U.S. Mission to the EU PAS Annual Program Statement | DOS USEU 2023 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS USEU 2023 001

The U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU) Office of Public Affairs, part of the U.S. Department of State, is offering funding through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program under an Annual Program Statement. This opportunity supports small, targeted public diplomacy projects that deepen U.S.-EU ties by highlighting shared democratic values and encouraging practical transatlantic cooperation. A core requirement is that every proposed project includes a clear American element, such as U.S. cultural content or meaningful participation/connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions, and that the programming helps EU audiences better understand U.S. policy approaches and perspectives.

The program is looking for proposals that speak directly to key strategic themes in the current U.S.-EU agenda. Priority areas include reinforcing a revitalized partnership that can address global and regional challenges; showcasing the strength of the transatlantic economy through closer trade, investment, and energy cooperation while pushing back against non-market or coercive economic practices; and promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law internationally. Additional priorities include aligning U.S. and EU foreign policy and security goals to counter authoritarian influence, democratic backsliding, malign interference, and disinformation; bolstering independent and pluralistic media and supporting civil society engagement; and advancing ambitious climate mitigation and adaptation outcomes consistent with Paris Agreement implementation. The Mission is also interested in projects that help the U.S. and EU shape norms and standards for emerging technologies, and projects that demonstrate coordinated transatlantic policy approaches toward the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Across all themes, proposals are expected to reflect and uphold diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in policy development, programming design, and hiring, with an emphasis on advancing civil rights, racial justice, gender parity, and equal opportunity.

In terms of what activities can be funded, USEU PA is seeking engagement with EU policymakers, opinion leaders, and broader public audiences through a distinctly transatlantic lens. The announcement explicitly welcomes fresh, creative concepts, particularly those using digital tools or innovative formats to reach audiences and achieve measurable impact. Projects are expected to be implemented in Brussels and across EU Member States, and they may also include a U.S. component if it strengthens the program. Typical eligible activities include conferences, public debates, moderated discussions, workshops, exchanges, events, and training seminars. Seminars may feature U.S. Government officials or non-government speakers, though the opportunity notes that travel costs for U.S. Government officials are not included.

Successful applicants will be those that can show they understand exactly who they are trying to reach, what messages they intend to deliver, and why the chosen format will resonate with the target audience. The Mission also signals that it values programs that reflect diversity of viewpoints and participant backgrounds, suggesting that proposals should show intentional outreach and inclusive participation rather than relying on the same small circles of stakeholders.

Eligibility is limited to legally recognized, non-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions that meet applicable U.S. and EU requirements and can demonstrate a solid track record delivering programs in the EU environment. The source data lists eligible applicant categories as nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (in both cases, other than institutions of higher education), indicating that nonprofit entities are the primary target applicants, with academic institutions also referenced in the narrative description.

Several categories of activities are explicitly not fundable. These include partisan political programs, charitable or development assistance activities, construction, programs supporting specific religious activities, fundraising campaigns, and lobbying for specific legislation or programs. The opportunity also excludes scientific research, projects mainly intended to grow the organization itself (institutional development), and proposals that duplicate existing programs, which signals that USEU wants distinct public diplomacy programming rather than ongoing operational support or work that is already being implemented elsewhere.

From an administrative and funding standpoint, the opportunity is a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Mission is likely to expect active involvement or coordination during implementation rather than simply issuing a grant with minimal engagement. The funding opportunity number is DOS USEU 2023 001, it is associated with CFDA 19.040, and the listed award ceiling is $50,000. The original closing date shown is July 7, 2023, and the posting indicates it was created on May 4, 2023.

• The U.S. Mission to the European Union in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Mission to the EU PAS Annual Program Statement" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-05-04.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-07-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for DOS USEU 2023 001

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: