U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy English Language Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This is a competitive U.S. government grant opportunity from the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, offered through the Department of State's Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), to implement an English language program across the Kyrgyz Republic.

2) What is the official title of the opportunity?

The funding opportunity title is "U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy English Language Program".

3) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is STATE BISHKEK PDS 26 0002.

4) Which U.S. government agency is issuing the opportunity?

The issuing agency is the U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan (U.S. Embassy Bishkek), via the Department of State's Public Diplomacy Section (PDS).

5) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 19.040.

6) What is the overall purpose of the program?

The core purpose is to raise nationwide English proficiency in the Kyrgyz Republic in ways that support stronger economic and commercial connections between the United States and Kyrgyzstan.

7) What problem is the Embassy trying to address through this program?

The opportunity is designed to address a practical challenge: many students are not reaching functional English levels because there are not enough teachers across the country with strong, usable English skills. The program focuses on improving teacher capacity and expanding student access to high-quality English instruction.

8) Who is the primary target audience for the program activities?

A major emphasis is on improving the English fluency and functional language ability of high school and university teachers in the Kyrgyz Republic.

9) What English proficiency level does the program aim for teachers to reach?

The Embassy states a target of B2 level and above, commonly aligned with the CEFR scale.

10) Is the program expected to include native English speakers?

Proposals are expected to increase students' direct access to teachers with high English proficiency, including native speakers where feasible, in response to limited access many Kyrgyzstanis have to native English speakers.

11) Beyond language learning, what additional content areas are emphasized?

The program is intended to help young Kyrgyzstanis engage with English-language information about U.S. business culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and to broaden knowledge of American culture alongside language instruction.

12) What outcomes are applicants expected to achieve?

Proposals should lead to measurable improvements, including:

• Improved student English outcomes
• An increased number and diversity of students studying English who ultimately reach B2 level
• Expanded access for students to high-proficiency English teachers (including native speakers where feasible)
• Broader knowledge of American culture alongside English instruction

13) What type of funding instrument will be used?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. government typically expects ongoing involvement or collaboration during program implementation rather than a fully hands-off grant.

14) What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The posted award ceiling is $200,000.

15) How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?

The Embassy anticipates making up to two awards.

16) How long can the project period be?

Projects are expected to run for no more than two years.

17) Does the opportunity emphasize metrics and measurable results?

Yes. Applicants are expected to propose an approach that can realistically deliver teacher upskilling, expanded instructional access, and student learning gains within two years, ideally with clear metrics and a plan for sustaining benefits after the award period ends.

18) Who is eligible to apply as the primary applicant?

Eligibility is limited to non-profit and educational entities. Applicants may include:

• Kyrgyz Republic-registered organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations)
• Public or private educational institutions

19) Can a U.S.-based NGO or U.S. educational institution apply?

Yes, but only if it partners with a Kyrgyz Republic-registered organization.

20) Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply as the prime recipient?

No. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply as the primary (prime) recipient, even if they otherwise resemble eligible categories.

21) Can applicants subcontract parts of the project?

Yes. Applicants are allowed to subcontract portions of the work.

22) How many organizations can serve as the primary recipient?

Only one non-profit, non-governmental entity can serve as the primary recipient of the award.

23) If subcontracting is used, what must the proposal include?

If subcontracting is part of the approach, proposals must clearly describe which organization is responsible for each component of the work.

24) Is there guidance referenced for distinguishing subcontractors vs. subrecipients?

Yes. Applicants are directed to federal guidance at 2 CFR 200.331 regarding distinctions between subcontractors and subrecipients.

25) When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2026-03-31.

26) What is the application closing date?

The application closing date is 2026-05-15.

27) What geographic scope is expected for the program?

The program is expected to operate across the Kyrgyz Republic, with an emphasis on nationwide English proficiency gains and broader access to qualified teachers throughout the country.

28) How does this program connect to U.S.-Kyrgyz economic goals?

The program aims to build English skills that support stronger economic and commercial ties by helping more young Kyrgyzstanis access English-language information about U.S. business culture and entrepreneurship, improving readiness to collaborate with U.S. companies and helping position Kyrgyzstan to attract U.S. investment.