeshi audiences to connect with.

13) Does the opportunity encourage using local languages?

Yes. In the context of traveling exhibitions and educational materials about American history, the announcement emphasizes adapting content for Bangladeshi audiences and using local languages when appropriate.

14) Are American Spaces relevant to this opportunity?

Yes. The announcement highlights strong use of American Spaces for U.S.-tailored programming, signaling interest in partners who can activate existing public diplomacy platforms and deliver consistent, branded engagement.

15) Are community service activities eligible or encouraged?

Yes. Community service activities that bring together American and Bangladeshi citizens are explicitly included as a potential programming area.

16) What topics or themes does the Embassy prioritize?

In addition to U.S. history and the 250th anniversary theme, the opportunity emphasizes highlighting U.S. leadership and innovation and showcasing shared U.S.-Bangladesh connections, including cooperation in business and entrepreneurship, energy, science, technology, and culture.

17) Is branding a required part of the project?

Branding and public visibility appear to be a core expectation. The announcement notes a specific deliverable: developing Freedom 250-branded outreach and giveaway materials in coordination with the Embassy, indicating that messaging, promotion, and recognizable initiative identity should be built into project plans.

18) What deliverable is specifically mentioned in the opportunity?

A specific deliverable is the development of Freedom 250-branded outreach and giveaway materials, to be created in coordination with the U.S. Embassy.

19) How many awards will be made under this opportunity?

The opportunity states it will result in up to five awards.

20) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $24,990 per award.

21) What does the award ceiling suggest about the scale of activities?

The ceiling of $24,990 per award points to modest budgets intended for targeted, efficient programming (high-impact, replicable activities) rather than large productions.

22) What type of funding is this considered?

The opportunity is listed as discretionary funding under CFDA 19.040.

23) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. nonprofits and non-U.S. nonprofits (including those without 501(c)(3) status)
• Public and private institutions of higher education
• Individuals

This eligibility scope allows proposals from universities, cultural organizations, NGOs, and independent implementers with strong local networks and event delivery capacity.

24) Can non-U.S. organizations apply?

Yes. Non-U.S. nonprofits are listed as eligible applicants.

25) Can nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status apply?

Yes. The eligibility description explicitly includes nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status.

26) Can universities and colleges apply?

Yes. Public and private institutions of higher education are eligible.

27) Can an individual apply?

Yes. Individuals are listed as eligible applicants.

28) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is PD DHAKA NOFO FY2026 01.

29) When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on March 30, 2026.

30) What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is April 30, 2026.

31) Is the programming expected to run beyond America Week?

Yes. While America Week (July 1-7, 2026) is described as a centerpiece, the initiative overall runs through December 31, 2026, and emphasizes programming that can be deployed in multiple locations and formats through the end of 2026.

32) What kind of partners does the Embassy seem to be seeking?

Based on the description, the Embassy appears to be seeking partners that can deliver high-visibility public engagement programming across multiple Bangladeshi cities, coordinate closely with the Embassy on planning and branding, and effectively promote a consistent Freedom 250 identity while implementing modern, locally resonant activities.