PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Budapest Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Budapest) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Budapest invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Hungary through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American 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 perspectives. Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions;Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;Professional and academic exchanges and programs; Priority Program Areas in 2024:a) Promoting rule of law and democratic governance by supporting legal and institutional changes which strengthen the rule of law and expose and combat corruptionb) Strengthen respect for international human rights and those democratic values, support marginalized groupsc) Strengthening independent media and journalism and helping to foster critical thinkingd) Promoting unity among NATO allies and a united response to the Russian war on Ukrainee) Supporting Hungarys Transatlantic commitment by addressing transnational threats, including disinformationf) Increasing awareness of Americas role as an economic partner to Hungary Participants and Audiences:We seek proposals for geographically and demographically diverse audiences within Hungary. As noted above, all projects must include an American component in order to be eligible for funding. An American component can mean any of the following: An American citizen who is an expert, speaker, artist, athlete, or other visitor to Hungary who will lead or present some key component of the project. In rare cases, the project could involve an extraordinarily highly accomplished person who is not an American citizen, but who has strong ties to an American institution of major importance.The use of an American cultural product as a major touchstone for key elements of the program. Cultural products could include books, music, curricula, films, dance, other art forms, or technology created entirely or primarily by American artists and innovators and clearly associated with American culture.Engaging audiences in learning about or practicing a major American topic, such as U.S. policy, U.S. history, American values (such as civil rights, freedom of expression, or shared society), or American social models (such as democracy or the rule of law) as a significant focus of the program. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:Programs relating to partisan political activity;Charitable or development activities;Construction programs;Programs that support specific religious activities;Fund-raising campaigns;Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;Scientific research;Programs intended primarily for the growth of an individual;Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development ofthe organization; orPrograms that duplicate existing programs.