The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) is a program of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs that supports the preservation of cultural sites, objects, and forms of traditional cultural expression in countries around the world. The Small Grants Competition is one of two funding tiers, designed for projects with budgets between $10,000 and $200,000. It is open to a range of eligible organizations, including non-governmental organizations, museums, ministries of culture, and other institutions. The AFCP Small Grants Competition is not a typical artist grant; it is a cultural heritage preservation initiative. It funds projects that safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage, such as archaeological sites, historic buildings, manuscripts, traditional music, and crafts. While individual artists are not typically direct applicants, creative practitioners may be involved as partners or consultants in preservation projects. The program emphasizes the importance of local engagement and sustainability, requiring projects to demonstrate community involvement and long-term impact. The competition is highly competitive, with a rigorous review process that evaluates the significance of the heritage, the quality of the project design, the capacity of the applicant, and the potential for lasting results. Successful proposals often involve collaboration with local stakeholders and adhere to international preservation standards. The AFCP does not fund new construction, general operating expenses, or purely artistic creations; it is strictly for preservation. Artists and creative practitioners interested in cultural heritage may find opportunities to contribute their expertise to funded projects, but they should not apply directly unless they represent an eligible organization.