PDS Italy Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Mission to Italy’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement outlining funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. 

Purpose of Grants: PDS Italy invites concept notes for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Italy. Programs and activities should highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must have a primary audience of Italians or those residing in Italy and include a significant American cultural element, such as a connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. 

Examples of PDS grants programs include, but are not limited to: 

• Academic and professional lectures, exchanges, seminars, partnerships, and speaker programs; 
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions featuring participants from the United States; 

Priority Program Areas: 

• Democracy and Democratic Values: Proposals in this area should strengthen and reinforce the practice of democratic principles within Italy (such as countering racism and gender-based violence, and reducing extremism, antisemitism, and intolerance of marginalized groups in Italy) and/or strengthen the capacity of Italian civil society in fostering democratic values and renewing trust in democracy.  

• Economic Prosperity: Proposals in this area should promote transparent and rules-based trade and investment. Proposals that reinforce positive examples of U.S.-Italian collaboration in key sectors, including science and technology, the sustainable and digital economies, culture, and women’s economic empowerment will receive favorable consideration. 

• Countering Disinformation: Proposals in this area should increase target audiences’ understanding of and ability to counter foreign information manipulation and interference that undermines faith in democratic governance. We encourage proposals that support increased awareness of disinformation among the media and journalists. 

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:  

• Programs relating to partisan political activity; 
• Programs targeting an American audience; 
• 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; 
• Programs that duplicate existing programs.