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Community Project Funding

The photo says "Education and Culture Program Community Project Funding." There are two pictures. One of a man and a woman holding cards in front of a board game. The other picture is a group of men and children spray painting something on a wall.
Apply here by July 10 at 12pm ET!

Our members come up with innovative solutions to community-based challenges. We award the funds to support them.

The Education and Culture Community Project Funding opportunity is a small-grants program that supports locally led initiatives across the Western Hemisphere. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas, this program advances practical solutions that strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity, and reinforce collaboration between the United States and the region.

Through grants of up to $5,000, Partners Chapters, PartnersCampuses, and affiliate organizations design and implement projects that apply their expertise to address local challenges. These projects promote workforce readiness, strengthen education and STEM skills, support community stability, and contribute to more resilient local economies.

This funding opportunity builds on more than 40 years of Education and Culture programming, which has connected leaders, educators, and professionals across the Americas through exchange, partnership, and knowledge-sharing. Community Project Funding extends this impact by supporting initiatives that translate ideas into action at the local level.

  • 38 community projects awarded since 2021.

This funding opportunity has closed. You may review the past competition below.

For a full description of the current Education and Culture Community Project Funding opportunity, review the Request for Applications (RFA) below:

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Informational Sessions

Review our informational session records and PowerPoint slides!

In these sessions we discussed eligibility, application components, and tips to writing a strong application.

English
Review Recording and PPT
Spanish
Review Recording and PPT

Opportunity Timeline

StageDate
Open ApplicationMonday, April 27, 2026
DeadlineFriday, July 10, 2026 at 12pm ET
Informational Sessions(English) Friday, May 15, 2026 – 1:00-1:30 PM ET
(Spanish) Monday, May 18, 2026 – 1:00-1:30 PM ET
Award NotificationBy August 31, 2026
Period of Performance for ProjectsStarting after September 15, 2026 and
ending by June 30, 2027

Eligibility

  • To be considered for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • Applications must be submitted on the portal by the deadline and follow the instructions and funding restrictions.
  • All applicants must be based in one or more of the following countries:
    • Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, and Uruguay.
    • All projects must take place in one of the countries listed above. If a project takes place in the US, there must be another large, related component taking place outside of the US.
  • All applicants must be an active Partners Chapter, PartnersCampus, or affiliate organization, with a bank account and a UEI number.  Learn more about how to become a member here.
  • Applicants may request up to USD $5,000.
  • Cost-Share must equal the Education and Culture funds requested.
  • The projects must meet one of the competition’s themes:
    • Citizen Security
    • Economic Success
    • Education
    • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
  • Activities and expenses (award period) should take place after September 15, 2026 and conclude prior to June 30, 2027. No extensions. Funding cannot be used for any activities or expenses incurred before or after your award period.
  • Use the budget template provided here.
  • Use the monitoring and evaluation template provided here.

Themes

All applicants must apply under the following theme. Learn more about the themes in the Request for Applications.

  • Citizen Security
  • Economic Success
  • Education
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Application Resources

Application Portal

Direct Link: https://webportalapp.com/sp/poa_education_and_culture_program

The Education and Culture Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by Partners of the Americas.