U.S. Mission to Libya Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program Annual Program Statement (APS) | LEO PD APS 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the U.S. Mission to Libya Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program APS?

It is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, administered by the U.S. Mission to Libya through the U.S. Libya External Office based in Tunis. It funds public diplomacy projects intended to strengthen mutual interests between the United States and Libya, contribute to regional stability and security, and encourage shared prosperity.

What does "Annual Program Statement (APS)" mean in this context?

The APS serves as a roadmap of what the U.S. Mission to Libya is looking to support. It signals the themes and outcomes applicants should build into their proposals and helps applicants align project design with Mission priorities.

Is this funding guaranteed?

No. Funding is explicitly noted as subject to availability, meaning awards depend on final budget conditions and availability of funds at the time of award.

What types of projects does the program aim to fund?

The program aims to fund public diplomacy projects that align with one or more strategic objectives focused on U.S.-Libyan mutual interests, regional stability and security, and shared prosperity.

What are the strategic objectives applicants must align with?

Projects are expected to clearly align with one or more of three strategic objectives: (1) promoting economic opportunity and U.S. collaboration, (2) showcasing U.S.-Libyan partnership and shared values, and (3) supporting Libya's unity, stability, and security.

What does "promote economic opportunity and U.S. collaboration" typically include?

This priority generally points to activities that expand economic skills, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, innovation, job creation pathways, business-to-business linkages, and practical cooperation between Libyan stakeholders and U.S. institutions or expertise.

What does "showcase U.S.-Libyan partnership and shared values" typically include?

This priority usually fits programs that highlight people-to-people ties, cultural and educational engagement, civic dialogue, public awareness initiatives, and exchanges that reinforce positive connections and mutual understanding.

What does "support Libya's unity, stability, and security" typically include?

This priority can cover efforts that strengthen social cohesion, conflict mitigation, community resilience, constructive civic participation, rule-of-law oriented engagement (where appropriate for public diplomacy), and initiatives that reduce drivers of instability through dialogue, skills-building, and community-based problem solving.

Are applicants expected to choose only one objective?

Projects are expected to clearly align with one or more of the three objectives, so proposals may focus on a single objective or incorporate multiple objectives if the alignment is clear and credible.

Where is the program administered from?

It is administered by the U.S. Mission to Libya through the U.S. Libya External Office based in Tunis.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this APS?

The Funding Opportunity Number is LEO PD APS 2026.

What is the CFDA/assistance listing number for this opportunity?

The CFDA/assistance listing number is 19.600.

What type of funding instrument is being used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What does the activity category "Other" mean for applicants?

The activity category is labeled "Other," which typically indicates flexibility in program formats as long as the proposed activities serve public diplomacy aims and align with the APS objectives.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $100,000 per award.

How many awards does the Mission expect to make?

The Mission anticipates making around five awards.

What does it mean that the Mission anticipates around five awards?

It suggests a competitive selection process and an emphasis on projects that are well-scoped, achievable, and outcomes-driven within the funding range and the program priorities.

What is the application deadline?

The original closing date is June 8, 2026.

How should applicants plan for the June 8, 2026 deadline?

Applicants should plan timelines, partner commitments, and proposal development backward from the closing date to ensure the proposal is complete and aligned with the APS priorities.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: U.S. and non-U.S. governmental entities (state, county, city/township, and special district governments), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, individuals, and other entities as permitted in the APS.

Does an organization need 501(c)(3) status to apply?

No. The eligibility description includes nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status.

Can individuals apply for this grant?

Yes. Individuals are included in the eligibility description.

Can non-U.S. entities apply?

Yes. The eligibility description includes non-U.S. governmental entities and indicates broad eligibility, subject to the APS attachment and any specific conditions.

Where can applicants confirm any additional eligibility conditions or restrictions?

The announcement references an APS attachment for the full listing of eligible applicants. Applicants should rely on the attachment for any Libya- or region-specific eligibility conditions, documentation requirements, cost rules, or restrictions that may apply to certain applicant types.

How important is including alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs?

Including alumni is strongly encouraged. Proposals may be more competitive if they meaningfully engage alumni in project design or implementation (for example as trainers, mentors, organizers, speakers, partners, or participants) rather than treating alumni involvement as a token add-on.

Why does alumni engagement matter for competitiveness?

Alumni networks can help demonstrate sustainability, local credibility, and an existing link to U.S.-Libyan engagement goals, which aligns closely with public diplomacy outcomes.

What makes a proposal a strong fit for this APS?

The APS is best suited for proposals that present a clear public diplomacy rationale, connect activities directly to one of the three stated objectives, and show practical implementation capacity.

What kinds of outcomes should applicants describe?

Strong applications will typically spell out measurable outcomes such as skills gained, partnerships formed, audiences reached, or sustained networks.

What else should a strong application include besides outcomes?

Strong applications will typically identify credible partners and target communities, and demonstrate how the project advances U.S.-Libyan engagement in a way that is realistic within the budget cap and timeframe.

Does the APS indicate anything about project scope and feasibility?

Yes. With a $100,000 award ceiling and an anticipated five awards, the APS implies an emphasis on proposals that are well-scoped, achievable, and outcomes-driven.