The U.S. Department of State’s East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Mission New Zealand Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) has announced the 2025 Annual Program Statement (APS), offering funding to support initiatives that promote engagement between the United States and New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. This funding opportunity, announced under the opportunity number PDS-NEWZEALAND-2025-01, outlines priority areas of focus, the scope of eligible activities, and the procedures for submitting proposals. Funded projects are expected to strengthen mutual understanding and collaboration through cultural, educational, economic, and environmental programs.
The grant supports activities in four primary areas: Connecting Creatives, which uplifts indigenous and Pacifica cultural leaders in creative industries; Enhancing Economic Resilience through innovation and partnerships in critical and emerging technologies; Expanding STEM education to improve job opportunities and economic competitiveness; and advancing Conservation for Prosperity through biodiversity and ecological initiatives, including sustainable ecotourism. Proposals must include a strong U.S. cultural or institutional connection, such as collaboration with American experts or organizations.
The grant is open to a wide range of applicants from both the United States and the Pacific region, including individuals, non-profits, government entities, public and private educational institutions, and Public International Organizations. Matching funds are not required, although organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. Individual applicants are exempt from this requirement.
Applications must include completed SF-424 forms, a summary page, a ten-page proposal, a detailed budget and justification, CVs of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and other relevant documents like NICRA if applicable. Proposals must clearly define goals, activities, methods, evaluation plans, and sustainability strategies. Submissions must be in English, formatted to A4 paper, and include all required elements for consideration.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with three submission windows: by February 1, 2025, with results by April 25; by June 13, with results by July 3; and by August 1, with results by August 15. Awards will range from $25,000 to $75,000, with a total program budget of $350,000, subject to funding availability. The anticipated start date for awarded programs is April 1, 2025, and projects should be completed within 24 months.
Contact for inquiries is publicaffairsusnz@state.gov. Proposals must be submitted via email and not through Grants.gov. All funded programs must adhere to U.S. federal policies and comply with anti-discrimination laws, financial reporting, and the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR) standards.
