Small Grants Program | PAS BRAZIL FY23 APS01

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS BRAZIL FY23 APS01

The FY 2023 Small Grants Program from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil (Public Affairs Section, or PAS) is a discretionary grant opportunity designed to fund small, targeted projects that strengthen cultural ties between Brazil and the United States while highlighting shared values and practical best practices. A central requirement across all proposals is that the project must include a clear "American element" such as collaboration with U.S. experts, institutions, organizations, or other connections that help Brazilian audiences better understand U.S. policy, perspectives, and approaches. PAS separates the application process for individuals and organizations because the required documentation and award limits differ, so applicants need to follow the instructions specific to their applicant type.

Funding levels are structured in two tracks. Individuals may apply for support for projects up to USD 5,000, while eligible organizations may request up to USD 25,000. The program is administered by the U.S. Mission to Brazil under Funding Opportunity Number PAS BRAZIL FY23 APS01 (CFDA 19.040). The original closing date listed for this opportunity is July 31, 2023. While the opportunity is framed as a "small grants" mechanism, it is still intended to support well-defined projects with clear public impact and an identifiable U.S.-Brazil link.

To be competitive, proposals must align with one of four PAS public affairs initiatives. The first initiative focuses on building capacity for Brazilian civil society groups defending human rights, particularly organizations serving marginalized or underrepresented communities. The emphasis here is on making civil society organizations stronger and more sustainable so they can advocate more effectively. Example activities include training and technical assistance in strategic planning, fundraising and revenue diversification, proposal writing, and communications, as well as creating exchanges and partnerships between Brazilian and American human rights organizations or building multi-stakeholder networks that advance human rights goals.

The second initiative aims to expand Brazilians' access to fact-based reporting to counter misinformation, with special attention to "news deserts," meaning communities with limited access to credible, comprehensive local news and information. PAS is looking for projects that strengthen the ability of traditional and emerging media to counter disinformation and misinformation, improve fact-checking skills among journalists, influencers, and other key actors, and support innovative approaches or tools that help communities access reliable information. The practical focus is capacity building and training, especially where local information ecosystems are weak.

The third initiative promotes entrepreneurship as a pathway to expanded economic opportunity, especially for entrepreneurs connected to underserved communities. Projects under this track should provide resources, training, and practical tools that help entrepreneurs improve business skills, grow ventures, and expand professional networks. PAS also encourages proposals that connect Brazilian and U.S. entrepreneurial ecosystems through knowledge exchange, mentorship, partnerships, and other cross-border engagement, as well as efforts that convene multi-stakeholder networks to open doors for entrepreneurs who are often left out of mainstream opportunities.

The fourth initiative centers on building capacity for Brazilian civil society groups protecting the environment, especially those working in regions critical to biodiversity and environmental protection. The program prioritizes identifying and supporting participants already engaged with local communities, strengthening organizational capacity (for example in planning, fundraising, proposal development, and communications), and connecting Brazilian partners with counterparts in the United States and other Western institutions to amplify impact. Projects may also focus on partnerships and networks that protect critical biomes while considering the needs of populations that are more vulnerable to climate-related risks and extreme environmental events.

Eligible applicants are broad and include civil society organizations, community representatives, individuals, think tanks, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, government institutions, and international organizations. Across all categories and initiatives, the most important fit factors are clear alignment to one initiative, a concrete and credible American element, and a project design that strengthens institutional capacity, builds durable partnerships, or delivers practical skills and tools that can continue to produce results after the grant period ends.

• The U.S. Mission to Brazil in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Small Grants Program" 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 2023-05-22.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-07-31. (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: Others.

Apply for PAS BRAZIL FY23 APS01

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: