U.S. Mission New Zealand PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview

The U.S. Mission New Zealand Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy 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. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Purpose of Grants: PDS New Zealand invites Statements of Interest (SOI) for projects that seek to do at least one of the following:

• strengthen U.S.-New Zealand cooperation and coordination on global issues of shared interest (e.g., combatting climate change, supporting Indo-Pacific security, promoting diversity and inclusion);
• promote the mutual benefits of tech and innovation;
• promote stronger connections between the people of the United States, New Zealand, the Cooks Islands, Niue, and the Pacific Island region;
• and deepen U.S. relationships with Indigenous and Pacific communities, in Aotearoa New Zealand, Niue and the Cook Islands, based on our shared values and heritage.

All programs must include an element that will promote increased understanding of the United States including, but not limited to U.S. policy, people, culture and/or perspectives.

Priority Program Areas:

I. BUILDING UNDERSTANDING: TUAKANA TEINA “RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS”
Programs that seek to explain U.S. policies, culture, and values to New Zealand, Niuean, Cook Island, or Pacific Islands regional audiences, resulting in a positive impact on the bilateral relationship. Programs that deepen connections between the United States and Indigenous and Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as the people of Niue, the Cook Islands, and the Pacific Island region based on our shared values and heritage.
** Program applications from Niue and/or the Cook Islands themselves will be prioritized **

II. A GREENER FUTURE
Programs that support or promote regional environmental issues such as, but not limited to: climate change mitigation, food security, biodiversity sustainability, blue/green technology, youth engagement, and cooperation on Antarctic issues

III. PARTNERS IN A SAFER WORLD
Programs that support or promote regional issues such as, but not limited to: regional security, cybersecurity, non-proliferation, combatting trans-national crime, responding to global health crises, mis- and disinformation, multilateral cooperation, enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region, human rights, and a rules-based order.

IV. PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT CONNECTIONS
Programs that support or promote regional economic connections such as, but not limited to: COVID economic recovery, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the digital economy, trade diversification and innovation, including in the area of space, and regional economic stability and security.

V. CONNECTING OUR BLUE CONTINENT
Programs that support or promote cross-cultural connections such as, but not limited to: promoting diversity, equality, inclusion and accessibility, supporting underrepresented communities, promoting human rights, supporting shared democratic values, education and exchange opportunities, and combatting mis- and disinformation.

Applications for this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the following schedule: 

• November 2022 – results to be advised first week of December 2022 - All applications must be received by no later than 5:00pm NZT on November 15, 2022
• February 2023 – results to be advised first week of March 2023 o All applications must be received by no later than 5:00pm NZT on February 1, 2023
• May 2023 – results to be advised first week of June 2023 o All applications must be received by no later than 5:00pm NZT on May 1, 2023
• August 2023 – results to be advised first week of September 2023 o All applications must be received by no later than 5:00pm NZT on August 1, 2023