US Embassy Timor Leste FY25 Program Statement | OFOP0001900

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this grant opportunity?

This is an FY25 grant opportunity from the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste (Public Diplomacy Section in Dili) for programs designed to deepen ties between the United States and Timor-Leste through public-facing engagement and cooperation-focused activities.

Who is offering and administering the program?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste and administered by the U.S. Mission to Timor-Leste through the embassy's Public Diplomacy Section in Dili.

What is the main purpose of the funding?

The main purpose is to support public diplomacy programs that help Timorese audiences better understand U.S. policies, perspectives, and priorities, while also strengthening practical cooperation and people-to-people relationships between the two countries.

What types of projects are being requested?

The embassy is seeking public-facing projects that engage the public in ways that connect, inform, inspire change, or persuade audiences in support of U.S. priority goals and objectives. Proposals should be framed around measurable public diplomacy impact.

What is meant by "public-facing" in this opportunity?

Based on the description, "public-facing" refers to projects that engage Timorese audiences directly and are designed to improve understanding of U.S. viewpoints and priorities while building meaningful engagement between communities in Timor-Leste and the United States.

What is a required "American element" and is it mandatory?

Yes. A core requirement is that every project includes a clear "American element." This can include direct involvement of American experts, partnerships with U.S. organizations or institutions, or a strong U.S.-based component that is clearly connected to the program topic.

What are examples of acceptable "American elements" mentioned in the opportunity?

The opportunity lists examples such as direct involvement of American experts, partnerships with U.S. organizations or institutions, or a strong U.S.-based component tied to the program topic.

What outcomes is the embassy trying to achieve?

The embassy emphasizes outcomes that strengthen bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding, expand cooperation and person-to-person connections, and advance resilient economic and technological ties with the United States in alignment with U.S. priorities.

Does the opportunity prioritize any specific themes?

Yes. In addition to relationship-building and mutual understanding, the opportunity emphasizes programs that advance economic and technological partnerships with the United States, or that reduce Timor-Leste's vulnerabilities to economic coercion and exploitation.

What is the funding instrument (grant type)?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this will be a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement indicates the embassy may expect active involvement or coordination during implementation, rather than providing funds with minimal engagement.

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is listed as community development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Individuals are eligible to apply, according to the opportunity description.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered under CFDA number 19.040.

What is the application deadline?

The application window runs until August 31, 2025.

How much funding is available per award?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $25,000.

Is a specific number of awards guaranteed?

No specific number of awards is guaranteed. The listing shows expected awards as 0, which can indicate awards are contingent on funding availability and proposal quality rather than a set number of grants.

What should applicants emphasize in their proposals?

Applicants should frame proposals around measurable public diplomacy impact, including strengthening mutual understanding, expanding cooperation and person-to-person connections, and supporting more resilient economic and technology ties with the United States in ways that align with U.S. priorities. Proposals must also clearly include the required American element.

What does "measurable public diplomacy impact" imply in this context?

Based on the opportunity description, it implies proposals should be designed to demonstrate outcomes such as improved mutual understanding, strengthened cooperation, increased people-to-people engagement, and progress toward resilient economic and technology partnerships aligned with U.S. priorities.

Does the program need to highlight U.S. viewpoints?

Yes. The embassy is looking for programs that highlight U.S. viewpoints and also create meaningful engagement that strengthens bilateral cooperation.

What audience is the program intended to reach?

The programs are intended for Timorese audiences, with an emphasis on public engagement in Timor-Leste.

Where is the embassy office associated with this opportunity located?

The opportunity is managed by the Public Diplomacy Section in Dili at the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste.

Is the funding competitive?

The opportunity is described as discretionary, and the "expected awards" listing suggests awards may depend on available funding and the strength of proposals rather than being guaranteed.