Transatlantic Partnership Program

The U.S. Department of State's Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Mission to Germany is soliciting applications for cooperative agreements funding initiatives that strengthen the U.S.-German partnership and advance shared democratic principles, with an application deadline of August 5, 2026.

Eligible applicants are registered nonprofits, NGOs, educational institutions, governmental entities, and individuals operating in Germany; for-profit entities are ineligible. All organizations except individuals must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. The program anticipates awarding 2 to 6 grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, with performance periods not to exceed 24 months. Cost sharing is not required but strongly encouraged for competitive advantage. Organizations without a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) may claim indirect costs up to 15 percent of modified total direct costs; those with an existing NICRA may use their established rate.

Proposals must address one of two goals. Goal 1 emphasizes Freedom 250 initiatives showcasing American excellence through space, science, sports, and innovation, targeting secondary and university students, youth athletes, STEM educators, and young professionals. Goal 2 focuses on educational exchanges, youth outreach, alumni engagement, and workshops building civic literacy and democratic understanding among high school and university students. Additional priority areas include countering anti-Semitism, supporting freedom of speech, and measuring long-term impact of exchange programs and sister city partnerships. All projects must include strong U.S. components, clearly defined German target audiences, and measurable objectives to increase awareness, shape attitudes, strengthen skills, or build sustainable networks.

Proposals are limited to 8 pages and evaluated on quality and feasibility (30 points), organizational capacity and prior grant performance (25 points), project planning ability (20 points), budget reasonableness (10 points), monitoring and evaluation plan (10 points), and sustainability (5 points). Applications require SF-424 or SF-424-I forms, SF-424A budget form, detailed line-item budget with justification narrative, comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Monitoring Plan with theory of change diagrams, key personnel resumes, partner letters of support, nonprofit status documentation, and SAM.gov registration proof. Submit via email to berlinpdnofodl@state.gov or through Grants.gov. Recipients must comply with 2 CFR 200 requirements, trafficking in persons certifications for awards exceeding $500,000, and State Department branding requirements. Quarterly programmatic and financial reports are required during the award period, with final reports due 120 days after project completion. The funding mechanism is Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy funds (CFDA 19.040).