Open Call: U.S. Mission to Australia Annual Program 2026

Deadline: 20-Sep-2026

The U.S. Mission to Australia’s Public Diplomacy Section is inviting proposals for projects that strengthen U.S.-Australia relations through flag football, Holocaust education and efforts to combat antisemitism, or Pacific Islands partnerships through arts, culture, heritage, education, and training. Awards range from US$25,000 to US$100,000 per project for initiatives lasting up to 24 months, with applications open to eligible non-profit organisations, educational institutions, civil society groups, think tanks, and individuals in Australia and the United States.

About the Public Diplomacy Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Mission to Australia Public Diplomacy Section has announced an Annual Program Statement supporting projects that promote mutual understanding and stronger relationships between the United States, Australia, and Pacific Island communities. The programme is intended to advance public diplomacy objectives by supporting initiatives that encourage collaboration, cultural exchange, education, and engagement. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to the United States through American experts, organisations, cultural elements, or perspectives. Funding Priorities Applicants must develop projects that address at least one of the programme’s three priority goals. Promote Flag Football in Australia Projects can support the growth and awareness of flag football in Australia. Educational activities connected to flag football.

Partnerships involving American sports experts or organisations

Projects should demonstrate how American expertise or the development of the sport can strengthen connections between the United States and Australia. Combat Antisemitism Through Holocaust Education The programme also supports initiatives that use Holocaust education to address antisemitism and promote understanding of its historical and contemporary consequences.

Projects may focus on:

Holocaust education. Public awareness. Educational resources. Teacher or educator training. Community dialogue. Historical understanding. Countering antisemitic narratives.

Partnerships with relevant American experts or institutions

Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed activities contribute to combating antisemitism and promoting informed public discussion. Strengthen Pacific Islands Partnerships The third priority focuses on strengthening relationships among people in the United States, Australia, and Pacific Island countries. Applicants should also ensure they meet the programme’s registration and administrative requirements before submitting a proposal. Registration Requirements for Organisations Organisations applying for funding must have: A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Active registration in SAM.gov. Individuals do not need to register in SAM.gov. Applicants should complete required registrations well in advance because registration processes can take time and incomplete registration can affect eligibility. What Makes a Strong Project? A competitive proposal should clearly connect the proposed activities to one or more of the programme’s priority goals.

Strong projects should demonstrate:

A clearly defined problem or opportunity. Specific and measurable objectives. A credible implementation plan. Meaningful U.S. involvement. Strong Australian or Pacific partnerships where appropriate. Clear public diplomacy value. Defined target audiences. Realistic project outcomes. Appropriate use of funding. A sustainable approach beyond the funding period. How to Apply Applicants should develop their proposal around the programme’s strategic priorities.

Step 1: Select a Priority Area

Determine whether the project will focus on: Flag football in Australia. Holocaust education and combating antisemitism. Pacific Islands partnerships through arts, culture, heritage, education, or training.

Step 2: Define the Project

Explain what the project will accomplish and why the activity is important. Clearly identify the target beneficiaries and communities.

Step 3: Establish the U.S. Connection

Describe the role of American experts, organisations, institutions, cultural elements, or perspectives. This connection should be substantive rather than simply mentioning the United States. Develop a realistic budget that connects each major expense to the proposed project activities. Requested funding should be appropriate to the project’s scale and duration.

Step 6: Complete Registration Requirements

Eligible organisations should ensure they have an active UEI and SAM.gov registration before submitting the application. Individuals are not required to register in SAM.gov.

Step 7: Submit the Proposal

Applicants should follow the official application instructions and submit all required information and supporting materials within the specified application period. Eligible Project Themes Projects can address a broad range of activities as long as they clearly support one of the programme’s strategic priorities.

Weak U.S. connection: Simply mentioning an American partner is unlikely to demonstrate meaningful public diplomacy value.

Unclear priority alignment: The proposal should directly identify which funding priority it addresses.

Vague outcomes: Explain what measurable change the project is expected to produce.

Overly broad activities: Keep the project focused and achievable within 24 months.

Unrealistic budgets: Ensure requested costs directly support project activities.

Insufficient partnerships: Where appropriate, demonstrate credible collaboration with relevant organisations or communities.

Ignoring registration requirements: Organisations must have the required UEI and active SAM.gov registration.

Commercial focus: For-profit entities are not eligible.

Why This Funding Matters The programme uses public diplomacy, sports, education, arts, cultural exchange, and international partnerships to strengthen relationships between the United States, Australia, and Pacific Island communities. Projects