Sharing America with Russia | DOSRUS21GR003

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOSRUS21GR003

The Sharing America with Russia grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DOSRUS21GR003) is a U.S. Department of State program run through the U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Affairs Section. Its main goal is to fund projects that help Russian audiences better understand the United States, particularly American democratic values, individual freedoms, and the way an open society functions through cooperation between government, citizens, and civil society organizations. In addition to civic and educational programming, the opportunity also supports cultural diplomacy projects that highlight the diversity of American culture and encourage practical collaboration and mutual understanding between Americans and Russians.

Awards can be requested in any amount up to a ceiling of $200,000 per project, and applicants are encouraged to propose budgets that realistically match their organizational capacity and program goals rather than automatically aiming for the maximum. The program notes that smaller awards may move faster through approval. Applications were accepted on a rolling basis until June 1, 2021, with proposals reviewed monthly and funding distributed as available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some awards could be made quickly, while others might not have had funds available until as late as September 2021, depending on timing and funding availability.

A key competitiveness factor is a clear, meaningful connection to American experts, organizations, or institutions. The program is explicitly looking for projects that do not end when the grant period ends, but instead create relationships and cooperation that can continue afterward. For cultural programs in particular, the emphasis is on sharing the breadth of U.S. traditions while showcasing collaboration between American and Russian participants rather than one-sided presentations.

The funding priorities are grouped into two broad theme areas: American Values and American Culture. Under American Values, PAS Moscow is interested in projects that explain the role of U.S. civil society and nongovernmental organizations; design tailored activities for specific Russian audiences such as emerging leaders, women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and low-income or at-risk communities; and promote understanding of core freedoms like freedom of religion, press, speech, and association. The opportunity also highlights reducing stigma toward underrepresented groups, including efforts that increase awareness and reduce gender-based violence. Under American Culture, the program prioritizes projects that promote equality and inclusion in the U.S. context, expand Russian understanding of lesser-known American communities (for example Latinx and Asian American experiences), and present specialized U.S. cultural traditions in areas like art, dance, and theater. It also encourages cultural diplomacy formats that build people-to-people ties through visual arts, sports, film, and performing arts, along with cross-cultural discussions, presentations, roundtables, and similar public engagement activities.

The opportunity includes a strong COVID-19 operating constraint: during the pandemic, PAS Moscow stated it could not fund projects involving travel or in-person interaction at that time. Any proposal that included an in-person element had to provide a credible virtual alternative plan in case in-person activities remained impossible, and proposals lacking that contingency approach risked not being considered further.

There are also clear restrictions on what the grant will not support. Projects cannot be designed to solely benefit a single Russian or American entity such as one business or one university, and the program is not intended to be revenue-generating. If any income is produced through project activities, it must be reinvested to advance the program goals, such as extending project duration or expanding participation. In addition, proposals should not primarily focus on academic or scientific research, signaling that the program is aimed more at public engagement, exchange-style programming, civic education, and cultural diplomacy than at research grants.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S. and Russian organizations such as nonprofits, NGOs and civil society groups, institutions of higher education, museums, parks, reserves, and community organizations. The source data also lists eligibility categories that can include school districts, public and private universities, nonprofits with or without U.S. 501(c)(3) status, individuals, and small businesses, but the narrative notes that corporate applicants and individuals are only funded in limited circumstances and should consult the program office with questions. The funding instruments used can include grants or cooperative agreements, and the opportunity anticipated up to about 50 awards, subject to funds availability.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Russia in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), community development, consumer protection, education, employment, labor and training, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda), information and statistics, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Sharing America with Russia" 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 Dec 01, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 01, 2021. (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 $200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, Small businesses.

Apply for DOSRUS21GR003

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