U.S. Embassy Seoul PAS Annual Program Statement | PAS SEOUL FY17 01

Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program (U.S. Embassy Seoul PAS) - FAQs

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Affairs Section (PAS) Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program, offered under an Annual Program Statement titled "U.S. Embassy Seoul PAS Annual Program Statement" (Funding Opportunity Number: PAS SEOUL FY17 01). It supports projects that strengthen people-to-people ties and encourage meaningful engagement between the United States and the Republic of Korea, with a broader goal of improving mutual respect and understanding.

2) Who is offering the funding?

The funding is offered by the U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Affairs Section (PAS), which is part of the U.S. Department of State. The sponsoring agency listed is the U.S. Mission to South Korea.

3) What is the main purpose of the program?

The program is designed to support projects that build people-to-people connections between the United States and the Republic of Korea and create meaningful engagement that improves mutual respect and understanding.

4) What kinds of projects does PAS want to fund?

The announcement describes broad support for public diplomacy, educational, cultural, and professional exchange activities. Examples specifically mentioned include:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs
• Artistic and cultural workshops, including joint performances and exhibitions
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation work
• Professional and academic exchanges or collaborative projects
• Professional development workshops and training

5) Is there a required "American component"?

Yes. A central requirement is that proposed projects must include a clear American component. The project should connect participants, content, expertise, institutions, or collaborative elements to the United States in a substantial way rather than being solely domestic programming.

6) What does "American component" mean in practical terms?

Based on the announcement, an American component means the activities meaningfully involve the United States through elements such as U.S. participants, U.S.-linked expertise, U.S. institutions, U.S.-Korea collaboration, or U.S.-connected content. The key point is that the U.S. connection must be substantial, not incidental.

7) Are only exchange programs eligible, or can other formats be funded?

The program supports a broad range of public diplomacy programming. While the examples emphasize interactive, exchange-focused activities and durable network-building, the opportunity includes multiple formats such as lectures, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, preservation work, collaborative projects, and training.

8) What funding mechanisms might be used for awards?

PAS may fund projects using a grant, a cooperative agreement, or a fixed amount award. The opportunity is not limited to standard grants.

9) What is the difference between a grant, a cooperative agreement, and a fixed amount award (as described here)?

The announcement notes that cooperative agreements typically involve more direct involvement from the U.S. government in shaping or monitoring the project. Fixed amount awards generally tie payments to completion of defined deliverables or milestones rather than reimbursing costs in the same way a traditional grant might.

10) How many awards will be made?

PAS indicates it expects to fund a limited number of awards.

11) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling listed is $70,000.

12) Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?

Yes. The listing categorizes this opportunity as discretionary funding.

13) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity record is tied to CFDA number 19.040.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is oriented toward organizations and institutions with the capacity to run programs and manage funds responsibly. The Embassy encourages applications from organizations located in the Republic of Korea, as well as from parent U.S. organizations that have subsidiaries based in Korea.

15) What types of organizations are listed as eligible applicants?

Eligible applicant types include:

• Registered public or private nonprofit organizations (including think tanks, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations with relevant programming experience)
• Educational institutions
• Korean governmental institutions
• "Others" (as listed in the opportunity record)

16) Are individuals eligible to apply?

The source listing includes "Others" as an eligible category and the narrative notes that PAS is open to a range of capable entities, including in some cases individuals. The opportunity also emphasizes organizational capacity and responsible fund management.

17) Are Korea-based organizations preferred?

The Embassy encourages applications from organizations located in the Republic of Korea. It also encourages proposals from parent U.S. organizations with subsidiaries based in Korea.

18) What is the name of the Annual Program Statement?

The Annual Program Statement is titled "U.S. Embassy Seoul PAS Annual Program Statement."

19) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is PAS SEOUL FY17 01.

20) When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2016-10-12.

21) What is the closing date shown in the record?

The original closing date shown is 2017-06-23.

22) What does PAS emphasize about submitting a proposal?

PAS emphasizes that applicants should closely follow the published instructions and procedures when preparing and submitting proposals.

23) What outcomes does PAS appear to value based on the examples provided?

Based on the examples and description, PAS appears to value programs that are interactive, exchange-focused, and capable of building durable networks between U.S. and Korean individuals and institutions.