U.S. Embassy Budapest, PDS FY24 Annual Program Statement (APS)

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Budapest Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Budapest) 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.  Please carefully follow all instructions below.
 
Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Budapest invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Hungary through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must 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.
 
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;
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
• Professional and academic exchanges and programs;

Priority Program Areas:

1. Promoting rule of law and democratic governance by supporting legal and institutional changes which strengthen the rule of law and expose and combat corruption
2. Strengthen respect for international human rights and those democratic values, support marginalized groups
3. Strengthening independent media and journalism and helping to foster critical thinking
4. Promoting unity among NATO allies and a united response to the Russian war on Ukraine
5. Supporting Hungary’s Transatlantic commitment by addressing transnational threats, including disinformation
6. Increasing awareness of America’s role as an economic partner to Hungary

 
Participants and Audiences:
We seek proposals for geographically and demographically diverse audiences within Hungary.
 
As noted above, all projects must include an American component in order to be eligible for funding. 

The following types of programs are NOT eligible for funding:

• Programs relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or development activities;
• Construction programs;
• Programs that support specific religious activities;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
• Scientific research;
• Programs intended primarily for the growth of an individual;
• Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or
• Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Length of performance period: Three (3) to twelve (12) months, typically
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $25,000, however selected grant proposals typically range from $5,000 – $10,000
Anticipated program start date: No later than September 30, 2024 in case of FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding and between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025 in case of Fiscal Year 2025 Public Diplomacy Funding