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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU) Office of Public Affairs Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program offered under an Annual Program Statement. It supports small, targeted public diplomacy projects designed to deepen U.S.-EU ties.

Who is offering the grant?

The program is offered by the U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU) Office of Public Affairs, which is part of the U.S. Department of State.

What is the main purpose of the program?

The program supports public diplomacy programming that highlights shared democratic values between the United States and the European Union and encourages practical transatlantic cooperation. A key goal is helping EU audiences better understand U.S. policy approaches and perspectives.

What is the required "American element" and how must it show up in a project?

Every proposal must include a clear American element. Examples described include U.S. cultural content or meaningful participation/connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions. The American element should be integrated so the programming improves EU audiences' understanding of U.S. policy approaches and perspectives.

What strategic themes or priority areas is USEU looking to support?

Proposals are expected to align with 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.
• Promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law internationally.
• 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.
• Advancing ambitious climate mitigation and adaptation outcomes consistent with Paris Agreement implementation.
• Helping shape norms and standards for emerging technologies.
• Demonstrating coordinated transatlantic policy approaches toward the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Are diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) expectations part of this opportunity?

Yes. Proposals are expected to reflect and uphold diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in policy development, programming design, and hiring. The opportunity emphasizes advancing civil rights, racial justice, gender parity, and equal opportunity.

What kinds of activities can be funded?

The opportunity lists typical eligible public diplomacy activities such as conferences, public debates, moderated discussions, workshops, exchanges, events, training seminars, and other engagement formats aimed at EU policymakers, opinion leaders, and broader public audiences.

Does USEU encourage digital or innovative program formats?

Yes. The announcement explicitly welcomes fresh, creative concepts, particularly those using digital tools or innovative formats to reach audiences and achieve measurable impact.

Where are projects expected to take place?

Projects are expected to be implemented in Brussels and across EU Member States. A U.S. component may be included if it strengthens the program.

Can a project include participation by U.S. Government officials?

Yes. Seminars may feature U.S. Government officials or non-government speakers. However, the opportunity notes that travel costs for U.S. Government officials are not included.

What does the program want to see in a strong proposal?

The opportunity indicates that successful applicants will clearly demonstrate:

• Who the program is trying to reach (a defined target audience).
• What messages the program intends to deliver.
• Why the proposed format will resonate with that audience.
• How the concept will achieve measurable impact.

Does the Mission care about diversity of viewpoints and participants?

Yes. The Mission signals it values programs that reflect diversity of viewpoints and participant backgrounds, and it expects intentional outreach and inclusive participation rather than reliance on the same small circles of stakeholders.

Who is eligible to apply?

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.

What nonprofit categories are identified as eligible in the source data?

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). The narrative also references think tanks and academic institutions.

What types of activities are explicitly not fundable?

The opportunity states that several categories are not fundable, including:

• Partisan political programs.
• Charitable or development assistance activities.
• Construction.
• Programs supporting specific religious activities.
• Fundraising campaigns.
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs.
• Scientific research.
• Projects mainly intended to grow the organization itself (institutional development).
• Proposals that duplicate existing programs.

Is this opportunity meant to fund general organizational operations or capacity-building?

No. The announcement excludes projects mainly intended to grow the organization itself (institutional development), signaling the focus is on distinct public diplomacy programming rather than operational support.

Does USEU want brand-new programming or can applicants propose something already running?

The opportunity excludes proposals that duplicate existing programs, indicating USEU is looking for distinct public diplomacy programming rather than work that is already being implemented elsewhere.

What is the award type?

The opportunity is a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement. This suggests the U.S. Mission may expect active involvement or coordination during implementation rather than minimal engagement.

What is the maximum award amount?

The listed award ceiling is $50,000.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is DOS USEU 2023 001.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 19.040.

When was the opportunity posted and when was it originally due?

The posting indicates it was created on May 4, 2023, and the original closing date shown is July 7, 2023.

What audiences should projects aim to reach?

USEU PA is seeking engagement with EU policymakers, opinion leaders, and broader public audiences through a distinctly transatlantic lens.

Is it acceptable to include a U.S. component in an otherwise EU-based project?

Yes. The opportunity notes that projects may include a U.S. component if it strengthens the program, while still being expected to be implemented in Brussels and across EU Member States.