U.S.-ROK Energy Partnership for Economic Growth and Security

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S.-ROK Energy Partnership for Economic Growth and Security

Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY25-08

Deadline for Applications: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9)

CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs

Type of Funding: FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

Total Amount Available: $100,000

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

AL Number, funding type, and other award details may be subject to change prior to finalization.

Executive Summary

This program seeks to strengthen the strategic relationship between the United States and Korea by fostering collaboration on shared energy security challenges. This initiative will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation to ensure stable, resilient, and diversified energy supplies, while addressing critical issues such as infrastructure development, regulatory alignment, and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Through workshops, exchange programs, and strategic dialogues, energy policymakers, regulatory officials, and business leaders from Korea and the United States will work together to develop actionable solutions to energy security challenges. The program will emphasize the importance of reducing dependence on foreign adversaries, safeguarding critical energy infrastructure, and promoting transparent and efficient energy markets.

By focusing on energy security as a shared priority, the program will contribute to economic growth, national security, and the long-term stability of both nations.

Goals and Objectives

Proposals must include an American element or connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions and should clearly explain the applicants’ previous experience running similar programs across the Republic of Korea and the United States.

This program is designed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea by fostering collaboration on shared energy security challenges. The program aims to enhance mutual understanding, align policies, and develop actionable solutions to ensure stable, resilient, and diversified energy supplies for both nations. Through this initiative, the program will facilitate dialogue between U.S. and ROK energy policymakers, regulatory officials, and business leaders to identify vulnerabilities in energy supply chains and develop strategies to ensure reliable access to resources.

The program will include a two-week exchange program in the United States, where energy policymakers, regulatory officials, and business leaders from Korea will engage with U.S. counterparts. During this exchange, participants will visit critical energy infrastructure sites, meet with U.S. energy experts, and participate in policy dialogues to share best practices and explore collaborative solutions.

In addition to the exchange program, a series of workshops will be held in Korea to bring together U.S. and ROK experts for in-depth discussions on energy security challenges. These workshops will focus on key topics such as regulatory alignment, infrastructure development, and supply chain resilience. The sessions will serve as a platform for participants to develop actionable recommendations and strengthen bilateral cooperation, ensuring that the program’s objectives are met effectively.

Substantial Involvement:

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul will maintain substantial involvement throughout the planning and implementation of the program to ensure it aligns with U.S. public diplomacy objectives. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Providing input on program structure and content, including identifying or recommending U.S. speakers and interlocutors;
• Reviewing and approving participant selection criteria, recruitment materials, and the final participant list;

·        Ensuring alignment with broader Embassy priorities and thematic focus areas.

Note: Not mandatory, but you may use the templates provided here:

Proposal Template / Budget Template

All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]