U.S. Embassy Bratislava PAS Annual Program Statement

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Bratislava Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Purpose of Small Grants Program: PAS Bratislava invites proposals for programs that strengthen societal and cultural ties between the U.S. and Slovakia through programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs should include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Project proposals should have an intrinsic public diplomacy objective in support of the Priority Program Areas listed below.  

Priority Program Areas:  

• Supporting Slovakia’s transatlantic orientation by addressing hybrid threats, including disinformation and cyber security. 
• Supporting Slovakia’s capacity to uphold rule of law anti-corruption efforts and increased transparency.
• Strengthening independent media and journalism and helping to foster critical thinking. 
• Promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and entrepreneurship through partnership with the U.S., including innovative approaches to technology. 
• Contributing to Slovakia’s efforts to support human rights and foster a culture of tolerance and inclusion of minorities. 
• Encouraging women’s empowerment. 
• Promoting cross-cultural understanding and supporting highly specialized English language learning in Slovakia.

Special Note 1: Celebrating 30 years of US – SK bilateral diplomatic relations  

PAS Bratislava invites applicants to submit proposals for programs that highlight US – SK relations in the context of the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations to be implemented in 2023. 

Special Note 2: American Spaces Programing  

PAS Bratislava invites applicants to submit proposals for programs be located at American centers in Banska Bystrica and Kosice (https://www.americanspaces.sk/).  Preferred, but not exclusive, audiences are educators as well as students. The centers can assist in disseminating information and attracting audiences. The Embassy prefers sustainable longerterm programming over one-off events.

Applications are received, and possibly also evaluated, on a “rolling” basis. Indicative intermediate deadlines:  January 31, 2023; June 15, 2023