U.S. Mission to NATO Public Affairs Annual Program Statement | DOS USNATO PAA 2024 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS USNATO PAA 2024 001

The U.S. Mission to NATO Public Affairs Annual Program Statement (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS USNATO PAA 2024 001) is a discretionary grant opportunity run by the Office of the Public Affairs Advisor (PAA) at the U.S. Mission to NATO. Through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program, USNATO is looking to fund projects that strengthen public understanding of NATO's role in regional peace and security and its connection to the broader rules-based international order. The announcement functions as an annual roadmap that explains what themes the Mission is prioritizing and how applicants should structure and submit funding requests.

At the core of this opportunity is the requirement that every proposed program has a clear, direct tie to the United States. In practice, that means proposals should include a meaningful U.S. connection such as American experts, U.S. organizations, or U.S. institutions that can credibly contribute to the topic and help audiences better understand U.S. foreign policy interests within the NATO Alliance. The program is designed for public diplomacy, so the emphasis is on informing, engaging, and building durable connections with key audiences rather than purely academic research without outreach. Typical project formats can include speaker series and seminars, cultural and artistic programming, professional or academic exchanges and trainings, digital engagement and content production, creation of leadership or influencer networks (for example, a young leaders network), and the development of educational materials that can be reused and shared.

Geographically, USNATO will prioritize activities aimed at NATO Allies and NATO partner countries, reflecting the Mission's focus on Alliance cohesion and shared security objectives. That said, the announcement also leaves room for programming in other strategically important countries when the project clearly supports NATO objectives or improves understanding of NATO in places where that understanding matters for policy, security, or public opinion.

The Mission lays out a set of priority program areas that signal what it most wants to fund. These include countering disinformation and misinformation, strengthening media independence or media literacy, and explaining NATO deterrence and defense efforts (including NATO's new military plans). Other key areas include hybrid security threats and emerging technologies, science and technology, NATO's engagement with Africa, Asia, or Latin America, and NATO partnerships more broadly. The announcement specifically calls out interest in programming that addresses Russian malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic area and the People's Republic of China's expanding use of economic, political, and military power. Additional priorities include climate security, Women, Peace, and Security, and engagement with young professionals and next-generation audiences.

In terms of what a strong proposal looks like, USNATO encourages applicants to bring fresh ideas and practical public-facing approaches rather than repeating standard conference models. They are explicitly looking for creative use of emerging technologies, innovative methods for audience engagement, and targeted outreach to the people who most need the information. Proposals are also expected to take diversity seriously, including diversity of thought and background, gender balance, and attention to intersectionality. Projects that elevate and empower emerging voices, especially youth, are favored. The Mission also values outputs that can multiply impact, such as toolkits, curricula, reusable digital content, or train-the-trainer models, and it is a plus if products are produced in two or more languages to expand reach across different national audiences. Notably, the statement welcomes forthright analysis of gaps in NATO strategies as long as it is paired with practical, constructive solutions, which signals openness to serious policy-minded engagement rather than purely promotional messaging.

Evaluation is not treated as an afterthought. Implementation plans are expected to include evaluation components, including key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure quantifiable performance. That typically means applicants should plan from the start how they will track outputs and outcomes, such as audience reach, changes in knowledge, engagement rates, participation demographics, post-event learning measures, follow-on activities, or evidence that materials are being reused by partners.

The maximum award amount listed is $50,000 (award ceiling: 50000). The opportunity is posted under CFDA number 19.040, with the funding instrument type identified as a grant and the activity category listed as "Other." While the notice does not clearly state the number of expected awards in the provided text, the structure and ceiling amount indicate a small-grants model where multiple projects may be supported depending on available funds and proposal quality. The original closing date is 2024-08-26, and the opportunity was created on 2024-06-26.

Eligibility is broad and includes a mix of governmental and non-governmental entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; private institutions of higher education; and nonprofit organizations, including those with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (as specified in the listing). The description also highlights registered not-for-profit organizations such as think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations, as well as non-profit educational institutions and governmental institutions. Overall, the program is aimed at organizations that can deliver credible public diplomacy programming with measurable impact and a strong U.S. connection, focused on NATO-relevant security, resilience, and strategic communication themes.

• The U.S. Mission to NATO in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Mission to NATO Public Affairs Annual Program Statement" 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 2024-06-26.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-08-26. (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 $50,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), 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.

Apply for DOS USNATO PAA 2024 001

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