ARS Speaker Program, Sub-Saharan Africa Outreach, $500-$12,000

Africa Regional Services Paris Annual Program Statement: ARS Speaker Program

Agency: Africa Regional Services

Assistance Listings: 19.040 -- Public Diplomacy Programs

Last Updated: April 27, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov

Description

Priority Region: Sub-Saharan Africa

Africa Regional Services (ARS) Paris, part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, invites U.S. citizen speakers, artists, and athletes/coaches to submit Statements of Interest (SOIs) for inclusion on the ARS U.S. Speaker Program roster. Roster members may be selected for small program specific grants to conduct in-person and virtual outreach across sub-Saharan Africa.

The ARS Speaker Program supports U.S. foreign policy goals in Africa by strengthening security, supporting shared prosperity, and promoting American excellence. In line with the Department’s Freedom 250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Decade of Sport in America programs are encouraged to:

• Share the American story and 250 years of American excellence in innovation, technology, and culture; and celebrate American achievement in sports.
• Lead the next era of results driven U.S.–Africa partnership. This Annual Program Statement seeks U.S. citizen individuals with demonstrated expertise who can deliver programs in English and either French or Portuguese.

Priority Program Areas include security; economic prosperity, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship; energy security, and critical minerals; and American arts, sports, and creative industries as engines of economic opportunity.

Selected individuals will be added to the ARS roster following review and interview. Being on the roster does not guarantee funding; individual grants will be made only when a specific U.S. embassy or consulate request matches a roster member’s expertise and availability.

SOIs must be submitted using the dedicated form available at https://forms.office.com/g/NyK95VxSH9 . All supporting documents (credentials/testimonials/endorsements, U.S. passport and a CV or résumé) must be emailed to arsspeaker@state.gov . Make sure the email subject line says “SOI” with your full name. Incomplete Statements of Interest will be rejected. ****

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Miscellaneous

• Individuals

Additional information

Green-card holders and non-American citizens are not eligible applicants. For profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. Organizations are not eligible under this APS.

Grantor contact information

Description

Africa Regional Services Paris
Grants Management Team

Email

For Inquiries

ARSSpeaker@state.gov

Documents

Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| APSSOISpeakerFY2026.pdf | Notice of Funding Opportunity: Statement of Interest – ARS Speaker Program | Apr 27, 2026 11:51 AM UTC |

Link to additional information

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Closing: August 31, 2026

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. View on Grants.gov

Award

$50,000

Program Funding

10

Expected awards

$500

Award Minimum

$12,000

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

AF-PDPA-FY26-01

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

No Funding instrument type:

Grant

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

-- Category of Funding Activity:

Other

Category Explanation:

Public Diplomacy

History

Version:

2

Posted date:

April 27, 2026

Archive date:

September 30, 2026