The U.S. Embassy in Accra, through its Public Diplomacy Section, has announced applications for the 2026 Public Diplomacy Grants Program, inviting eligible organizations to submit innovative project proposals that strengthen the long-standing partnership between Ghana and the United States. The program seeks initiatives that advance mutual understanding, democratic values, education, entrepreneurship, innovation, media development, cultural exchange, and inclusive economic growth.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the program provides grants ranging from $15,000 to $60,000 for projects that align with U.S. foreign policy priorities and promote collaboration between Ghanaian and American institutions and communities. Approximately $120,000 is available for this funding cycle, with between two and eight awards expected to be made. Projects should have a duration of three to ten months and begin within 90 days of the award date.

This grant opportunity is particularly significant as it supports activities celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence (Freedom 250) and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and the United States, encouraging projects that deepen cooperation while creating lasting impact across Ghana.

About the U.S. Embassy Ghana Public Diplomacy Grants Program

The Public Diplomacy Grants Program is an annual funding initiative designed to strengthen the relationship between Ghana and the United States through people-to-people engagement, institutional partnerships, and community-based initiatives.

Rather than supporting charitable or humanitarian assistance, the program focuses on activities that promote dialogue, education, innovation, leadership, cultural understanding, and democratic participation. Successful projects are expected to create measurable outcomes while reinforcing the shared interests and values of both countries.

Funding Details

Applicants should take note of the following funding information:

• Funding Opportunity: Public Diplomacy Grants/Small Grants Program – Ghana (FY2026)
• Grant Amount: Approximately $15,000–$60,000
• Total Funding Available: Approximately $120,000
• Expected Number of Awards: 2–8
• Project Duration: 3–10 months
• Project Start: Within 90 days after award
• Funding Source: U.S. Department of State Public Diplomacy Funds

The Embassy reserves the right to make fewer or more awards depending on funding availability and the quality of applications received.

Program Objectives

The Embassy seeks projects that directly support one or more of the following objectives:

• Strengthen U.S.-Ghana bilateral relations.
• Promote democratic governance and civic participation.
• Celebrate Freedom 250 and the 70th anniversary of U.S.-Ghana diplomatic relations.
• Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Expand educational opportunities and academic collaboration.
• Promote STEM education.
• Support independent and responsible journalism.
• Strengthen media literacy.
• Promote religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
• Enhance economic prosperity and workforce development.
• Encourage youth leadership and civic engagement.
• Promote American culture, values, and institutions.
• Foster sustainable institutional partnerships between Ghanaian and American organizations.

Types of Projects That May Be Funded

Applicants are encouraged to design creative projects that align with the Embassy’s priorities. Examples include:

• Conferences and symposiums
• Workshops and seminars
• Academic lectures
• Speaker programs
• Professional training
• Journalism capacity-building programs
• Entrepreneurship boot camps
• Innovation competitions
• STEM education initiatives
• Cultural exhibitions
• Artistic performances
• Community outreach campaigns
• Leadership development programs
• Alumni engagement activities
• Professional exchange initiatives
• Public awareness campaigns
• Networking events
• Research and policy dialogue initiatives

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to eligible organizations capable of managing U.S. government grant funding. Eligible applicants include:

• Registered nonprofit organizations
• Civil society organizations
• Educational institutions
• Universities
• Think tanks
• Public international organizations
• Government institutions
• Independent media organizations
• Cultural organizations

Applicants should demonstrate sound financial management systems, experienced personnel, and the organizational capacity to successfully implement the proposed project.

Target Beneficiaries

Projects may focus on a variety of audiences, including:

• Youth (14–35 years)
• Secondary school students
• University students
• Young professionals
• Entrepreneurs
• Journalists
• Government officials
• Policymakers
• Civil society leaders
• Religious leaders
• Researchers
• Academic institutions
• Alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs
• Communities throughout Ghana

The Embassy encourages projects that reach participants across the country, with particular attention to major population centers and regional capitals.

Application Requirements

A complete application package must include all required forms and supporting documents. Applicants are expected to provide:

1. A detailed project narrative.
2. A comprehensive implementation timeline.
3. A monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan.
4. A detailed budget and budget justification.
5. Organizational documentation.
6. Financial management information.
7. Required certifications and assurances.
8. Any additional documents requested by the Embassy.

Applications missing required documentation will be considered technically ineligible and will not proceed to the review stage.

Registration Requirements

Before receiving an award, applicants are generally expected to obtain:

• A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
• An active System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration.

Because these registrations can take four to eight weeks, organizations are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible.

Funding Restrictions

Certain costs and activities are not eligible for funding under this program. These include:

• Construction activities or construction costs.
• Direct social welfare or charitable assistance.
• Medical assistance or projects involving medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, or psychiatrists delivering healthcare services.
• Pre-award costs without prior approval.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Entertainment expenses unrelated to project objectives.
• Purchases or operation of prohibited unmanned aircraft systems.
• Activities that violate applicable U.S. laws, regulations, or Executive Orders.

How Applications Will Be Evaluated

Eligible applications will be scored using the following criteria:

1. Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea (30 points) – Innovation, relevance, feasibility, implementation plan, and alignment with program priorities.
2. Organizational Capacity and Previous Grant Performance (25 points) – Organizational expertise, financial management, staffing, partnerships, and grant management experience.
3. Project Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives (20 points) – Clear objectives, implementation strategy, participant recruitment, geographic coverage, and realistic timelines.
4. Budget (10 points) – Reasonableness, cost-effectiveness, and detailed budget justification.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation (10 points) – Measurable outputs, outcomes, indicators, and evaluation framework.
6. Sustainability (5 points) – Plans to sustain project outcomes beyond the funding period.

Review and Award Process

The review process includes several stages:

• Confirmation of application receipt.
• Technical eligibility screening.
• Independent review by a technical panel.
• Risk assessment of shortlisted applicants, including financial stability, management systems, and previous performance.
• Notification of results, generally within 120 days after the application deadline.

Successful applicants may also undergo Risk Analysis Management (RAM) vetting, requiring submission of additional information for key personnel through the Department of State’s secure portal.

Reporting and Compliance Requirements

Grant recipients will be required to:

• Submit quarterly program progress reports.
• Submit quarterly financial reports.
• Submit final programmatic and financial reports.
• Maintain appropriate accounting records.
• Report foreign assistance data where applicable.
• Comply with U.S. Department of State branding and marking requirements.
• Use Freedom 250 logos on eligible project materials where required.

Budget Guidance

Applicants should prepare detailed budgets covering items such as:

• Personnel and fringe benefits.
• Travel and per diem.
• Equipment.
• Supplies.
• Contractual services.
• Other direct costs.
• Indirect costs.
• Cost sharing or in-kind contributions.

Each cost category should be clearly justified, and applicants requesting indirect costs should provide the necessary supporting documentation if applicable.

Application Deadline

Deadline: August 14, 2026

Applications must be submitted on or before the stated deadline. The Embassy also requires questions regarding the funding opportunity to be submitted by the same deadline, as specified in the Annual Program Statement.

Official Resources

For complete application guidelines and supporting documents, visit the official U.S. Embassy Ghana website:

Official Website: U.S. Embassy Ghana – Public Diplomacy Grants

You can access the following official documents on the website:

• Annual Program Statement for Public Diplomacy
• Application Format / Project Proposal Template
• Budget Narrative Sample Template

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review these documents carefully before preparing and submitting their proposals to ensure compliance with all application requirements.

Conclusion

The 2026 U.S. Embassy Ghana Public Diplomacy Grants Program offers a valuable opportunity for eligible organizations to secure funding for projects that strengthen U.S.-Ghana relations and address shared priorities in education, innovation, democracy, entrepreneurship, media, culture, and community engagement. By supporting high-impact initiatives with sustainable outcomes, the program aims to foster stronger institutional partnerships, empower communities, and promote mutual understanding between the people of Ghana and the United States. Organizations with innovative ideas, sound management systems, and the capacity to deliver measurable results are encouraged to prepare strong proposals and submit complete applications before the deadline.

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