Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS USEU PD 2021 002

The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program is a funding opportunity from the U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU), Office of Public Affairs, aimed at strengthening U.S.-EU ties through public diplomacy projects that improve transatlantic cooperation against disinformation and misinformation. The central idea is to support programming for European Union audiences that helps counter malign influence from both state and non-state actors. This includes efforts related to disinformation campaigns, corruption and economic manipulation, hybrid and cyber threats, actions that undermine democratic institutions, and broader challenges to global security. Projects are expected to engage EU policymakers, influential voices, and the broader public, with an emphasis on practical, relevant programming that contributes to resilience and informed democratic debate.

A key requirement is that every proposed project must have a clear American connection. That means incorporating American experts, U.S. organizations, or U.S. institutions in a meaningful way so that participants gain greater understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives. The program is open to a range of formats, including conferences, workshops, exchanges, public events, and training seminars. Programming may feature U.S. Government officials or non-government speakers, but applicants should note an important cost restriction: grant funds cannot be used to cover travel costs for U.S. Government officials. USEU encourages applicants to use creative and innovative approaches, suggesting the program is looking for proposals that go beyond standard panel events and demonstrate thoughtful design for reaching and influencing target audiences.

Eligibility is focused on established organizations with the legal status and experience to deliver projects in the EU environment. Applicants must be legally recognized non-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, or academic institutions that comply with both U.S. and EU requirements and can show a proven track record in developing and implementing programs in Brussels and/or EU Member States. While projects should be carried out in Brussels and across EU Member States, they may also include a U.S. component if it supports the program goals. The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.040, and eligible applicant types include public and private institutions of higher education and nonprofits (including those with and without U.S. 501(c)(3) status), among others.

In terms of funding logistics, the notice lists an award ceiling of up to $75,000. The competition timeline shows the application period opening July 22, 2021, with a firm submission deadline of August 22, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. European Central Time (Brussels time, UTC+1). Award decisions were to be communicated on a rolling basis, with final notifications no later than September 3, 2021. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal in English along with a budget estimate by email to useupa@state.gov, and they are expected to follow the announcement instructions closely since late or incomplete submissions are not considered. Another practical constraint is that expenses incurred before the grant period begins and before an award is formally approved will not be reimbursed, so project planning should avoid committing costs prematurely. Required application forms are available through grants.gov, but the actual submission in this announcement is directed via email to the provided USEU PA address. Finally, the notice emphasizes that awards depend on funding availability, meaning selection is contingent not only on proposal quality but also on whether program funds remain available for awards.

  • The U.S. Mission to Belgium in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program" 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 2021-07-20.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-08-22. (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 $75,000.00 in funding.
  • Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, 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, Private institutions of higher education, Others.
Apply for DOS USEU PD 2021 002

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Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program (U.S. Mission to the European Union) - FAQs

What is the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program?

It is a funding opportunity from the U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU), Office of Public Affairs, that supports public diplomacy projects designed to strengthen U.S.-EU ties. The program particularly focuses on improving transatlantic cooperation to counter disinformation and misinformation and reduce malign influence.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The central purpose is to support programming for European Union audiences that helps counter malign influence from state and non-state actors. Projects should contribute to resilience and informed democratic debate by addressing disinformation and misinformation and related threats.

What topics or challenges are projects expected to address?

Projects are expected to focus on practical, relevant programming that relates to challenges such as disinformation campaigns, corruption and economic manipulation, hybrid and cyber threats, actions that undermine democratic institutions, and broader challenges to global security.

Who is the intended audience for supported projects?

Projects are expected to engage European Union audiences, including EU policymakers, influential voices, and the broader public.

Where should the project activities take place?

Projects should be carried out in Brussels and/or across EU Member States. The notice also indicates that projects may include a U.S. component if it supports the program goals.

What does it mean that every project must have a "clear American connection"?

Each proposal must incorporate American experts, U.S. organizations, or U.S. institutions in a meaningful way so participants gain a greater understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives. The American connection is described as a key requirement of every proposed project.

What types of activities or formats can be funded?

The opportunity is open to a range of formats, including conferences, workshops, exchanges, public events, and training seminars.

Can projects feature U.S. Government officials as speakers or participants?

Yes. Programming may include U.S. Government officials or non-government speakers. However, applicants must account for the cost restriction described in the notice regarding travel.

Can grant funds be used to pay for travel for U.S. Government officials?

No. The notice states that grant funds cannot be used to cover travel costs for U.S. Government officials.

How much funding is available per award?

The notice lists an award ceiling of up to $75,000.

What is the CFDA number and what type of grant is this?

The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.040.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is focused on established organizations that can comply with both U.S. and EU requirements and demonstrate a proven track record delivering programs in Brussels and/or EU Member States. The notice describes eligible applicants as legally recognized non-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, or academic institutions. It also notes eligible applicant types can include public and private institutions of higher education and nonprofits (including those with and without U.S. 501(c)(3) status), among others.

Do applicants need prior experience delivering programs in the EU?

Yes. The notice emphasizes a proven track record in developing and implementing programs in Brussels and/or EU Member States.

Are proposals expected to be innovative or can they be traditional panel events?

USEU encourages creative and innovative approaches. The notice suggests proposals should go beyond standard panel events and demonstrate thoughtful design for reaching and influencing target audiences.

When did the application period open?

The competition timeline shows the application period opening on July 22, 2021.

What is the submission deadline?

The firm submission deadline is August 22, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. European Central Time (Brussels time, UTC+1).

How and where do applicants submit their application?

Applicants must submit a detailed proposal in English along with a budget estimate by email to useupa@state.gov.

Is the application submitted through grants.gov?

The notice states that required application forms are available through grants.gov, but submission for this announcement is directed via email to useupa@state.gov.

What language should the proposal be written in?

The notice requires a detailed proposal in English.

What must be included in the application package?

At minimum, applicants must email a detailed proposal in English and a budget estimate. The notice also references required application forms available through grants.gov and emphasizes following the announcement instructions closely.

What happens if an application is late or incomplete?

Late or incomplete submissions are not considered, according to the notice.

When will applicants be notified about funding decisions?

Award decisions were to be communicated on a rolling basis, with final notifications no later than September 3, 2021.

Are awards guaranteed if a proposal is strong?

No. The notice emphasizes that awards depend on funding availability, meaning selection is contingent on proposal quality and on whether funds remain available for awards.

Can project expenses incurred before the award be reimbursed?

No. The notice states that expenses incurred before the grant period begins and before an award is formally approved will not be reimbursed.

What planning consideration should applicants keep in mind regarding costs?

Applicants should avoid committing costs prematurely, since pre-award expenses (before the grant period begins and before formal approval) are not reimbursable under the notice.

What is the core program emphasis in terms of outcomes?

The notice emphasizes programming that improves resilience, supports informed democratic debate, and strengthens transatlantic cooperation against disinformation and misinformation, while helping EU audiences better understand U.S. policies and perspectives through a clear American connection.

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