Priority Program Areas:

 The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at the U.S. embassy in Helsinki, Finland, invites proposals for programs that promote bilateral cooperation, highlight shared values, and focus specifically on the following priority areas:  

• Promoting economic prosperity and entrepreneurship, especially the facilitation of technology and innovation cooperation 

• Addressing global security challenges and increasing understanding of Finland’s integration into NATO, including programs in support of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiatives 

• Promoting youth, academic, and professional exchange programs 

• Promoting Arctic and High North collaboration 

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: 

• Programs relating to partisan political activities 

• Charitable or development activities 

• Construction programs 

• Fund-raising campaigns 

• Lobbying for specific legislation 

• Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization 

• Programs intended for an individual’s personal enrichment or career development (including studies, study trips, conference participation or travel) 

• Programs implemented by an individual applicant with the intention of distributing funds to other implementors or participants 

• Programs which audiences’ age is below upper secondary/high school 

• Artist residencies 

• For-profit entities

• None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). 

The Notice of Funding Opportunity has been updated February 11 with the following:

Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws

None of the funds awarded under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) may be used for any initiatives or programs, or any activities that do not comply with Executive Order 14173 titled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

By signing the SF-424 or SF-424I Application for Federal Assistance, the Applicant certifies the following:

1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.