Doha, Qatar: The US Embassy in Doha has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for proposals under the US-Qatar Strategic Partnership Initiative: Economic, Technology, and Security Cooperation (Freedom250 Commemorative).
This funding opportunity seeks to support programmes that advance concrete US economic, technological, and security interests in Qatar while deepening US-Qatar cooperation. The opportunity is not intended for traditional cultural programming.
The total funding available under this announcement is $200,000, pending availability of funds, with awards ranging from approximately $10,000 to $100,000. The anticipated project start date is September 15, 2026, and proposed projects should be completed within 6 to 18 months.
Strategic themes and priorities for this opportunity include Strategic Economic and Technology Partnership: Programmes that position US technology, standards, and firms as Qatar’s preferred partners in energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. Also Open Information, Free Inquiry, and Innovation: Programmes that demonstrate how open information flows, academic freedom, and free inquiry support innovation and create opportunities for Qatar.
Sovereignty, Security, and the US as High-Trust Partner: Programmes that strengthen understanding of how US defense and security cooperation supports Qatar’s sovereignty, stability, and strategic autonomy. Also American Heritage, Excellence, and Freedom250: Programmes that use the 250th anniversary of US independence to present a forward-looking narrative of American innovation, resilience, and technological achievement linked to US-Qatar cooperation.
Projects must identify a clearly defined target audience and explain how reaching that audience advances US-Qatar strategic objectives. Priority audiences include Qatari government officials and policymakers; private sector and business leaders; security, defense, and strategic affairs professionals; university students and early-career professionals; entrepreneurs and technology stakeholders; and educational institutions and research organisations.
Organisations eligible to apply include not-for-profit and community service organisations registered and operating in Qatar, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organisations with programming experience; individuals who are Qatari citizens or residents of Qatar and based in Qatar; public and non-profit private educational institutions registered in Qatar; public and non-profit private educational institutions registered in the United States working with local affiliate institutions registered in Qatar; and Qatari government institutions.
For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required.
The deadline for applications is July 16, 2026, at 5pm Doha time. Questions about the solicitation must be submitted to Dohagrants@state.gov. A bidding conference will be held by conference call on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, to answer questions from potential applicants. All application materials must be submitted by email to Dohagrants@state.gov.
Applicants must include the funding opportunity title and funding opportunity number, OFOP0002777, in the subject line of the email.
For complete application instructions, eligibility criteria, and required forms, please refer to the Full Announcement available on the US Embassy Doha website, Grants.gov, and MyGrants.
