PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Brussels Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Applications for programs are accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline of July 31, 2024. Each quarter, a grant review committee reviews the outstanding applications. The deadline is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Grants: PDS Brussels invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Belgium by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation. Grant proposals must convey an American cultural element, support a priority program area (see below), or include a 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 projects include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; Youth leadership programs; Professional and academic exchanges and projects; Entrepreneurship and innovation in technological or other fields; and Sports-related programming. Priority Program Areas: Programs that promote active partnership between the United States and Belgium to address new and evolving security challenges, including disinformation; Programs that counter the influences of radicalization and violent extremism, including political extremism; Programs that offer youth leaders the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills; Programs that build capacity in organizations seeking to strengthen social cohesion through promotion of diversity principles; and/or Programs that enable engagement with youth audiences on the enduring relevance of U.S.-Belgium historical bonds. Priority Participants and Audiences: Youth, particularly those from underserved communities; Women, particularly entrepreneurs and/or those from underserved communities; Underserved/Minority/Refugee communities; and Civil society organizations and academic institutions. The following types of projects are not eligible for funding: Projects relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction projects; Projects that support specific religious activities; Fundraising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or projects; Scientific research; or Projects that duplicate existing projects.