Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

On July 4, 2026 the United States of America will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut will celebrate this anniversary and highlight cultural, academic, innovation, trade, and historical influences and shared interests that shaped the relationship between Lebanon and the United States. The Public Diplomacy Section is pleased to announce this funding opportunity as part of this celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. This is an Annual Program Statement (APS) that invites proposals for our year-long campaign to tell the story of America in Lebanon. It aims to support organizations in creating and developing public programs that celebrate the people, events, ideas, and legacies related to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and the diplomacy and friendship with the Lebanese and Lebanon. Proposed programs must include Lebanese audiences, strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Lebanon, promote increased understanding of the United States among the Lebanese public, and demonstrate a clear connection to the 250th anniversary. All programs must include a clear U.S. element or connection, which could involve cooperation with experts, private or public organizations, or institutions from the United States. Programs with countrywide reach will be considered favorably. This APS outlines our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all the instructions below.