U.S. Mission to China Public Engagement Grants | EAPBJ 22 GR 001 EAP 051622

Opportunity Information: Apply for EAPBJ 22 GR 001 EAP 051622

The U.S. Mission to China Public Engagement Grants opportunity is a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Department of State through the Public Diplomacy Sections at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the U.S. Consulates General in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, and Shenyang. The central purpose is to fund projects that create, deepen, or expand people-to-people ties between the United States and China, using in-person, virtual, or hybrid engagement to reach Chinese audiences. At its core, the program is designed to improve Chinese audiences understanding of U.S. foreign policy, along with broader U.S. values, culture, society, and systems of government.

The competition is looking for creative, practical proposals that either build on existing partnerships between U.S. organizations and Chinese counterparts or create new partnerships that can continue beyond the grant period. A notable emphasis is placed on sustainability and reach, especially projects that connect with communities that do not easily interact with the Mission due to barriers like geography or language. In other words, applicants are encouraged to think beyond major urban centers and typical elite networks and instead propose models that can engage new regions, new institutions, and underserved audiences, while also strengthening an organizations ability to operate and maintain long-term collaboration.

Proposals that align with the Mission's priority themes receive preference. These priorities include: (A) advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in programming and participation; (B) improving the sharing of information and perspectives that supports adherence to global norms, particularly in areas such as trade practices, intellectual property protection, and regional security; (C) promoting cooperation and shared problem-solving on the climate crisis; and (D) strengthening understanding of U.S. society and values through education, culture, and the arts. These themes signal that the Mission is looking for public engagement that is not only cultural in a general sense, but also connected to policy-relevant topics and contemporary global challenges, while still remaining accessible and audience-centered.

The types of activities that may be funded are intentionally broad. Examples include lecture series, seminars, workshops, and similar programs that explain U.S. foreign policy goals or provide clearer insight into U.S. society, governance, and values. The opportunity also supports performing arts programming that reflects the breadth of American performing arts, such as music, dance, and drama, especially when designed to reach key audiences and generate meaningful exchange rather than one-way presentations. In addition, educational programs are encouraged, particularly those that integrate discussion of American foreign policy perspectives or civic values into classrooms, training settings, or wider educational outreach efforts. Overall, the program leaves room for different formats, as long as they are clearly designed to inform, connect, and engage Chinese participants in a way that supports the stated diplomacy objectives.

From an administrative standpoint, the funding opportunity is listed as EAPBJ 22 GR 001 EAP 051622, within a humanities and cultural affairs funding category (CFDA 19.040). Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than universities), individuals, and certain other applicants as clarified in the eligibility section of the full announcement. The announced award ceiling is $150,000, with an expectation of approximately five awards. The opportunity was created on March 21, 2022, and the original closing date was May 16, 2022.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to China in the humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Mission to China Public Engagement Grants" 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 Mar 21, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 16, 2022. (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 $150,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Individuals, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for EAPBJ 22 GR 001 EAP 051622

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