Opportunity Information: Apply for LBN PDS 2026 NOFO
The Notice of Funding Opportunity 2026 - Lebanon (Funding Opportunity Number: LBN PDS 2026 NOFO) is a discretionary grant competition run by the U.S. Department of State through U.S. Embassy Beirut, specifically the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). The core purpose is to fund programs that advance U.S. priorities in Lebanon while strengthening people-to-people and institutional ties between the United States and Lebanon. A central requirement is that every proposed program includes a clear "American element" such as collaboration with American experts, U.S. organizations, or U.S. institutions, with the intent of improving local understanding of U.S. policy perspectives and the role the United States seeks to play in Lebanon and the region.
The embassy is prioritizing proposals that address one main program area: advancing digital literacy and the use of artificial intelligence tools, along with other practical instruments and forums, to identify and counter false adversarial narratives and claims. In plain terms, applicants are expected to design activities that help Lebanese audiences become better at spotting misinformation and disinformation, understanding how misleading narratives spread, and responding in ways that protect open discourse rather than encouraging censorship. Programs can be aimed at the general public, specific communities, youth, educators, journalists, researchers, or knowledge-based institutions, but proposals need to be explicit about who the target audience is, what the program will do for them, and why that approach fits the Lebanese context.
The broader goal behind these activities is strategic communication and public understanding: strengthening local awareness of U.S.-led peace and stabilization efforts and positioning the United States as a partner committed to Lebanon's security, economic opportunity, and responsible regional leadership. The NOFO encourages ideas that frame the United States as a committed partner while also emphasizing mutual responsibility in addressing challenges. It also signals interest in projects that spotlight the building blocks often associated with American excellence, including innovation, education, culture, and creativity, as part of how the U.S. contribution and partnership are presented to Lebanese audiences.
In terms of what projects should accomplish, proposals are expected to advance at least one of the listed objectives, all of which connect back to countering false narratives and reinforcing credible understanding of U.S. engagement. Competitive concepts may include digital literacy programming that equips participants to verify information and recognize manipulation; initiatives that use AI-enabled tools or platforms to detect, analyze, and respond to coordinated or recurring false narratives that could undermine Lebanon's stability; and efforts that communicate the U.S. role as a credible partner and strategic enabler in conflict resolution and peace efforts affecting Lebanon. The embassy also lays out several priority outcomes it wants to see, such as improved audience skills to recognize and counter false narratives without undermining free expression, reduced public acceptance of misleading claims portraying U.S.-mediated efforts as arbitrary or destabilizing, increased local recognition of U.S. leadership and constructive involvement in Lebanon's stabilization, and more accurate descriptions of U.S. strategic priorities and policy objectives by Lebanese knowledge institutions and stakeholders.
A strong emphasis is placed on accountability and results. Applicants are expected to define a clear scope of work and build a serious monitoring and evaluation plan into the project design. That means describing how performance will be tracked over the life of the program, what indicators will be used to measure progress, and what data collection methods will be applied (for example, pre- and post-assessments, surveys, qualitative interviews, content analysis, or engagement metrics, depending on the activity). The embassy is looking for proposals that do not just run events, but can credibly demonstrate learning, behavior change, or measurable improvements in participants' capacity to identify and counter false information.
Eligibility is limited to not-for-profit Lebanese organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations. The total award ceiling is USD 250,000, and the embassy expects to make about two awards. The funding instrument is a grant under CFDA 19.040. The opportunity was created on 2026-07-07, and the application deadline is 2026-08-07.Apply for LBN PDS 2026 NOFO
- The U.S. Mission to Lebanon in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Notice of Funding Opportunity 2026 – Lebanon" 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 2026-07-07.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-07. (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 $250,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Notice of Funding Opportunity 2026 - Lebanon?
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 2026 - Lebanon is a discretionary grant competition run by the U.S. Department of State through U.S. Embassy Beirut, specifically the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). It supports programs in Lebanon that advance U.S. priorities while strengthening people-to-people and institutional ties between the United States and Lebanon.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this NOFO?
The Funding Opportunity Number is LBN PDS 2026 NOFO.
Who is administering this grant competition?
The competition is administered by the U.S. Department of State via U.S. Embassy Beirut, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS).
What is the core purpose of the funding?
The core purpose is to fund programs that advance U.S. priorities in Lebanon and strengthen ties between the United States and Lebanon through people-to-people and institutional engagement.
What main program area is the embassy prioritizing?
The embassy is prioritizing proposals that advance digital literacy and the use of artificial intelligence tools (along with other practical instruments and forums) to identify and counter false adversarial narratives and claims.
What does the NOFO mean by an "American element"?
Every proposed program must include a clear "American element," such as collaboration with American experts, U.S. organizations, or U.S. institutions. The intent is to improve local understanding of U.S. policy perspectives and the role the United States seeks to play in Lebanon and the region.
Is the "American element" required for every project?
Yes. A central requirement is that every proposed program includes a clear American element.
What kinds of misinformation-focused activities does this NOFO expect?
Applicants are expected to design activities that help Lebanese audiences spot misinformation and disinformation, understand how misleading narratives spread, and respond in ways that protect open discourse rather than encourage censorship.
Does the NOFO encourage censorship as a solution to misinformation?
No. The NOFO emphasizes approaches that protect open discourse and build the capacity to recognize and counter false narratives without undermining free expression.
Who can be the target audience for proposed programs?
Programs can be aimed at the general public, specific communities, youth, educators, journalists, researchers, or knowledge-based institutions. Proposals should clearly identify the target audience and explain what the program will do for them and why the approach fits the Lebanese context.
Do applicants need to clearly define the target audience?
Yes. Proposals need to be explicit about who the target audience is, what the program will do for them, and why the approach fits the Lebanese context.
What larger public diplomacy goal is the embassy trying to achieve through these projects?
The broader goal is strategic communication and public understanding: strengthening local awareness of U.S.-led peace and stabilization efforts and positioning the United States as a partner committed to Lebanon's security, economic opportunity, and responsible regional leadership.
What kinds of themes or "building blocks" does the NOFO encourage projects to spotlight?
The NOFO signals interest in projects that highlight building blocks often associated with American excellence, including innovation, education, culture, and creativity, as part of how U.S. contribution and partnership are presented to Lebanese audiences.
What types of project concepts are described as competitive in the NOFO?
Competitive concepts may include digital literacy programming that helps participants verify information and recognize manipulation; initiatives using AI-enabled tools or platforms to detect, analyze, and respond to coordinated or recurring false narratives; and efforts that communicate the U.S. role as a credible partner and strategic enabler in conflict resolution and peace efforts affecting Lebanon.
Do projects need to align with specific objectives?
Yes. Proposals are expected to advance at least one of the listed objectives, all of which connect back to countering false narratives and reinforcing credible understanding of U.S. engagement.
What kinds of outcomes is the embassy looking for?
The NOFO highlights priority outcomes such as improved skills to recognize and counter false narratives without undermining free expression; reduced public acceptance of misleading claims portraying U.S.-mediated efforts as arbitrary or destabilizing; increased recognition of U.S. leadership and constructive involvement in Lebanon's stabilization; and more accurate descriptions of U.S. strategic priorities and policy objectives by Lebanese knowledge institutions and stakeholders.
How important are monitoring, evaluation, and measurable results in this competition?
They are a major focus. Applicants are expected to define a clear scope of work and include a serious monitoring and evaluation plan, describing how performance will be tracked, what indicators will be used, and what data collection methods will be applied.
What data collection methods are mentioned for monitoring and evaluation?
Examples mentioned include pre- and post-assessments, surveys, qualitative interviews, content analysis, and engagement metrics, depending on the activity.
Is the embassy mainly looking for event-based projects?
No. The embassy is looking for proposals that do more than run events and can credibly demonstrate learning, behavior change, or measurable improvements in participants' capacity to identify and counter false information.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to not-for-profit Lebanese organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.
Are for-profit entities eligible to apply?
No. The NOFO states that eligibility is limited to not-for-profit Lebanese organizations.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The total award ceiling is USD 250,000.
How many awards does the embassy expect to make?
The embassy expects to make about two awards.
What is the funding instrument and CFDA number?
The funding instrument is a grant under CFDA 19.040.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on 2026-07-07.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2026-08-07.
What is the geographic focus of the programs funded under this NOFO?
The NOFO is focused on Lebanon and on strengthening U.S.-Lebanon ties through programming designed for Lebanese audiences and institutions.
What should a strong proposal include, based on the NOFO summary?
Based on the information provided, a strong proposal would clearly include an American element, define a specific target audience in Lebanon, propose activities centered on digital literacy and/or AI-enabled approaches to counter false narratives, connect activities to the NOFO objectives and desired outcomes, and include a credible monitoring and evaluation plan with clear indicators and data collection methods.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in the Near East
Previous opportunity: National Paralysis Resource Center
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 LBN PDS 2026 NOFO
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (LBN PDS 2026 NOFO) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Freedom 250 Great American State Fair Initiative – Abu Dhabi Apply for PDS UAE 03 FY2026 Funding Number: PDS UAE 03 FY2026 Agency: U.S. Mission to United Arab Emirates Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Syria Annual Program Statement Apply for DFOP0018862 Funding Number: DFOP0018862 Agency: Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $5,500,000 |
| Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience, and Rule of Law in Europe Apply for DFOP0019307 Funding Number: DFOP0019307 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Global Digital Threat Lab Apply for DFOP0019364 Funding Number: DFOP0019364 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,960,039 |
| Track 2.0 Peacebuilding and Dialogue Support Apply for DFOP0019287 Funding Number: DFOP0019287 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,973,359 |
| Global Coalition Against Transnational Repression Apply for DFOP0019327 Funding Number: DFOP0019327 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,960,039 |
| Countering Transnational Repression Through Evidence-based Research Apply for DFOP0019331 Funding Number: DFOP0019331 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $986,679 |
| Kenya: Crowd Control and Less-Than-Lethal Riot Response Training Apply for OFOP0003355 Funding Number: OFOP0003355 Agency: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,600,000 |
| Global Documentation for Accountability Initiative Apply for DFOP0019396 Funding Number: DFOP0019396 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $4,932,500 |
| Supporting Groups Targeted for TNR in Europe and Eurasia Apply for DFOP0019335 Funding Number: DFOP0019335 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,973,359 |
| Leveraging Early Warning Early Response Systems to Promote Peace and Security in Sudan Apply for DFOP0019295 Funding Number: DFOP0019295 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,973,359 |
| Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia Apply for DFOP0018586 Funding Number: DFOP0018586 Agency: Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| GameON – U.S.-Albania E-Sports and Innovation Apply for AMERICANSPACESGAMEON 2026 Funding Number: AMERICANSPACESGAMEON 2026 Agency: U.S. Mission to Albania Category: Other Funding Amount: $8,000 |
| StartUP Lab: U.S.-Albania Economic Leadership & Innovation Exchange Apply for AMERICANSPACESSTARTUPLAB 2026 Funding Number: AMERICANSPACESSTARTUPLAB 2026 Agency: U.S. Mission to Albania Category: Other Funding Amount: $53,400 |
| Egypt Annual Program Statement Apply for DFOP0018819 Funding Number: DFOP0018819 Agency: Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| CyberNext: Advance Cybersecurity and AI Readiness Apply for AMERICANSPACESCYBERNEXT 2026 Funding Number: AMERICANSPACESCYBERNEXT 2026 Agency: U.S. Mission to Albania Category: Other Funding Amount: $14,000 |
| Leveraging Academic Institutions and Judicial Professional Bodies to Document TNR Apply for DFOP0019426 Funding Number: DFOP0019426 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,973,359 |
| Qissati ma3 America Apply for PAS JOR FY26 003 Funding Number: PAS JOR FY26 003 Agency: U.S. Mission to Jordan Category: Other Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Summit Apply for PD SEOUL FY26 04 Funding Number: PD SEOUL FY26 04 Agency: U.S. Mission to South Korea Category: Other Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| 2027 YSEALI ScamShield Regional Workshop Apply for FY26 PDS USASEAN 02 Funding Number: FY26 PDS USASEAN 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to ASEAN Category: Other Funding Amount: $300,000 |
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 "LBN PDS 2026 NOFO", 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.