U.S.-ROK Strategic Partnership Initiatives

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 : Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9) CFDA Number: 19.040 Type of Funding: FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Total Amount Available: $250,000 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 prog

Details

• Agency: U.S. Mission to South Korea
• Department: Department of State
• Opportunity #: PD-SEOUL-FY26-02
• Total Funding: $250,000
• Expected Awards: 5
• Instrument: cooperative_agreement;grant;other

Eligibility

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