U.S. Mission New Zealand APS

Overview

The EAP/Mission New Zealand Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its 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. 
PDS New Zealand welcomes Statements of Interest from eligible parties from New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau for programs up to 24 months in duration that focus on certain priority areas. Proposals should focus on enhancing existing relationships and creating new pathways for engagement between the United States and the Pacific Region. Refer to Section C of this Annual Program Statement for a list of priorities and guidance on what makes proposals successful. 
Preference will be given to ambitious proposals that include multiple components addressing a core priority over an extended period of time. 
Applications will be considered from not-for-profit organizations, individuals, public and private educational institutions, government entities, and Public International Organizations. 
All programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institutions/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of United States policy and perspectives.

Goals and Objectives
PDS New Zealand invites Statements of Interest for projects that address and advance the following Mission priorities in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau.
•    Connecting Creatives: Elevate the voices of emerging and established cultural leaders from indigenous communities in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States working in creative industries. Engage artists and experts to educate and share talent, expertise, culture, and democratic values. Enable creation of inclusive and collaborative professional and social networks and opportunities for artists and institutions that build lasting and meaningful connections.
•    Enhancing Economic Resilience through Diversification and Innovation: Create opportunities for partnerships between individuals and organizations in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States. in the field of critical and emerging technologies, creating opportunities for innovation, diversification, growth, and collaboration in the tech sector.
•    Leveraging the Full Potential of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Opportunities: Expand STEM education focus and encourage the creation of more job opportunities in STEM fields within New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau to increase pathways to future employment for New Zealanders to ensure economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
•    Conservation for Prosperity: Advance efforts to protect the unique biodiversity and ecology of New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, including sustainable ecotourism.
Priority Program Areas: 
1. Connecting Creatives: Elevate the voices of emerging and established cultural leaders from indigenous communities in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States working in creative industries. Engage artists and experts to educate and share talent, expertise, culture, and democratic values. Enable creation of inclusive and collaborative professional and social networks and opportunities for artists and institutions that build lasting and meaningful connections. 
2. Enhancing Economic Resilience through Diversification and Innovation: Create opportunities for partnerships between individuals and organizations in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States. in the field of critical and emerging technologies, creating opportunities for innovation, diversification, growth, and collaboration in the tech sector. 
3. Leveraging the Full Potential of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Opportunities: Expand STEM education focus and encourage the creation of more job opportunities in STEM fields within New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau to increase pathways to future employment for New Zealanders to ensure economic prosperity and global competitiveness. 
4. Conservation for Prosperity: Advance efforts to protect the unique biodiversity and ecology of New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, including sustainable ecotourism. 
Participants and Audiences: 
1. Connecting Creatives: Māori and Pacifica mid-career creatives and community leaders. 
2. Enhancing Economic Resilience through Diversification and Innovation: Māori business networks, institutions, female entrepreneurs, small businesses, start-ups, tech and innovation hubs, and governmental organizations. 
3. Leveraging the Full Potential of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Opportunities: Government representatives, industry professionals in the fields of science, technology and engineering, educations institutions, and students and families from primary to tertiary education levels. 
4. Conservation for Prosperity: Individuals and organizations working in the conservation space, e.g. not-for-profit organizations, civil society, iwi, community groups and youth advocates. 
 

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 24 months or less.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: FEBRUARY 1, 2025 – RESULTS ADVISED BY MARCH 10, 2025

MAY 1, 2025 – RESULTS ADVISED BY JUNE 9, 2025
AUGUST 1, 2025 – RESULTS ADVISED BY SEPTEMBER 8, 2025