U.S. Embassy in Finland Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy in Finland, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), is announcing the availability of funding through its annual Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This program prioritises projects that encourage bilateral cooperation and emphasize common values between the U.S. and Finland. To be eligible, projects must incorporate American expertise or perspective, and must display a specific societal, cultural, or policy aspect contributing to a greater understanding of the U.S.

The application must name a confirmed Finnish organization involved in the project. The program also requires a public outreach element, which may include options like livestreaming, masterclasses, traditional media, digital outreach, or open events.

The PDS has marked a broad range of areas as funding priorities. These include projects related to arctic regions and ecological changes, initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), programs which enhance understanding of NATO and contribute to initiatives for Women, Peace, and Security, ventures that increase collaboration and exchange between American and Finnish students and teachers, proposals promoting economic prosperity, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and finally, proposals that aim to counter disinformation.

However, it should also be noted that certain types of programs are ineligible for funding. These include programs which are politically motivated, charitable or developmental activities, construction programs, fundraising campaigns, programs lobbying for specific legislation, or programs that primarily benefit the organization's growth or an individual's self-enrichment or career. Also, projects not involving a Finland-based entity and those involving for-profit entities will not be considered viable for funding.