Funder: U.S. Mission to China
Due Dates: May 16, 2025 (final submission) | January 10, 2025 (early review)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per award (typical range: $3,000–$50,000) | Project period: up to 12 months
Summary: Supports programs that strengthen U.S.–Hong Kong/Macau ties through cultural, educational, and exchange activities with a clear U.S. element.
Key Information: Proposals must include a U.S. connection (expert, institution, or content); only one proposal per organization per review cycle.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau Public Affairs Section (PAS), funds projects that foster stronger ties between the United States and Hong Kong/Macau. The program supports cultural, educational, and exchange initiatives that highlight shared values, promote bilateral cooperation, and increase understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. All proposals must include a substantive U.S. element, such as collaboration with American experts, organizations, or institutions.
Priority is given to projects that:
- Support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities
- Promote American English language acquisition
- Advance economic empowerment, especially for underrepresented communities
- Raise public awareness about the environment, sustainability, climate change, and conservation
- Facilitate academic and cultural engagement on American expertise, values, and universal human rights
Projects may include lectures, workshops, exchanges, speaker programs, collaborative environmental projects, and participation of American professionals in local events.
Due Dates
- Early Review Deadline: January 10, 2025 (for proposals submitted between October 24, 2024 and January 10, 2025; reviewed by January 20, responses by January 27)
- Final Submission Deadline: May 16, 2025 (for proposals submitted between January 10 and May 16, 2025; reviewed by May 28, responses by June 6)
- Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis until May 16, 2025.
Funding Amount
- Award Range: $3,000 to $50,000 per project
- Total Program Funding: $300,000 (expected ~40 awards)
- Project Duration: Up to 12 months
- Cost Sharing: Not required, but encouraged
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks, NGOs, civil society organizations)
- Public and private educational institutions
- Individuals
- Public international organizations and governmental institutions
Ineligible: For-profit/commercial entities, projects with partisan political, religious, or fundraising activities, construction, lobbying, commercial ventures, and scientific research.
Note: Only one proposal per organization per review cycle is allowed. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active SAM.gov registration (not required for individuals).
Application Process
Required Application Materials:
- Application Forms:
- SF-424 (organizations) or SF-424-I (individuals)
- SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs)
- SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs; only for individuals or organizations not registered in SAM.gov)
- Project Proposal (using the consulate’s template)
- Budget Justification Narrative
- Attachments:
- 1-page CV/resume for key personnel
- Letters of support from partners (if applicable)
- NICRA (if claiming indirect costs)
- Official permission letters (if required)
Submission:
- Email all materials to HongKongGrants@state.gov
- Subject line: “HKG-NOFO-FY25-01” and the applicant organization’s name
Review Criteria:
- Organizational capacity and past performance
- Quality and feasibility of the program idea
- Clarity of goals and objectives
- Alignment with consulate priorities
- Budget reasonableness and justification
- Monitoring and evaluation plan
- Program sustainability
Additional Information
- Project Types: Academic/cultural lectures, workshops, exchanges, collaborative environmental projects, and more.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Strongly encouraged in all proposals.
- Reporting: Awardees must submit financial and programmatic reports as specified in the award document.
- Payments: Disbursed in at least two installments, upon request via SF-270.
External Links
Contact Information
Note: Mark “HKG-NOFO-FY25-01” and your organization’s name in the subject line when emailing.
For technical issues with forms, see Grants.gov Help.