U.S. Embassy Prague: Campaign to Mark the 25th Anniversary of the Czech Republic Joining NATO | PAS 002 FY2024

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS 002 FY2024

The U.S. Embassy in Prague, through its Public Affairs Section (PAS), offered funding for a year-long (or smaller-scale) communication and public engagement campaign marking the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic joining NATO on March 12, 1999. The central idea of the opportunity is to celebrate that milestone while clearly explaining, in practical terms, what NATO membership has meant for Czech security and for the country s place in the Euro-Atlantic community. A key part of the campaign is also to reinforce public understanding of the U.S.-Czech security relationship and present the United States as a reliable, long-term partner grounded in shared democratic values.

Projects were expected to do more than host a single commemorative event. PAS encouraged proposals that could sustain attention across the anniversary year and reach people in multiple regions, especially outside Prague. Applicants were asked to translate the anniversary into accessible public information and compelling storytelling: why NATO mattered historically, how it has contributed to deterrence and defense, and how the alliance responds to modern challenges. The embassy specifically wanted programming and messaging that highlights the U.S. role in Czech accession, including the involvement of leaders such as President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, while also pointing to continuing, real-world cooperation between the United States and the Czech Republic today.

The grant competition placed strong emphasis on reaching audiences that do not always get targeted by Prague-centered programming. The priority audience was residents outside the capital, with particular focus on youth and young adults in smaller and mid-sized municipalities (generally up to 75,000 inhabitants), especially in regions where familiarity with the United States and Americans is lower. This youth focus is not just symbolic; the goal is to build long-term resilience of public support by helping students and young professionals understand NATO s role and the responsibilities that come with membership, along with the value of allied cooperation.

In terms of what applicants could propose, the opportunity was broad and flexible as long as activities supported the overall communications objectives. Suggested components included a mix of digital and traditional media (for example, social media content, news stories, paid advertising placements, and even outdoor advertising such as buses or trams), plus interactive public engagement like workshops, seminars, webinars, and public forums that create space for questions and dialogue. Cultural and educational formats were also encouraged, such as exhibitions, performances, and other artistic or historical presentations that make the NATO story tangible and locally relevant. Proposals were expected to use inclusive messaging that can resonate across age groups, regions, and different social or cultural perspectives, rather than assuming one national audience responds to one style of communication.

A notable expectation in this call was a data-driven approach. Applicants were encouraged to build in clear evaluation methods to measure reach and impact (such as engagement metrics, attendance figures, survey feedback, media monitoring, or other indicators) and to use that data to refine the campaign during implementation. The embassy also signaled that partnerships matter: collaboration with private-sector organizations, media outlets, educational institutions, and civil society groups was encouraged to expand credibility, increase distribution channels, and amplify messaging beyond the applicant s own network. Sustainability was another theme, meaning the campaign should not disappear after the anniversary date but leave behind materials, relationships, and public understanding that continue to support NATO and allied security cooperation.

The award instrument was a cooperative agreement, which typically implies more coordination with the funder than a standard grant. Funding was capped at USD 100,000 per award, with up to three awards anticipated. Eligible applicants included not-for-profit organizations (including NGOs, civil society groups, and think tanks) and public educational institutions, whether Czech or U.S.-based. Budgets needed to realistically cover the full costs of delivery, including graphic design and printing, any proposed advertising buys, venue and A/V expenses, publicity and supplies for events or exhibits, and travel costs for staff or participants where relevant.

Administratively, the opportunity was issued by the U.S. Mission to the Czech Republic under Funding Opportunity Number PAS 002 FY2024 (CFDA 19.040). Applications had to be submitted by email to grantsprague@state.gov using the subject line "NATO 25th Anniversary Proposal." The posted deadline was December 8, 2023, and late submissions were not considered. Additional official requirements and instructions were provided through the embassy s notice of funding opportunity page: https://cz.usembassy.gov/notice-of-funding-opportunity-nato/ .

• The U.S. Mission to the Czech Republic in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Prague: Campaign to Mark the 25th Anniversary of the Czech Republic Joining NATO" 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 2023-11-07.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-12-08. (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 $100,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for PAS 002 FY2024

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