U.S. Embassy to Bern and Liechtenstein PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy to Switzerland and Liechtenstein is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.  

The U.S. Embassy invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Switzerland or Liechtenstein through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation and dialogue. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with an American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions;
• Professional and/or academic exchanges and programs;
• Programs that promote entrepreneurship or strengthen economic relations;
• Sports diplomacy programs
• Hackathons

The programs outlined above should be connected to one or more of our strategic priorities:

• STEM education
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Climate change, sustainability, and energy security
• Strengthening cyber-security
• Countering disinformation and malign influence
• Promotion of Human Rights
• Innovation and new technologies

Participants and Audiences:

Programs should be directed at Swiss and/or Liechtenstein audiences. PDS seeks to address a wide variety of people in Switzerland and Liechtenstein through its programs and we welcome proposals geared towards any type of audience. However, applicants should clearly state what audience(s) they aim to reach and should define the intended audience.

The Public Diplomacy Section will accept proposals throughout the year and will review proposals on a rolling basis. Submission deadlines will be 11:59 p.m. on January 15, April 15, July 15, and August 30. Notifications will be sent to no later than two weeks after the submission deadline.