U.S. Mission to NATO Public Affairs Annual Program Statement

Overview

Purpose of Small Grants: PAA invites proposals for programs and initiatives that help promote an increased understanding of NATO’s role in promoting regional peace and security, as well as the rules-based international order.  All programs must include a direct tie to the United States. This could be via American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. foreign policy interests within the Alliance. Examples of PAA Small Grants Program projects include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions
• Professional and academic exchanges, programs, and trainings
• Digital engagements
• Creating digital content such as videos and short films
• Developing educational materials

Priority Region:

While activities targeting  NATO Member and partner countries will be prioritized, programs that support NATO objectives or increase understanding of NATO in other strategically important countries will also be considered.

Priority Program Areas:

• Allied unity
• Countering disinformation and misinformation 
• Media independence or media literacy
• Nuclear deterrence
• Arms control
• Cyber security 
• Emerging and disruptive technologies
• NATO and Africa, Asia, or Latin America
• NATO and Russia
• The People’s Republic of China’s expanding use of economic, political, and military power
• Energy security
• Climate security
• Counterterrorism
• Women, Peace, and Security
• Youth and security
• Space security

We strongly encourage:

• New and creative approaches that utilize digital technology, social media, and other innovative means 
• Programs that seek to reflect diversity of thought and backgrounds as well as a gender balance and a focus on intersectionality 
• Programs and initiatives that incorporate and empower emerging voices, such as youth audiences
• Product outputs with multiplying effects
• Product outputs in two or more languages
• Forthright analysis about the gaps in NATO strategies along with practical solutions to address deficiencies
• Implementation plans that incorporate evaluation components, such as key performance indicators (KPIs) to track a quantifiable measure of performance 

Participants and Audiences:
Successful proposals will emphasize the ability to affect attitudes and behaviors amongst selected audiences, including women, youth, security and defense communities, policy makers, and opinion shapers in NATO member, partner, or strategically important countries.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.

• Length of performance period: 12 to 24 months
• Anticipated award start date: October 1, 2023