The U.S. Embassy Freetown partners with organizations, universities, and individuals to support a range of programs and activities that bring the people of the United States and Sierra Leone closer together. In support of our shared interests with our partners, the United States provides funding to recipients through grants. Grants are official legal instruments of the United States government that come with many different requirements for both the government and the recipient. Individuals and organizations interested in partnering with the embassy can find information about opportunities on the embassy’s website or on www.grants.gov.
See below for more information on specific grant opportunities:
The Ambassador's Special Self-Help (SSH)
Will be announced in due course
2025 Public Affairs Small Grants Competition
Deadline for applications: June 27, 2025
The purpose of this grant competition is to support grantees who are contributing to building the capacity of Sierra Leoneans in a way that strengthens connections with the United States and supports American priorities. The goal is not to support one-off activities but to jump start programs that move Sierra Leone away from assistance and help create potential partners for American institutions and businesses. These programs should build the skills and knowledge of participants so that they can begin to move forward without further assistance or create networks or develop resources that enable other Sierra Leoneans to move forward independently. Sample activities can include train-the-trainer programs, workshops, cultural exchanges with U.S. institutions, creation of informational resource materials, network development, etc. All programs should incorporate a link to the United States through resources, expertise, curriculum, or cultural exchange. Grants are awarded for up to $10,000 to individuals, NGO’s or educational institutions on a competitive basis.
We will prioritize projects focusing on the following themes:
Entrepreneurship, including Financial Literacy and Expanding Credit Access
Academic Linkages
Accountable and Transparent Governance
Ending Discrimination and/or Violence against Women
Combating Trafficking in Persons
Fair Trade Promotion
Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
Each proposal must provide clear and realistic objectives, timetable and budget; demonstrate the sustainability of the project beyond funded activities; and include plans for monitoring and evaluation and outreach. All applicants must use the supplied template for their submissions and follow the detailed instructions linked below. All organizations must register at www.SAM.gov (see detailed instructions for information on who must register). Activities must start after October 1, 2025, and be completed by September 30, 2026. Submit all applications using all mandatory forms and templates linked below to PASGrantsFreetown@state.gov
This notice is subject to the availability of funding.
Links to download application materials:
- Detailed Instructions for applications
- Application template
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals)
- SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)
- SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)
- Budget Narrative excel sheet
