U.S.-ROK Strategic Partnership Initiatives

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S.-ROK Strategic Partnership Initiatives

Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY26-02

Deadline for Applications: Monday, July 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9)

CFDA Number: 19.040

Type of Funding: FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

Total Amount Available: $800,000

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Executive Summary

The U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals for programs that advance shared priorities identified in the U.S.-ROK Joint Fact Sheet and other bilateral or U.S. policy frameworks. Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the embassy seeks innovative, high-impact initiatives implemented in the Republic of Korea that strengthen the U.S.-ROK Alliance, expand practical cooperation, and support strategic engagement with key Korean audiences.

Competitive proposals may address areas such as economic and technology cooperation, innovation, cybersecurity, critical minerals and supply chain resilience, shipbuilding and maritime cooperation, freedom of expression, anti-American propaganda campaigns from foreign state and non-state actors, or other priority areas aligned with U.S. foreign policy frameworks.

For calendar year 2026 only, proposals connected to the 250th anniversary of United States independence (Freedom 250) may also be considered. Any Freedom 250-supported activities must conclude no later than December 31, 2026.

Program Goal

The goal of this program is to generate direct and measurable impacts that strengthen the U.S.-ROK Alliance by advancing shared strategic priorities through practical, locally implemented initiatives.   

Program Objectives

• Expand engagement with Korean audiences on shared U.S.-ROK priorities through practical, results-oriented programming.
• Strengthen partnerships among U.S. and Korean institutions, organizations, and emerging leaders in priority areas.
• Identify and broaden the pool of qualified local implementing partners for future public diplomacy programming.
• Support high-quality projects that advance priorities identified in relevant bilateral and other U.S. foreign policy frameworks.

Expected Activities

Proposals prioritizing impact and creativity are more likely to receive funding. Applicants may propose activities such as, but not limited to:

• Workshops, training programs, or seminars that include follow-on engagement or practical outputs that advance the U.S.-ROK Alliance
• Speaker programs, expert dialogues, or roundtables that promote U.S. commercial interests including English language development or other relevant initiatives
• Youth, student, or emerging leader programs that build future networks ready to advance U.S.-ROK cooperation or U.S.-ROK-Japan cooperation
• Initiatives that identify, expose or counter coordinated, anti-American propaganda campaigns from foreign state and non-state actors that threaten American interests and national security
• Projects promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and/or workforce development including in shipbuilding, commercial space industry, energy, or emerging technology sectors
• Exchanges (virtual or in-person) building capacity and cooperation in preventing online scams, protecting children from online sexual exploitation and abuse, stopping the flow of illegal drugs, or other transnational criminal activity
• Freedom 250-related educational, cultural, or public engagement programming (implemented in 2026 only) to showcase American excellence in these fields

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Applicants should clearly define expected outputs and outcomes and include a plan for monitoring and evaluation. Proposals should identify:

• Performance indicators (e.g., number of participants, audience reach, partnerships established, follow-on activities launched, engagement levels)
• Targets and, where appropriate, baseline data
• Data collection methods (e.g., attendance records, participant feedback, surveys, interviews, digital analytics)

Substantial Involvement

Awards under this NOFO may be issued as grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, as appropriate. If issued as a cooperative agreement, the U.S. Embassy Seoul may have substantial involvement in the program, including:

• Awards under this NOFO may be issued as grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, as appropriate. If issued as a cooperative agreement, the U.S. Embassy Seoul may have substantial involvement in the program, including:
• Reviewing and approving key project activities, timelines, and major deliverables
• Facilitating connections with relevant stakeholders, experts, and partner institutions, as appropriate
• Monitoring program implementation and performance, including participation in evaluation activities
• Reviewing and approving branding, publicity, or major public communications related to the award
• Coordinating on significant modifications to program scope or implementation plans

Eligible Applicants

Priority may be given to organizations based in the Republic of Korea. Applicants headquartered outside the ROK should demonstrate meaningful local implementation capacity, including ROK-based staff, partnerships, or proven experience operating in the Korean context.

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
• Public and private educational institutions
• Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

All application materials must be submitted by email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov