Public Diplomacy Grants Program (Turkey)

All proposals must include a U.S. cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Priority Program Areas

• Shared Security: support and advance cooperation between the United States and Türkiye through efforts to promote cooperation in NATO, other multilateral security organizations and cybersecurity and advancing the role of women in peace and security.
• Economic Prosperity and Promoting Innovation: increase cooperation between U.S. and Turkish scientists, entrepreneurs and businesses, and information sharing/trainings with students and the general public particularly in the fields of space/aerospace, agricultural technology, green technology, biotechnology, clean energy, combatting climate change and developing the blue economy.
• Democratic Values: reinforce respect for international human rights norms within Türkiye, and for democracy, counter gender-based violence, promote the rule of law, freedom of expression, protecting underrepresented groups’ rights including those of gender non-conforming individuals, gender equality, and strengthening press freedoms, increasing the capacity of the Turkish media and civil society.
• Turkish and U.S. Cultural Ties: build cultural, artistic, sports and social ties between the Turkish and American people and promote a positive understanding of the value of the relationship between the two countries. Projects which seek to preserve important tangible and intangible cultural heritage sites in Türkiye are included in this category.
• Turkish and U.S. Ties Through Education: support English language programs, raise awareness of media misinformation and disinformation, increase understanding of the U.S. political system, government and education system, and augment science, technology, research, engineering, art, and mathematics (STREAM) teacher and student trainings by expanding ties between Turkish and U.S. organizations and individuals.

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: Maximum 24 months
• Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $35,000
• Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024, Public Diplomacy Funding
• Anticipated project start date: Three months after the proposal is submitted
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 24 months or less. The Public Diplomacy Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the project, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

Participants and Audiences

• Projects focused on underserved communities are encouraged. Projects that meet this criterion will receive extra consideration. Projects must have a public teaching/public dialogue or educational component addressing Turkish audiences. Proposals including activities located outside Türkiye’s metropolitan areas are encouraged. Projects in the following categories must have a clear U.S. element: Support Shared Security, Strengthen Economic Prosperity and Promote Innovation, Foster Turkish and U.S. Ties Through Education, and Advance Turkish and U.S. Cultural Ties. Projects in these categories not meeting this criterion will be disqualified. Proposals that aim to protect and/or restore important cultural and historical sites do not require a U.S. element but will be viewed as stronger proposals with one.
• The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:
  • Projects relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • Construction projects;
  • Projects that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
  • Scientific research;
  • Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or
  • Projects that duplicate existing projects;
  • Commercial projects;
  • Scholarships to support educational opportunities or study and research for individuals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Applicants
  • U.S. Mission Türkiye encourages applications from the United States and Türkiye:
    • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations with project experience
    • Individuals
    • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
  • For-profit or commercial entities and not-for-profit companies (such as techno parks) are not eligible to apply.
  • There are no such restrictions for project partners.
• Cost Sharing or Matching
  • Applications that have in-kind or cost-sharing support are considered stronger and will be given extra consideration.
• Other Eligibility Requirements
  • Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.
  • Organizations or individuals with an existing, open grant with U.S. Mission Türkiye are ineligible to apply for additional grants until the existing grant is closed.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Türkiye.