The U.S. Department of State's EAP/Mission New Zealand Public Diplomacy Section has released the 2025 Annual Program Statement (APS), under opportunity number PDS-NEWZEALAND-2025-01, to support projects that strengthen relationships and foster collaboration between the United States and the Pacific region. This funding opportunity is directed at initiatives that promote shared values, support innovation, and encourage sustainable practices across New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. The program welcomes Statements of Interest (SOIs) for initiatives that align with key mission priorities and foster mutual understanding between local communities and the United States.

The overarching purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that fall within four strategic priority areas: Connecting Creatives, Enhancing Economic Resilience through Diversification and Innovation, Leveraging STEM Education Opportunities, and Conservation for Prosperity. These areas focus respectively on uplifting indigenous and creative voices, encouraging technological innovation and entrepreneurship, expanding STEM educational pathways, and protecting biodiversity. Successful proposals should clearly articulate how they contribute to these mission priorities and include robust public engagement components.

The program offers awards ranging from $25,000 to $75,000, with a total anticipated funding pool of $350,000 for fiscal year 2025, contingent on fund availability. Up to seven awards may be issued, depending on the size and scope of proposals. Funding may take the form of a grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement. The program performance period for all projects is up to 24 months. Proposals may include international travel, personnel costs, equipment, contracted services, and public outreach, provided these costs are justified and directly related to project goals. Compliance with the Fly America Act is mandatory for travel components.

Entities eligible to apply include not-for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, individuals, governmental institutions, and public international organizations located in the United States, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered on SAM.gov, though individuals are exempt from these requirements. Applications that focus on partisan politics, religious activities, scientific research, or duplicate existing programs are ineligible.

The submission process requires applicants to email their completed application package to publicaffairsusnz@state.gov. The application must include standard federal forms (e.g., SF-424 series), a detailed proposal of up to 10 pages, a summary page, budget justification, and relevant attachments such as CVs and letters of support. The deadline schedule includes three rounds: February 1, June 13, and August 1, 2025. Applications submitted outside these windows will be reviewed in the next cycle, with response notifications following within two to three weeks of each review deadline.

Evaluation criteria include the quality and feasibility of the proposal, organizational capacity, the likelihood of achieving objectives, budget clarity, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability beyond the grant period. A formal risk assessment will be conducted for all potential grantees, focusing on financial stability, performance history, and ability to manage federal funds. Final decisions will be issued via a written award notice, and recipients will be required to adhere to strict post-award reporting and compliance standards.