Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2020 015
The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine (Department of State) is offering a cooperative agreement grant to support a Ukrainian nonprofit organization in designing and delivering a film-centered public diplomacy program that both addresses pressing social issues in Ukraine and highlights U.S. diversity and values through American independent cinema. The core of the project is the organization of the 2021 American Independent Film Festival (AIFF) in Kyiv, described as the eleventh annual Embassy-supported edition, paired with additional film programming in priority regions of Ukraine, specifically the eastern, southern, and/or southeastern parts of the country. The overall intent is to use independent film, meaning films produced outside the mainstream commercial film industry, as a practical tool for civic dialogue, values-based engagement, and community discussion that feels relevant to Ukrainian audiences.
A strong proposal is expected to combine screenings with structured, facilitated conversations that connect film themes to real social challenges in Ukraine. The festival program in Kyiv should include both feature films and documentaries and should be built in close coordination with the Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS). While the festival is expected to predominantly feature American independent films, applicants are encouraged to consider pairing select Ukrainian films with thematically similar American titles to deepen discussion and local resonance. The program must also leave room for screenings of films selected by PAS, and the festival should include an opening and/or closing reception to support networking and visibility.
Beyond Kyiv, applicants must propose a plan for regional outreach programming, which can reuse the same films and discussion formats from the Kyiv festival. PAS identifies eastern, southern, and southeastern Ukraine as priority sites, but the Embassy is open to other locations if the applicant provides strong justification. In addition to screenings and discussions, the opportunity encourages capacity-building components such as workshops, masterclasses, or similar professional development activities aimed at emerging Ukrainian filmmakers. For these training elements, the target participants are generally young filmmakers or film students in the 18 to 30 age range.
Bringing U.S. expertise into Ukraine is an explicit expectation of the project. The applicant should plan to host at least one American independent filmmaker in Ukraine for AIFF 2021 and, ideally, include that guest in some portion of the regional programming as well. Because film rights and permissions are a real cost driver for this kind of program, the budget must include licensing and related costs connected to screening the films legally.
The Embassy also signals what kinds of themes it most wants to see reflected in the film selections, discussions, and outreach strategy. Preference is given to proposals that clearly connect programming to PAS thematic priorities, including combatting the spread of hateful ideologies, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting police and judicial reform, and fostering understanding of Euro-Atlantic values. Audience targeting is expected to align with the chosen themes and may include specialized groups such as government professionals, civil society organizations, advocates, students, or other stakeholder communities. Embassy representatives will help refine and identify audience segments after themes are selected, but the applicant should demonstrate that it can reach and meaningfully engage the intended viewers.
Because the program was planned during the COVID-19 period, proposals must include a realistic contingency plan for moving activities online if in-person events become impractical. That means applicants should think through digital screening solutions, online facilitation formats, remote guest participation, and how they would maintain audience engagement and discussion quality in a virtual environment.
A substantial part of the application is the monitoring and evaluation approach. Applicants must show they can track implementation and measure outcomes and impact, not just count events. The budget must include evaluation costs, and the evaluation plan is expected to specify what data will be collected to assess whether the program is on track, how data will be collected (for example, pre- and post-event surveys, interviews, focus groups, media monitoring, and other methods), what mix of quantitative and qualitative data will be used, and how results will be organized and reported. The Embassy asks that this evaluation plan be presented as a logic model, linking inputs and activities to outputs and intended outcomes tied directly to the program objectives.
In administrative terms, the opportunity is listed as Funding Opportunity Number PAS UKRAINE 2020 015 under CFDA 19.040, with an arts and humanities focus delivered through a cooperative agreement, meaning the Embassy expects close coordination during design and implementation. The award ceiling is up to $100,000, with one award anticipated. The opportunity opened June 17, 2020, with an original application deadline of August 16, 2020. The sample timeline provided starts with theme discussions with PAS in September 2020, film and guest identification and rights acquisition in October to November, final planning in December to January, AIFF delivery in February 2021 alongside the launch of regional programming, and then continued regional events with ongoing monitoring and evaluation through roughly March to September 2021.Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2020 015
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Showcasing U.S. Diversity and Values and Addressing Social Issues in Ukraine through American Independent Film" 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 Jun 17, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 16, 2020. (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 $100,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this grant opportunity?
This is a U.S. Embassy in Ukraine (U.S. Department of State) cooperative agreement grant to support a Ukrainian nonprofit organization in designing and delivering a film-centered public diplomacy program. The centerpiece is the 2021 American Independent Film Festival (AIFF) in Kyiv, paired with additional programming in priority regions of Ukraine.
Who is offering the funding?
The funding is offered by the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, Department of State, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS).
What is the funding mechanism and what does it mean for how the project is run?
The award is a cooperative agreement. This indicates close coordination with the Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS) during program design and implementation, including coordination on the festival program and film selections.
What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA?
The Funding Opportunity Number is PAS UKRAINE 2020 015, under CFDA 19.040.
How much funding is available?
The award ceiling is up to $100,000.
How many awards are expected?
One award is anticipated.
Who is the intended applicant?
The opportunity is intended to support a Ukrainian nonprofit organization to design and deliver the program.
What is the core program activity being funded?
The core activity is the organization and delivery of the 2021 American Independent Film Festival (AIFF) in Kyiv, described as the eleventh annual Embassy-supported edition, along with related outreach screenings and discussions in priority regions.
What is the main purpose of using independent film in this program?
The program is intended to use independent film (produced outside the mainstream commercial film industry) as a practical tool for civic dialogue, values-based engagement, and community discussion that feels relevant to Ukrainian audiences, while highlighting U.S. diversity and values through American independent cinema.
What types of films should be included in the Kyiv festival?
The Kyiv festival program is expected to include both feature films and documentaries, predominantly American independent films, and to be developed in close coordination with PAS.
Can Ukrainian films be included in the festival program?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to consider pairing select Ukrainian films with thematically similar American titles to deepen discussion and local resonance.
Does the Embassy have input into the film selection?
Yes. The program must leave room for screenings of films selected by PAS, and the festival program should be built in close coordination with the Embassy Public Affairs Section.
What kinds of events should accompany the screenings?
A strong proposal is expected to pair screenings with structured, facilitated conversations that connect film themes to real social challenges in Ukraine and support civic dialogue and community discussion.
Is an opening or closing reception required?
The festival should include an opening and/or closing reception to support networking and visibility.
What regional programming is required beyond Kyiv?
Applicants must propose a plan for regional outreach programming that can reuse the films and discussion formats from the Kyiv festival. Priority regions identified by PAS include eastern, southern, and/or southeastern Ukraine.
Can the project propose locations outside the priority regions?
Yes. The Embassy is open to other locations if the applicant provides strong justification.
Are workshops or training activities part of the program?
They are encouraged. The opportunity supports capacity-building elements such as workshops, masterclasses, or similar professional development activities aimed at emerging Ukrainian filmmakers.
Who is the target audience for the filmmaking training components?
The target participants for training elements are generally young filmmakers or film students in the 18 to 30 age range.
Is bringing U.S. experts to Ukraine required?
Yes. The project is expected to bring U.S. expertise into Ukraine by hosting at least one American independent filmmaker in Ukraine for AIFF 2021, and ideally involving that guest in some portion of the regional programming as well.
Do budgets need to include film licensing and rights costs?
Yes. Because film rights and permissions are a significant cost driver, the budget must include licensing and related costs needed to legally screen the films.
What themes does PAS prioritize for the program?
Preference is given to proposals that clearly connect programming to PAS thematic priorities, including combatting the spread of hateful ideologies, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting police and judicial reform, and fostering understanding of Euro-Atlantic values.
How should audiences be targeted?
Audience targeting is expected to align with the selected themes and may include specialized groups such as government professionals, civil society organizations, advocates, students, or other stakeholder communities. Embassy representatives will help refine and identify audience segments after themes are selected, but applicants should show they can reach and meaningfully engage intended viewers.
What COVID-19 or online contingency planning is required?
Proposals must include a realistic contingency plan for moving activities online if in-person events become impractical. This includes planning for digital screening solutions, online facilitation formats, remote guest participation, and ways to maintain audience engagement and discussion quality in a virtual environment.
What monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is expected?
Applicants must present a monitoring and evaluation approach that tracks implementation and measures outcomes and impact, not only activity counts. The budget must include evaluation costs.
What kinds of data collection methods are suggested for evaluation?
The opportunity expects the evaluation plan to specify what data will be collected and how, with examples such as pre- and post-event surveys, interviews, focus groups, media monitoring, and other methods, using a mix of quantitative and qualitative data.
How should evaluation results be structured and presented?
The Embassy asks that the evaluation plan be presented as a logic model linking inputs and activities to outputs and intended outcomes tied directly to the program objectives, and describing how results will be organized and reported.
When did the opportunity open and what was the application deadline?
The opportunity opened on June 17, 2020, with an original application deadline of August 16, 2020.
What timeline does the sample plan suggest for project delivery?
The sample timeline includes theme discussions with PAS in September 2020; film and guest identification and rights acquisition in October to November; final planning in December to January; delivery of AIFF in February 2021 alongside the start of regional programming; and continued regional events with ongoing monitoring and evaluation roughly from March to September 2021.
What is the overall focus area of the grant?
The opportunity is described as having an arts and humanities focus, delivered through a public diplomacy film program centered on American independent cinema and facilitated civic dialogue.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA)
Next opportunity: English Language Exchanges Support
Previous opportunity: Implement Chesapeake Gateways Network Projects in Annapolis
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2020 015
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAS UKRAINE 2020 015) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program (2021) Apply for LB21 FY21 Funding Number: LB21 FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY21 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Uncovering the Hidden Costs of Using Untrusted Vendors for 5G Apply for DOS PARIS PD 2020 CA 004 Funding Number: DOS PARIS PD 2020 CA 004 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to France Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Museums for America (2021) Apply for MFA FY21 Funding Number: MFA FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Museums (2021) Apply for NLG M FY21 Funding Number: NLG M FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Museums Empowered (2021) Apply for ME FY21 Funding Number: ME FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Inspire! Grants for Small Museums (2021) Apply for IGSM FY21 Funding Number: IGSM FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2021) Apply for AAHC FY21 Funding Number: AAHC FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (2021) Apply for NANH FY21 Funding Number: NANH FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Asuncion, Paraguay - PD Annual Program Statement Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for SPA10021GR001WHA11202020 Funding Number: SPA10021GR001WHA11202020 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Paraguay Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program (2021) Apply for LB21 FY21 P2 Funding Number: LB21 FY21 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Native American Library Services Basic Grant Apply for NAG BASIC FY21 Funding Number: NAG BASIC FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Collections Assessment for Preservation Program Apply for CAP FY21 Funding Number: CAP FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant (2021) Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY21 Funding Number: NAG HAWAIIAN FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Native American Library Services Enhancement Grant (2021) Apply for NAG ENHANCEMENT FY21 Funding Number: NAG ENHANCEMENT FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| IMLS American Rescue Plan Apply for ARP FY21 Funding Number: ARP FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2022) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY22 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2022) Apply for LB21 FY22 Funding Number: LB21 FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Museums for America (2022) Apply for MFA FY22 Funding Number: MFA FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PAS UKRAINE 2020 015", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.