Open call for U.S. Embassy in Finland Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program

Purpose of Small Grants

• PDS Finland invites proposals for programs that promote bilateral cooperation and highlight shared values.  All programs must include an American perspective, societal or 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 viewpoints.  A confirmed local Finnish organization (or partnering organization) must be identified in the grant application. Additionally, programs must include a public outreach component(s), such as livestreaming, masterclasses, traditional media, digital outreach, or events open to audiences.
• Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
  • Academic and professional lectures, and seminars;
  • Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
  • Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions

Priority Program Areas

• Proposals that relate to the Arctic and increasing cooperation between Arctic states and communities;
• Addressing climate change and changing environmental conditions;
• Proposals that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA);
• Proposals that address global security challenges and increasing understanding of NATO, including programs in support of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiatives;
• Proposals that increase collaboration and exchange between American and Finnish students and teachers;
• Proposals that promote economic prosperity, entrepreneurship, and innovation
• Proposals that counter disinformation

Funding Information

• Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $5000 to a maximum of $50,000.
• Award Ceiling: $50,000.00
• Award Floor: $5,000.00
• Length of performance period: 3 to 24 months

Eligibility Criteria

• The Public Diplomacy Section considers applications from the United States and Finland, including:
  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations;
  • Individuals;
  • Non-profit educational institutions;
  • Governmental institutions
• For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

Ineligible

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Programs relating to partisan political activities;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • Construction programs;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation;
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
  • Programs intended for an individual’s personal enrichment or career development;
  • Programs that do not include an organization based in Finland;
  • Grants to for-profit entities.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Finland.