The U.S. Embassy in Manama has announced a funding opportunity to mark the 250th anniversary of American Independence, which will be celebrated on July 4, 2026. The initiative, led by the Public Affairs Section (PAS), aims to support events and activities in Bahrain that highlight American achievements in arts, music, sports, and innovation.
According to the embassy, the program will include both in-person and media engagements designed to showcase American leadership and expertise. The goal is to tell "compelling American stories" ahead of the historic anniversary.
Organizations eligible for this grant include public and non-profit entities based in either Bahrain or the United States. For-profit entities are not eligible for funding under this program.
The total available funding is $80,000, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $80,000 depending on fund availability. The closing date for applications is September 4, 2025.
Priority will be given to programs that "educate, engage, and unite the world around our shared values and history," as well as multimedia exhibits that inform audiences about the U.S.-Bahrain relationship. Other eligible activities include educational partnerships focused on American Independence; musical, athletic or artistic collaborations between Americans and Bahrainis; initiatives promoting entrepreneurship in creative fields such as fashion or culinary arts; and programs that build awareness of America’s achievements in science, technology, business and innovation.
Applications must clearly address these goals and objectives. All required documents—including proposals written in English with budgets listed in U.S. dollars—must be formatted according to specified guidelines provided by the embassy.
For further information about the grant application process, interested parties are encouraged to contact ManamaPAO@state.gov.
The primary audience for this initiative is Bahraini residents currently living in Bahrain.