2025 U.S. - Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Alumni Small Grants Opportunity

SUMMARY: The U.S. Embassy to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS’ Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Bridgetown) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce the launch of a funding opportunity for alumni of U.S. Department of State sponsored academic and professional exchange programs which is now available through its Public Diplomacy Alumni Small Grants Program. This announcement outlines our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting funding requests. Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to the availability of funding. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION PDS Bridgetown invites applications from alumni of U.S. Department of State’s professional and academic exchange programs to implement impactful projects in their communities that align with U.S. Embassy Mission goals. These alumni-driven initiatives will empower participants to leverage the skills and resources gained through U.S. Government-funded programs to address critical needs in their communities/countries. U.S. Embassy Bridgetown is accredited to seven islands which comprise the Eastern Caribbean. Across the seven islands, there exists more than 300 alumni program participants of ECA programs. Each country boasts alumni who are SMEs across a diverse range of fields and who occupy the gamut of career paths from teachers to ministers of government, to grassroots/civil society organizations, lawyers and supporters of the rule of law, students and entrepreneurs. This funding opportunity is being launched to continue/further U.S. Embassy Bridgetown’s support of alumni through funding for the post-program activities which alumni intend to pursue. These activities will highlight the role that active and engaged alumni play in the development and growth of their communities. By utilizing the dynamic resources/experiences gained during their program participation, alumni are changemakers and influ