Rio de Janeiro Annual Program Statement | FY21 PAS RJ APS

Opportunity Information: Apply for FY21 PAS RJ APS

The Rio de Janeiro Annual Program Statement is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro. It is designed to fund public diplomacy programs that help Brazilian audiences better understand U.S. foreign policy priorities, reinforce shared democratic values, and highlight the practical benefits of innovation, entrepreneurship, and future-oriented job skills. The program is strictly limited to the Rio de Janeiro Consular District, meaning proposed activities must focus on the states of Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo, and Bahia; projects centered on other parts of Brazil are not eligible under this announcement. Funding is contingent on the availability of resources, and the Consulate notes that there is no guarantee awards will be made.

The Consulate is looking for proposals that fit within four main priority areas. First, U.S. foreign policy programs should help Brazilian participants analyze, debate, and understand U.S. foreign policy, typically through educational and discussion-based formats. Second, democratic values programming should strengthen civil society and promote themes such as human rights, women’s empowerment, diversity and inclusion, racial equity, rule of law, freedom of the press, and related democratic principles. Third, innovation and entrepreneurship projects should build skills and capacity in those areas, with an emphasis on including underrepresented populations. Fourth, STEM learning proposals should expand access for underserved communities to science, technology, engineering, and math learning, including practical “future job skills” training like coding and other technology-based workforce skills.

Examples of activities that may be supported include public-facing events where subject matter experts speak to Brazilian audiences about aspects of U.S. policy; training and education efforts that build media literacy, encourage civic engagement, and support democratic participation; entrepreneurship programs that promote social and economic inclusion for underserved groups; and hands-on training initiatives that equip young people with technology-driven employment skills. At the same time, the Consulate identifies several categories that are generally not funded, including social welfare projects, efforts that simply pay to complete activities already started with other funding, projects that are inherently political or appear partisan (including support for candidates or parties), political party activities, construction, and projects supporting specific religious activities. International travel is also generally discouraged unless there is a clear and specific justification within the project design.

A major operational requirement is the COVID-19 planning expectation. Applicants are asked to build in a virtual programming option due to potential restrictions on travel and public gatherings. Proposals should be designed so they can be delivered in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid format depending on public health conditions at the time of implementation. Applicants may reflect these alternate delivery options in their budgets, with the understanding that budgets are negotiable and must be approved by the Grants Officer before an award is finalized.

Award amounts are expected to range from $5,000 to $20,000 (with a stated ceiling of $20,000). The opportunity is open to eligible applicants such as civil-society organizations, local civil society representatives, think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions, and individuals. U.S. entities are eligible to apply either on their own or in partnership with a Brazilian organization, as long as the project’s geographic focus stays within the consular district noted above. For-profit or commercial firms are not eligible, and neither are employees of the U.S. Consulate General or their immediate family members.

Cost-sharing is not required, but it is encouraged. Applications are stronger when they show additional support beyond the grant, such as other funding sources, in-kind contributions, or meaningful volunteer engagement. Applicants are expected to clearly describe any anticipated co-funding and explain how volunteers or partners will contribute to the project’s success. The opportunity was issued by the U.S. Mission to Brazil (CFDA 19.040), with an original closing date of May 14, 2021, under funding opportunity number FY21 PAS RJ APS.

• The U.S. Mission to Brazil in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Rio de Janeiro 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 2021-02-18.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-05-14. (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 $20,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for FY21 PAS RJ APS

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