U.S. Embassy Ankara, Public Affairs Grant Program | ANK NOFO FY19 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for ANK NOFO FY19 01

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara, through the Department of State (Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs), offered a country-wide Public Affairs Grant Program designed to fund projects across Turkey that strengthen U.S.-Turkey cooperation and reinforce shared priorities. The opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number ANK NOFO FY19 01) was a discretionary program using either grants or cooperative agreements, meaning projects could be funded as standard grants or structured with more direct involvement and coordination with the U.S. government under a cooperative agreement model. The program sat broadly in the arts, education, and science and technology/research and development space (CFDA 19.040), reflecting a public diplomacy focus that blends cultural, educational, and civic programming.

At the heart of the competition were five bilateral themes. The first theme, Support Shared Security, targeted proposals that advance U.S.-Turkey cooperation on defeating ISIS/DAESH and other extremist organizations, contribute to stability in Syria, and strengthen counterterrorism capacity more broadly, including efforts against transnational crime. It also welcomed initiatives that build collaboration within NATO or other multilateral security organizations, positioning projects to complement shared security objectives through training, dialogue, exchanges, or other constructive engagement activities that fit a public affairs grant framework.

The second theme, Strengthen Economic Prosperity by Promoting Innovation and Fostering Entrepreneurship, focused on building entrepreneurial capacity in ways appropriate to the local context and maturity of the ecosystem in the region being served. Competitive proposals under this category could include introductory entrepreneurship trainings, mentorship and networking programs, small-and-medium enterprise (SME) development planning, and practical instruction on marketing and outreach. The opportunity also explicitly encouraged activities that stimulate research and development and innovation, suggesting that programs linking education, private sector engagement, and applied skill-building would fit well, especially if they lead to tangible growth in entrepreneurial know-how and local economic resilience.

The third theme, Reinforce Democratic Values - Media, prioritized support for journalists and citizen journalists through professional development and capacity building. The program description highlighted areas such as media literacy, investigative journalism, social media and internet publishing skills, research and fact-checking, documentary filmmaking, and other forms of visual or narrative storytelling. In practice, this theme aligns with projects that strengthen the information environment by improving skills, ethical standards, verification practices, and the ability of media actors to produce credible, impactful content.

The fourth theme, Reinforce Democratic Values - Freedom of Expression and Public Discourse, was aimed at cultural and arts-based exchanges that create space for dialogue and the expression of diverse viewpoints. The Embassy emphasized innovative creative expression and outreach to underserved audiences, explicitly naming groups such as ethnic or religious minorities, LGBTI communities, youth, and women. Proposals were expected to encourage respect for cultural and social diversity, pluralism, and equity in cultural life and policy, indicating interest in programs that widen participation in arts and civic discussion while building inclusive platforms for public discourse.

The fifth theme, Foster Turkish and U.S. Ties, focused on deepening people-to-people connections and long-term educational and cultural linkages. This category included programs that develop American Studies, strengthen English language teaching and learning, expand STE(A)M education opportunities for Turkish youth, and encourage study in the United States. Projects in this lane would typically be well-suited to partnerships among schools, universities, education-focused NGOs, and community organizations, especially when they produce sustained engagement and clear pathways for participants to connect with U.S. educational or cultural institutions.

In terms of who could apply, eligibility was broad and included public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without U.S. 501(c)(3) status (as long as they were not higher education institutions in that classification), and individuals. The Embassy anticipated making up to 20 awards, with an award ceiling of $100,000 per project, signaling support for small-to-mid-sized initiatives that are scalable, measurable, and feasible within typical public diplomacy grant constraints.

Key administrative details included a creation date of November 5, 2018, and an original application deadline of December 17, 2018, at 10:00 AM Turkey time. Overall, the grant program was structured to fund practical, partnership-driven projects that deliver measurable public impact in Turkey while advancing shared U.S.-Turkey priorities across security cooperation, economic opportunity, democratic values (including media and expression), and educational and cultural ties.

• The Department of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), education, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Ankara, Public Affairs Grant Program" 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 Nov 05, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 17, 2018 December 17, 2018, 1000 AM Turkey Time. (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 $100,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 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, 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.

Apply for ANK NOFO FY19 01

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