U.S-EU Relationship | USEU 2017 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for USEU 2017 01

The U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU), through its Public Affairs Section, announced a discretionary funding opportunity titled "U.S-EU Relationship" (Funding Opportunity Number: USEU 2017 01) to support projects that engage audiences across the European Union. The central aim is to increase discussion and understanding of U.S. foreign policy and economic priorities that matter to the U.S.-EU relationship, with an emphasis on advancing economic growth, countering terrorism, and strengthening shared U.S.-EU cultural, political, and economic values. Projects are expected to take place in Brussels and in EU Member States, and the performance window runs from October 2017 through December 2018. Activities cannot begin before the grant or cooperative agreement is signed by both parties, and renewals of existing USEU awards are allowed.

Funding is provided through grants and cooperative agreements, with an estimated total program budget of $180,000. Individual awards are expected to range from $10,000 (floor) to $70,000 (ceiling), and USEU anticipated making roughly 5 to 10 awards (the source data also references expected awards, but the narrative highlights the 5-10 range). The program is designed to support public engagement that connects EU policymakers, opinion shapers, and the broader public with U.S. experts and perspectives. Typical formats include conferences, seminars, workshops, and training sessions, paired where appropriate with traditional media and social media outreach. A key restriction noted is that grant funds cannot be used to cover travel costs for U.S. government officials, though they may still participate as speakers.

USEU encourages proposals that clearly tie programming to priority areas that both USEU and the applicant identify as important. The notice highlights several focus topics: U.S.-EU economic cooperation and growth; digital policy and cooperation on data protection; cooperation on foreign policy, security and defense, migration, and humanitarian assistance in the EU neighborhood and beyond; law enforcement and counterterrorism cooperation; energy and environmental policies; shared democratic values such as diversity, rule of law, and human rights; and broader understanding of U.S. society, culture, and the U.S. political process. Applicants are also urged to bring in new and creative approaches, especially those that use digital technology and innovative communication methods to expand reach and impact.

Eligibility is limited to legally recognized non-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions that comply with relevant U.S. and EU requirements and can demonstrate a track record of successfully delivering programs in the EU environment. EU-based applicants must be listed in the EU Transparency Register. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required, but they are encouraged and must be clearly explained if included. Administrative eligibility requirements include having a DUNS/UEI identifier and an active SAM registration prior to award (with limited exceptions possible for certain foreign organizations performing work outside the U.S. under $25,000, or for eligible overseas schools without a UEI).

Applications had to be submitted in English by email to useupa@state.gov, with the competition opening on June 1, 2017 and closing on July 7, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Brussels time (Central European Time). A complete application package required the SF-424 form, a project narrative (up to four pages) describing goals, target audience, timeline, expected impact, and evaluation plans, and a detailed budget (up to one page) in U.S. dollars, along with proof of SAM registration and EU Transparency Register listing. The notice stresses that late or incomplete submissions would not be reviewed, and expenses incurred before the official start of the grant period would not be reimbursed.

Proposal review was handled by USEU Public Affairs with input from subject matter experts. Key evaluation criteria included how clearly the project connects to U.S. policy priorities related to the EU, the likely impact on EU public opinion and understanding, the applicant's experience and capacity to execute the work, the strength and clarity of the budget justification, and the quality of the monitoring and evaluation approach. For applicants with prior USEU funding, past performance and timely reporting were also considered. Applicants were to be notified of results around August 28, 2017.

On implementation roles, recipients would be responsible for designing and delivering the program series, recruiting U.S. and EU experts in consultation with USEU, and ensuring speaker lineups reflect diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds as well as gender balance. Grantees also manage logistics such as travel and honoraria (consistent with USEU guidelines), run public outreach events, and submit interim and final programmatic and financial reports documenting both spending and impact. USEU, in turn, would set and update outreach priorities, approve speakers and key program elements, provide guidance on allowable costs, and, when useful, amplify activities through its communications channels and coordinate with other U.S. embassies and missions. Awards would be formally issued and administered by a USEU Grants Officer, with reporting and payment schedules tied to the award agreement.

• The Department of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S-EU Relationship" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 01, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 07, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $70,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for USEU 2017 01

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