PD Poland invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Poland through activities that , and forge enduring connections between the United States and emerging Polish leaders (high school students, university students, and young professionals ages 15 to 35), as well as established professionals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. All proposals are required to have a clear connection to the United States, either through U.S. organizations, experts, and/or best practices in order to increase the awareness and understanding of U.S. perspectives, policies, and society.

Proposals without significant U.S. content will not be considered for funding. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Examples of possible public diplomacy grant activities include, but are not limited to:

• Participatory and/or problem-solving workshops like “tech camps.”

• Seminars, trainings, master classes, and exhibitions on themes or topics that advance shared prosperity, innovation, and security goals, as well as build leadership skills.

• Programs that reinforce and amplify lessons learned by Polish alumni of U.S. Government-funded and private sector exchange programs.

• Follow-up programs that build on the knowledge and skills developed through previous USG-funded initiatives.

Priority Program Areas:

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

• Strengthening the business skills of young entrepreneurs based on U.S. experiences and best practices.

• Sharing best practices of U.S. businesses operating in Poland.

• Promoting the development of trade and investment with the United States as the basis for strong, sustainable economic growth that creates jobs and business expansion.

INNOVATION

• Promoting a culture of innovation in science, space, and other technology sectors through U.S. – Polish collaboration among research organizations, nongovernmental organizations, universities, and private companies.

ENSURING SECURITY

• Demonstrating the benefits of the Polish-U.S. security partnership and NATO Alliance for Polish emerging leaders (high school and university students ages 15-25 and/or young professionals ages 25-34).

• Enhancing public awareness of the economic and security benefits of U.S. – Poland energy sector cooperation.

• Strengthen cyber security awareness.

• Promoting energy security.

LEADERSHIP

• Leadership training inspired by U.S. experiences, models, and best practices to provide young people (high school students, university students, young professionals) the skills and knowledge they need to become effective leaders in their communities and professional field of choice. This includes skills-building workshops such as public speaking, critical thinking, financial literacy, and problem-solving, enriched by American know-how and exposure to innovative U.S. approaches.

Participants and Audiences: Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including anticipated numbers to be reached. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, while secondary audiences are those who will be reached by the project’s primary audiences as a result of their participation. Priority target audiences in Poland for this funding opportunity are youth (high school students, university students ages 15-25) and young professionals (up to 35 years old) who have demonstrated strong leadership potential as well as established professionals engaged in fields relevant to the U.S.-Polish partnership, and community leaders.

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 or institutional development of the organization; or

• Programs that duplicate existing programs. This funding opportunity aims to support specific projects with objectives that can be achieved within a set timeframe. We will not accept applications that are aimed more broadly at supporting your organization’s usual or typical daily activities and operations. Those will be deemed technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding by the review committee.

Miscellaneous

• Other