The U.S. Embassy in The Hague has announced its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program for FY 2025, inviting proposals that strengthen ties between the United States and the Netherlands. This opportunity, managed by the embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section, seeks to fund programs that emphasize shared values, promote bilateral cooperation, and foster increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives among Dutch audiences. Programs must include a U.S. component, such as collaboration with American experts, organizations, or institutions.

Eligible activities include academic and professional lectures, cultural workshops, artistic performances, exhibitions, exchanges, and media programming. Priority will be given to proposals addressing transatlantic security alliances, particularly those related to the 2025 Hague NATO Summit, and efforts to safeguard democracy and combat disinformation. Projects targeting youth, underserved communities, and geographically diverse audiences in the Netherlands will also receive special consideration.

Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations based in the Netherlands or abroad, such as non-profit organizations, educational institutions, think tanks, and governmental institutions. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Proposals must be submitted in English, with budgets presented in U.S. dollars, and organizations must have an active SAM.gov registration at the time of application. Cost sharing is not required, but contributions are welcome. Awards will range from $2,000 to $25,000, with a total funding pool of approximately $150,000 for fiscal year 2025.

Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, with deadlines set for November 15, 2024, and additional deadlines in 2025. Proposals will be reviewed within 30 days of each deadline, with responses provided within 60 days. Projects must be completed within one year unless a longer timeline is justified. Ineligible activities include partisan political events, charitable activities, religious programs, construction projects, and fundraising campaigns.

Applicants must submit a complete application, including a proposal narrative, a budget justification, and required forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B). The proposal must outline the program’s goals, objectives, activities, methods, timeline, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Budget submissions should detail costs for personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, contracts, and indirect costs. Alcoholic beverages cannot be included in the budget, and food and drink costs must not exceed 10 percent of the total.

The Public Diplomacy Section will issue grants, cooperative agreements, or fixed-amount awards based on the proposal's merit. The U.S. government reserves the right to reject proposals and has no obligation to provide additional funding after the grant period. Interested applicants should carefully review the guidelines and contact the embassy at GrantsTheHague@state.gov with any questions. Full details are available on the embassy’s grants webpage at https://nl.usembassy.gov/grant-program/.