U.S. Embassy Port of Spain Fiscal Year 2021 - Public Affairs – Annual Program Statement | PASPOS 21 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for PASPOS 21 001

The U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain (U.S. Mission to Trinidad and Tobago) is offering a discretionary grant opportunity under its Fiscal Year 2021 Public Affairs Annual Program Statement (Funding Opportunity Number: PASPOS 21 001, CFDA 19.040). The program is designed to support creative, sustainable projects that include a clear U.S. component and contribute to societal and institutional growth in Trinidad and Tobago. Projects are expected to align with at least one of three priority themes: creating a more open society, improving the rule of law, and strengthening mutual understanding between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. The activity areas are broad and can span fields such as community development, law and justice, business, energy, environment, humanities, science and technology, and related research and development topics, as long as the proposal clearly advances the Embassy's public diplomacy and governance-focused goals.

Funding will be provided through multiple awards, with a maximum award size (ceiling) of USD 50,000 per project. The grant period cannot exceed one year, so proposals should be designed with realistic outputs and outcomes that can be achieved within that timeframe and sustained beyond the grant through local capacity, partnerships, or follow-on support. While applicants are not required to bring other funding sources, proposals that include cost-sharing (either cash or in-kind support from non-U.S. Government sources) are considered more competitive because they demonstrate commitment and cost effectiveness. The Embassy also notes that it encourages organizations that have not previously received U.S. Government international program funding to apply, signaling an interest in expanding the pool of local implementers.

Eligibility is centered on non-profit organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and social enterprises with offices headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago, and these locally based applicants will receive preference. U.S.-based institutions may apply as well, but only if they can demonstrate that they already have on-the-ground support from a local partner organization. For-profit or commercial entities are explicitly ineligible. In addition to programmatic eligibility, organizations must meet standard U.S. federal award registration requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (noted in the announcement as DUNS), an NCAGE code (and CAGE for U.S. organizations), and maintaining an active registration in SAM.gov. All awards are governed by the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions for grants, which applicants are expected to review and follow.

The application package must be concise and structured. The narrative proposal is capped at five double-spaced pages using 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins, and it must include, at minimum, a project summary, proposed duration, objectives, organizational capacity, key personnel, information on previous grants received, and a detailed budget. Budget planning needs to reflect the Embassy's cost rules and typical restrictions; the announcement highlights that grant funds generally may not be used for salaries, equipment purchases over USD 500, or refreshment expenses, so applicants should design activities and cost categories accordingly and be prepared to justify how each cost directly supports the project outcomes. Applications are submitted electronically by email to posgrants@state.gov by the stated deadline, and applicants are advised to consult the full notice of funding opportunity for any additional required forms, formatting, or compliance instructions.

Selection and post-selection expectations are also clearly stated. Only applicants whose proposals are chosen for an award will be contacted, and even if a project is selected, the Department of State does not commit to providing any future or additional funding beyond the awarded amount. Any renewal, extension, or increase in funding is entirely at the Department's discretion. Overall, this opportunity is aimed at organizations that can deliver measurable, locally grounded programs with a strong U.S. linkage, clear governance or civic impact, and a plan that is feasible within one year and within the Embassy's cost and compliance framework.

• The U.S. Mission to Trinidad and Tobago in the agriculture, business and commerce, community development, energy, environment, humanities, law, justice and legal services, natural resources, regional development, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Port of Spain Fiscal Year 2021 - Public Affairs – Annual Program Statement" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-05-28.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-09-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for PASPOS 21 001

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