U.S. Mission in Morocco - APS | PAS MOROCCO FY23 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS MOROCCO FY23 01

The U.S. Mission to Morocco Annual Program Statement (APS), funding opportunity number PAS-MOROCCO-FY23-01 (CFDA 19.040, Public Diplomacy Programs), is a competitive small grants program run by the Public Affairs Section to support public diplomacy projects in Morocco. The overall aim is to strengthen positive ties between Morocco and the United States by reinforcing shared values, expanding mutual understanding, and connecting Morocco's emerging leaders with American people, ideas, and institutions. Most awards are expected to fall between USD 5,000 and USD 25,000, although proposals outside that range may be considered in special cases depending on merit and available funding.

The program priorities focus heavily on youth, skills, and forward-looking community impact. Funded projects are expected to help Moroccan youth build practical and market-relevant skills through STEAM programming (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), with particular interest in innovative approaches that incorporate environmental and health awareness. The APS also prioritizes entrepreneurship and vocational training that improve employability and leadership potential. Another major theme is environmental education and action, including projects that raise awareness of climate and sustainability issues while pushing participants toward realistic solutions such as green energy initiatives, energy conservation, climate change adaptation strategies, and actionable responses to water scarcity intensified by climate change and urbanization. Civic engagement is also a central pillar, with support for initiatives that encourage youth participation in civic life through social entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community engagement. In addition, the Mission is interested in programs that deepen understanding of U.S. culture, values, and institutions through areas like American Studies, English language learning and teaching, and promoting study in the United States, while also supporting inclusion and acceptance of minority groups and individuals with disabilities or special needs.

A non-negotiable requirement is that proposals must include clear U.S. content. That can be demonstrated through participation of U.S. experts, the use or adaptation of U.S. models and best practices, or educational materials connected to American history, society, culture, government, or institutions. Concept papers that do not include U.S. content are explicitly ineligible and will not be reviewed for funding.

The application process is structured as a two-phase competition, which is a key procedural change highlighted in this APS. In Phase I, applicants submit only a Concept Paper and a Budget Summary Estimate, rather than a full proposal. Both documents must be submitted together in English, as a single PDF by email to Rabatgrants@state.gov by March 15, 2023, using the specified email subject line "APS 2023 Grants Competition." The APS limits submissions to one application per organization or individual during the open application period, and proposals will not be considered without the budget summary estimate. Applicants receive confirmation that their submission was received.

Applicants must also meet technical eligibility requirements tied to standard U.S. government grant systems. Organizations applying must obtain a NCAGE/CAGE code and have an active SAM.gov registration; both are described as free registrations, and applicants are directed to additional resources on the Mission website for instructions. If selected to move forward, applicants enter Phase II. Shortlisted applicants are to be notified by March 31, 2023 and invited to submit a full application package with additional forms by May 1, 2023 (forms provided upon invitation). Final grant status notifications are expected by May 31, 2023, and the Mission notes that award timing can vary based on funding availability, with award decisions generally communicated within 90 to 120 days after the Phase II deadline.

Phase I evaluation emphasizes both organizational credibility and project design quality. Reviewers look at the organization or applicant history, mission alignment, leadership activities, and any prior grant performance, along with a clear project description that includes project duration. Strong submissions explain the planned activities in a way that links them directly to goals, objectives, and measurable impact. Reviewers also weigh the "American Connection," specifically how the project will increase understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives, and they expect a basic but thoughtful monitoring and evaluation approach that explains how success will be tracked. The budget summary is assessed for realism and clarity around major cost categories. Phase II evaluation criteria are not published upfront and are provided only to applicants invited to submit a full proposal.

In terms of who should apply and who projects should serve, the APS targets a broad set of public diplomacy audiences in Morocco, including NGOs, associations, foundations, think tanks, media, cultural and educational leaders, academic institutions, underserved communities, disadvantaged populations, and next-generation leaders such as innovators, digital influencers, content creators, and young entrepreneurs. The Mission explicitly encourages applications from organizations that work with people with disabilities (including visual, hearing, speech, and physical disabilities), and it signals openness to making awards to individuals on a case-by-case basis. While U.S. NGOs and individuals may apply, preference is given to Moroccan NGOs and to partnerships that build the capacity of Moroccan organizations. Shortlisted applicants must be able to provide proof of non-profit status. Diversity is treated as both an applicant and program design expectation, meaning the Mission wants to see diversity among implementers, trainers, and target participants across geography, ethnicity, religion, gender, and disability status, and it encourages projects that reach audiences beyond major urban centers to ensure both geographic and demographic inclusion.

• The U.S. Mission to Morocco in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Mission in Morocco - APS" 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 2022-11-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-03-15. (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 $25,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Individuals.

Apply for PAS MOROCCO FY23 01

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