Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy Section in Germany is funding programs that strengthen transatlantic relations through education, science, innovation, sports diplomacy, and youth engagement. The initiative supports U.S.–Germany collaboration under themes like “Freedom 250,” STEM cooperation, civic education, and leadership development. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 for projects lasting up to 24 months with measurable public diplomacy impact.
Overview
The Transatlantic Partnership Program is a public diplomacy grant initiative by the U.S. Mission to Germany designed to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Germany.
It focuses on promoting shared democratic values, innovation exchange, and long-term engagement between institutions, youth, and communities in both countries.
The program is especially aligned with the U.S. 250th anniversary (“Freedom 250”), highlighting American innovation and global partnerships.
Key Objectives
The program supports initiatives that deepen mutual understanding and strengthen transatlantic cooperation.
Core objectives include:
- Strengthening U.S.–Germany relations
- Promoting democratic values and civic engagement
- Enhancing STEM and innovation collaboration
- Expanding youth leadership and education exchanges
- Supporting sports and cultural diplomacy
- Building sustainable transatlantic networks
Priority Program Areas
1. Freedom 250 – Innovation, Science, Sports, and Leadership
This stream highlights American excellence and cooperation with Germany.
Focus areas:
- U.S.–Germany STEM collaboration
- Emerging technologies and innovation ecosystems
- Space science and scientific research partnerships
- Sports diplomacy linked to global sporting events
- Leadership values and innovation storytelling
2. Educational Exchanges & Youth Engagement
This stream focuses on long-term civic and leadership development.
Activities include:
- Educational and cultural exchange programs
- Youth leadership training workshops
- Alumni engagement initiatives
- Entrepreneurship and innovation programs
- Arts-based civic dialogue activities
- Workshops on democracy and civic literacy
Program Approach
The program emphasizes interactive, participatory, and experience-based learning.
Preferred formats:
- Workshops and training sessions
- Exchange programs
- Mentorship initiatives
- Public forums and discussions
- Collaborative cross-border projects
- Alumni networking activities
Expected Outcomes
Projects must demonstrate measurable and meaningful public diplomacy impact.
Required outcomes include:
- Increased awareness of U.S.–Germany cooperation
- Improved understanding of U.S. democratic values
- Enhanced youth leadership and civic engagement skills
- Strengthened STEM and innovation collaboration
- Creation of sustainable transatlantic networks
Funding Details
Grant size:
- $5,000 to $50,000 per project
Number of awards:
- Approximately 2 to 6 awards expected
Project duration:
- Up to 24 months (subject to funding and performance)
Timeline:
- Applications for projects starting July–September 2026
- Deadline: 1 June 2026
- Rolling consideration possible if funds remain available
Eligible Applicants
The program is open to organizations and individuals with a presence in Germany.
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-profit organizations
- Educational institutions
- Public sector entities
- Individuals (with eligibility conditions met)
Ineligible applicants:
- For-profit organizations
Program Design Requirements
Applicants must design programs that:
- Clearly integrate U.S. themes, values, or expertise
- Target German audiences effectively
- Include a structured implementation plan
- Focus on engagement and participation
- Demonstrate sustainability beyond project duration
Monitoring and Evaluation Requirements
All proposals must include a strong evaluation framework.
Required metrics:
- Outputs (number of participants, events, etc.)
- Outcomes (behavioral or knowledge changes)
- Long-term impact (network building, sustained engagement)
Evaluation focus:
- Measurable public diplomacy impact
- Evidence of increased transatlantic cooperation
- Assessment of civic and leadership development
Implementation Model
The program is recipient-led, meaning:
- The grantee manages and implements the project
- The U.S. Embassy may provide guidance or participate
- Embassies may contribute to design and engagement activities
- Final responsibility lies with the recipient organization
Why This Program Matters
The initiative strengthens long-term cooperation between the U.S. and Germany across strategic sectors.
Key benefits:
- Strengthens transatlantic diplomatic relations
- Promotes shared democratic values
- Expands STEM and innovation partnerships
- Builds youth leadership and civic awareness
- Encourages cultural and sports diplomacy
- Creates sustainable international networks
- Supports long-term educational and institutional collaboration
How It Works / How to Apply
Step-by-step process:
- Identify a project aligned with Freedom 250 or youth engagement priorities
- Design a program targeting German audiences with U.S. collaboration elements
- Develop implementation and activity plan (workshops, exchanges, etc.)
- Include a detailed monitoring and evaluation framework
- Submit application by 1 June 2026
- Selected applicants receive funding and begin implementation (July–Sept 2026 start window)
- Execute project with ongoing reporting and evaluation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Eligibility mistakes:
- Applying as a for-profit organization
- Lack of presence or operational capacity in Germany
Design mistakes:
- Weak U.S. element or unclear transatlantic relevance
- One-time events without long-term engagement
- No youth or civic engagement component
Evaluation mistakes:
- Missing measurable outcomes
- No monitoring and evaluation framework
- Lack of long-term impact planning
Tips for Strong Applications
- Clearly connect project to U.S.–Germany cooperation
- Include interactive and participant-driven activities
- Focus on youth engagement and leadership development
- Build long-term networks, not one-off events
- Integrate STEM, innovation, or civic learning themes
- Provide strong, data-driven evaluation methods
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Transatlantic Partnership Program?
It is a U.S. public diplomacy grant program that supports projects strengthening relations between the United States and Germany.
2. What is the funding range?
Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 per project.
3. Who can apply?
Non-profits, educational institutions, public entities, and eligible individuals with presence in Germany.
4. Are for-profit companies eligible?
No, for-profit entities are not eligible.
5. What are the main focus areas?
Freedom 250 (innovation, STEM, sports) and youth engagement (education, civic literacy, exchanges).
6. What is the project duration?
Projects can run for up to 24 months.
7. What is required for evaluation?
A clear monitoring and evaluation plan showing measurable outcomes and long-term impact.
Conclusion
The Transatlantic Partnership Program by the U.S. Mission to Germany is a strategic public diplomacy initiative designed to strengthen U.S.–German relations through education, innovation, youth engagement, and cultural exchange. By funding interactive and measurable projects, it builds long-term networks, enhances civic understanding, and promotes shared democratic and innovation-driven values across both countries.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.