U.S. Embassy in Italy Public Diplomacy Grants Program

The Annual Program Statement (APS) makes funding available for cultural and exchange programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Italy, highlight shared values, and promote bilateral cooperation.

The United States Embassy invites proposals from qualified individuals and organizations. All programs must include a significant American cultural element and/or a connection with American experts, organizations or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. foreign policy and perspectives.

Priority Program Areas

• Climate: Proposals in this area should promote cooperation and seek to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, including through reduction in methane emissions, reducing global deforestation, and transition to renewable energy sources. Proposals may also increase collaboration and/or share best practices on meeting U.S. and Italian commitments on climate change.
• Democracy, and Democratic Values: Proposals in this area should strengthen and reinforce the practice of democratic principles within Italy (such as countering racism and gender-based violence, and reducing extremism, antisemitism, and intolerance of marginalized groups in Italy) and/or strengthen the capacity of Italian civil society in fostering democratic values and renewing trust in democracy;
• Transatlantic Security: Proposals in this area should support and advance cooperation and shared interests in the transatlantic relationship between the United States and Italy through efforts to promote cooperation in NATO and other multilateral security organizations, including support for Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion, cybersecurity, the role of women in peace and security, and increasing cooperation in the Mediterranean;
• Economic Prosperity: Proposals in this area should promoting transparent and rules-based trade, and investment in sustainable growth. Though not required, proposals with a focus on women’s economic empowerment, will receive favorable consideration.
• Countering Disinformation: Proposals in this area should increase target audiences’ understanding of and ability to counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation that undermines faith in democratic governance. Proposals that support increased awareness of disinformation among the media and journalists are welcome.

Funding Information

• Please note that for the 2024 APS, the maximum request for funding will be $75,000. The U.S. Embassy may award smaller amounts than the full proposal, as deemed appropriate. The U.S. Embassy also strongly encourages proposals with cost-sharing.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from Italy and the United States:
• Registered U.S. and Italian not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience in Italy;
• U.S. or Italian individuals;
• U.S. and Italian non-profit or governmental educational institutions;
• U.S. and Italian Governmental institutions.
• Note: U.S. and Italian NGOs and individuals may apply, but preference (through merit review) will be given to Italian NGOs or partnerships that develop capacity with Italian NGOs. Third country organizations and individuals are not eligible. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy.