U.S. Embassy Brussels PAS Annual Program Statement

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The U.S. Embassy Brussels Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program.  This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Applications for programs are accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline. Each quarter prior to the deadline, a grant review committee reviews the applications. The deadline is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2023. Purpose of Grants: PAS Brussels invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Belgium by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation.  Grant proposals must convey an American cultural element, support a priority program area (see below), or include a 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 projects include, but are not limited to: Grassroots programs that address one of the priority program areas mentioned below, including; · Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs; · Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; · Youth leadership programs, especially for minority groups; · Professional and academic exchanges and projects; · Media co-ops and press outreach; · Entrepreneurship and innovation in technological or other fields; and · Sports-related programming. Priority Program Areas: · Programs that demonstrate active partnership between the United States and Belgium to address new and evolving security challenges, including disinformation; · Programs that counter the influences of radicalization and violent extremism, including political extremism; · Programs that highlight U.S.-Belgian cooperation that counters terrorism and transnational crime; · Programs that strengthen social cohesion, economic opportunity, and support for shared U.S. policy goals through promotion of diversity principles; · Programs that support a long-term investment in U.S.-Belgian ties through educational, cultural, professional, and other exchanges between our two countries; · Programs that have a national reach and impact by linking likeminded organizations across linguistic and regional divides; · Programs that highlight or foster U.S.-Belgian cooperation to address the climate crisis and/or energy security; and · Programs that allow engagement with youth audiences on the enduring relevance of our historical bonds. Participants and Audiences: · Youth, particularly those from underserved communities; ·        Women, particularly entrepreneurs and/or those from underserved communities ·        Underserved/Minority/Refugee communities · Cultural institutions; · Academic institutions; · Business leaders and entrepreneurs; · Community leaders; · U.S. and Belgian thought leaders; · Social and new media users; and · Journalists, media organizations. The following types of projects are not eligible for funding: · Projects relating to partisan political activity; · Charitable or development activities; · Construction projects; · Projects that support specific religious activities; · Fundraising campaigns; · Lobbying for specific legislation or projects; · Scientific research; or · Projects that duplicate existing projects. Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Funding authority is Smith-Mundt FY2023 Public Diplomacy funds.

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