U.S. Mission to North Macedonia Embassy Skopje (PDS)

Overview:

Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Skopje invites proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the U.S. and North Macedonia 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 PAS 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
•    Programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation 
•    Programs focused on diversity and empowerment of youth and underserved communities 
•    Programs focused on democratic processes and values
•    Programs focused on gender issues
•    Programs focused on human and equal rights
•    Programs focused on media literacy
•    Programs focused on strengthening resiliency against disinformation; and malign influence 
•    Programs focused on environment protection 
•    Programs that support North Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration process

Priority Program Areas:
The objectives of the Public Diplomacy Grant Program are to promote positive relations between North Macedonia and the United States; to reinforce shared values; and to connect North Macedonia’s emerging leaders to the American people.  

We fund projects that: 
• Help North Macedonia’s youth build and develop skills to improve their potential through innovative science (especially environmental and health awareness), technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEM) programs, as well as through entrepreneurship programs and vocational training. 
• Focus on educating youth and publics about current environmental issues, including crafting creative solutions to environmental challenges, green energy initiatives and energy conservation, climate change adaptation strategies, as well as action plans to deal with water scarcity exacerbated by climate change and urbanization. 
• Encourage North Macedonia’s youth to participate in civic life through social entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community engagement. 
• Strengthen understanding of U.S. values and institutions; highlight US culture, including American Studies, English language teaching/learning, and study in the United States; as well as support diversity through the acceptance of minority groups, including individuals with special needs or handicapping conditions, and other areas of mutual interest.

Solicitation limitations:

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.

U.S. Embassy Kigali Public Diplomacy (PD) Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Kigali Public Diplomacy Section (PD) 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: We invite proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Rwanda 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 PD 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: Proposals must address one of the following key program areas:

• Promoting civic education and youth participation in community service, volunteerism, good governance, and citizen-centered governance initiatives.
• Promoting economic development and private sector competitiveness
• Expanding and developing STEM skills and knowledge among vulnerable youth and young women.
• English language; building capacity and proficiency of English teachers and improving English proficiency among disadvantaged youth.
• Promoting societal inclusion for those from socially disadvantaged groups.
• Promoting environmental protection and efforts to combat climate change.

Length of performance period: Six to 12 months
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Submission Dates and Times 
The PD Section will accept proposals throughout the year and will review proposals according to the following schedule:

• Proposals received before March 15 will be reviewed by March 31, with responses going out by approximately April 30, 2024.
• Proposals received between March 16 and May 31 will be reviewed by June 30, with responses going out by July 31, 2024. Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date of May 31, 2024. No applications will be accepted after that date.

Solicitation limitations:

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.

U.S. Mission to Luxembourg: Engaging Students in English

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Luxembourg invites proposals from non-governmental organizations, think tanks, government institutions, academic institutions, and individuals for programs strengthening the bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg and Engaging Students in English, including, but not limited to:

• Programs focused on strengthening specific English language skills or professional English capacity of students, such as public-speaking, debate, theater/drama
• Programs that enhance and promote the English-teaching profession and community, such as trainings, workshops, conferences, or presentations for English educators in Luxembourg.
• English-language programs for underprivileged groups including but not limited to patrons of organizations, such as shelters for refugees, women, abuse victims or children’s organizations.
• Educational programs such as English language camps, academic competitions, international exchanges, conferences, workshops, courses, exhibits, hackathons, online projects, or performances.
• Projects that share American best practices in English-language education by bringing U.S. experts to engage with students and teachers in Luxembourg.

The application process includes two phases:
Phase 1: Statement of Interest (SOI) - online submission. SOIs will be reviewed by the U.S. Embassy Grants Committee. Successful applicants in Phase 1 will be invited to submit a full application package (Phase 2). Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Submission Dates:
The Grants Committee will review applications TWICE - based on the following schedule. The Grants Committee recommends applicants submit proposals with start dates three to six months (or more) after the submission deadline.

• ROUND 1 - Phase 1: SOI deadline: March 3, 2024, 11:59 pm CEST
• ROUND 2 - Phase 1: SOI deadline: May 5, 2024, 11:59 pm CEST

Solicitation limitations:

U.S. organizations applying for funding must partner with a Luxembourgish organization.

U.S. Mission to Luxembourg: Accelerating STEM and Climate Ambitions

Overview:

The Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg, U.S. Department of State, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out programs strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg on Accelerating STEM and Climate Ambitions.

The U.S. Embassy Luxembourg invites proposals from non-governmental organizations, think tanks, government institutions, academic institutions, and individuals for programs strengthening the bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg and Accelerating STEM and Climate Ambitions, including, but not limited to:

• Programs that raise awareness about space and satellite technology, space exploration, biotechnology, green technology, clean energy, climate change, the climate crisis, or sustainable finance. This could include educational programs for young people, trainings for educators, public debates, exhibits, speakers, etc.
• Educational programs with a focus on interactive STEM skills, such as computer programming, coding, and robotics, or programs about the importance of protecting the environment, clean air and water and sustainability measures.
• Projects that share American best practices in STEM and space research, climate change, sustainability, sustainable finance, renewables, environmental protection, or biotechnology by bringing U.S. experts to engage with Luxembourg audiences.

All programs must engage Luxembourg audiences. All programs must include a U.S. element or connection with U.S. experts that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Any speaker paid with grant funding must hold U.S. citizenship.

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a Statement of Interest (SOI)  designed to clearly communicate program idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal.

The Grants Committee will review applications TWICE - based on the following schedule. The Grants Committee recommends applicants submit proposals with start dates three to six months (or more) after the submission deadline.

Round 1 SOI Deadline: March 3, 2024, 11:59 pm CEST
Round 2 SOI Deadline: May 5, 2024, 11:59 pm CEST

After each deadline, eligible SOIs will be reviewed by the Grants Committee. Selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application (Phase 2). Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision are made.

U.S. Mission to Luxembourg: Advancing Diversity and Inclusion (PDS)

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Luxembourg invites proposals from non-governmental organizations, think tanks, government institutions, academic institutions, and individuals for programs strengthening the bilateral ties between the United States and Luxembourg and supporting Advancing Diversity and Inclusion, including, but not limited to:

• Programs that address common challenges and share best practices around creating a more effective, equitable, and inclusive society
• Programs focused on combatting systemic racism and discrimination and sharing best practices for promoting diversity and inclusion in both the public and private sectors.
• Programs bolstering access to higher education, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education and careers, and with an emphasis on greater inclusion for women, people of color, persons with disabilities and other marginalized/minority groups.

All programs must engage Luxembourg audiences. All programs must include a U.S. element or connection with U.S. experts that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Any speaker paid with grant funding must hold U.S. citizenship.

Examples of programs include, but are not limited to:
• Professional and academic speaker programs, lectures, and seminars
• Professional and academic exchanges and projects
• Public messaging campaigns using social media, video, and new media
• Cultural and Fine Arts Programming, to include cultural performances, workshops and engagements based around dance, theater, music, poetry, youth competitions, the plastic and other fine and performing arts

Length of performance period: Twelve months
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The application process includes two phases:
• Phase 1: Statement of Interest (SOI) - online submission. SOIs will be reviewed by the U.S. Embassy Grants Committee. Successful applicants in Phase 1 will be invited to submit a full application package (Phase 2). Only successful applicants will be contacted.
• Phase 2: Full application package submission.

Phase 1 Submission Dates -- The Grants Committee will review applications TWICE, as follows:
• Round 1 SOI Deadline: March 3, 2024
• Round 2 SOI Deadline: May 5, 2024

Phase 2 Submission Dates:
• Round 1 full application Deadline: April 7, 2024
• Round 2 full application Deadline: June 9, 2024

U.S. Embassy Lome Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement

Overview:

Purpose of Small Grants: PD Lome invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Togo 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 PD 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; Professional and academic exchanges and programs;

Priority Program Areas:
1. Peace & Security
• Promote peace and tolerance and social cohesion
• Counter violent extremism
2. Democratic Institutions
• Encourage civic engagement
• and democratic participation of youth and women
3. Economic Growth
• Promote entrepreneurship and social enterprises
• Strengthen public-private partnerships
4. Opportunities for Development
• Support education initiatives
• Empower women, minorities, and persons with disabilities

Length of performance period: 3 to 12 months

Submission Dates and Times: 
The Public Diplomacy Section will accept proposals throughout the year and a panel will review proposals according to the following schedule:
• Proposals received between October 1 and December 31 will be reviewed by January 15, with responses going out by January 30
• Proposals received between January 1 and March 31 will be reviewed by April 15, with responses going out by April 30
• Proposals received between April 1 and June 30 will be reviewed by August 1, with responses going out by August 15
• Proposals received before and on July 31 will be reviewed on August 15 at the discretion of the review panel and pending availability of funds.

Solicitation limitations:

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.

U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Beirut) is pleased to invite proposals for its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines thematic priorities and the procedure to submit funding requests. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

PDS Beirut invites proposals for projects that address one or more of the thematic priorities listed below.  All projects must include an American cultural element or a connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. values, policies, and/or perspectives.

Proposals with diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or accessibility components are highly encouraged.  

Priority Program Themes:
PDS Beirut seeks proposals that address the following priority program themes:
• Inclusive/creative approaches to civic engagement, good governance, free speech/expression, and/or advancing human rights.
• English Language learning and programming.
• Educational partnerships between Lebanese and American academic institutions.

Participants and Audiences:
PDS Beirut puts special emphasis on projects that engage:
• Girls/women.
• Individuals/communities outside of the capital.  
• Marginalized or disenfranchised individuals/communities.
• Youth (ages 16-30 years old).

Deadlines for Applications: March 12, 2024, and June 21, 2024

Maximum for Each Award: $250,000 for organizations and $150,000o for individuals.
Length of performance period: Up to 24 months. 
Anticipated project start date: No later than September 30, 2024.

Solicitation limitations:

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization or individual. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization or individual, all their proposals will be disqualified from consideration.

U.S. Embassy Oslo (PDS): SOI/Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo supports a variety of projects through its Small Grants Program, which is designed to support eligible organizations and individuals in the implementation of programs advancing U.S.-Norway relations. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our priority program areas and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.

Priority Program Areas:
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. The program should have a public outreach component.

We accept grant proposals on a rolling basis until the submission deadline, and are especially interested in projects and programs that:

•  Address global security challenges and increase understanding of the NATO alliance.
• Engage Norwegians on Arctic issues, with a priority on youth, entrepreneurship, and technology.
• Increase co-operation focused on the green transition and tackling climate change.
• Partner with Norwegian government, business, media, and civil society to counter growing malign influences in the media.
• Promote diversity and inclusion and showcase the diversity of the United States.
• Preserve and conserve cultural heritage, especially the heritage of indigenous cultures and/or historically disadvantaged minorities.
• Inform Norwegian youth about our shared values.
• Promote U.S. higher education.

In addition, we welcome grant proposals that include the following:
• Collaboration across borders (for example, speaker tours involving other Nordic countries)
• Cost sharing and partnerships with other organizations
• Projects outside of Oslo
• Projects from alumni of State Department exchange programs

Deadline for Submitting a Statement of Interest: June 30, 2024.

PDS Oslo invites Statements of Interest (SOI) for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Norway through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. This is a two-tier competitive process, where the submission of the SOI is the first step. An SOI is a concise proposal designed to communicate program ideas and objectives. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applications will be invited to submit a full grant application to be considered by the Grants Committee Review Panel.
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Length of performance period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less. In exceptional and justified cases, the Embassy will consider extending the project performance period.

Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant

Overview:

The Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant supports an innovative project that represents a change in research direction for an early stage investigator (ESI) and for which no preliminary data exist. Applications submitted to this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) must not include preliminary data. Applications must include a separate attachment describing the change in research direction.

The proposed project must be related to the programmatic interests of one or more of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) based on their scientific missions.

This notice of funding opportunity does not accept applications proposing clinical trials.

Recurring deadlines as follows:
January 26, 2024; May 29, 2024; September 26, 2024; January 28, 2025; May 28, 2025; September 26, 2025; January 27, 2026; May 27, 2026; September 28, 2026.

For this funding opportunity, applications including preliminary data will be considered noncompliant with the NOFO instructions and will be withdrawn. Preliminary data are defined as data not yet published. Existence of preliminary data is an indication that the proposed project has advanced beyond the scope defined by this program and makes the application unsuitable for this funding opportunity.

PDS - U.S. Mission to Austria, U.S. Embassy Vienna - Austrian-American Partnership Fund

Overview:

The U.S. Embassy Vienna, Austria, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) 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: The Austrian-American Partnership Fund (AAPF) is organized to fund projects advancing collaboration and dialogue and expand cooperation between Austria and the United States. AAPF accepts applications for funding for innovative projects that seek to bring American perspectives to Austria or connect Americans and Austrians in the following priority areas:

• Reinforcing the role of U.S.-Austrian and transatlantic ties in addressing shared challenges-Promoting common democratic values and civic engagement 
• Combating disinformation and building media literacy
• Addressing climate change together
• Fostering partnerships between U.S. and Austrian educational institutions 
• Engaging youth around shared values 
• Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

All proposed programs must include a U.S. component (such as the showcasing of an American expert or involvement of a U.S. organization) and aim to increase understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives among audiences within Austria.

Primary audience should be non-Americans in Austria. Special consideration will be given to programs that reach youth and/or engage geographically or otherwise diverse communities in Austria. Proposals will also be evaluated based on their anticipated short and long-term impact, and on the ability to reach audiences using both traditional and innovative outreach tools.

Cosponsoring from additional funding sources is strongly encouraged.
 
This opportunity has recurring deadlines as follows:
February 15, May 15, July 15, and November 15, 2024. 
Since the selection process can take up to two months, applicants should plan accordingly.