The Austrian-American Partnership Fund (AAPF) supports collaboration and dialogue between Austrian and U.S. NGOs, NPOs, academic institutions, schools, professional associations, and arts and cultural organizations. The goal of the AAPF is to expand educational, cultural, and professional cooperation between Austrians and Americans, particularly youth.
The Austrian-American Partnership Fund accepts applications for funding for projects in the following areas:
- Global Issues: Fostering dialogue and discussion on issues of mutual concern and interest, such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), media literacy and cybersecurity, trade and economic policy, energy, entrepreneurship and innovation, countering violent extremism, human rights, and transatlantic cooperation.
- Climate & Environment: Supporting common environmental concerns such as combating climate change, preserving nature and limited natural resources, ensuring water security, reducing harmful environmental pressures, promoting resilience, and combating wildlife trade.
- Study of the U.S.: Creating capacities in the field of U.S. studies in Austria and widening promotion of the overall understanding of the United States of America, including through educational exchanges. Promoting an understanding of the USA among Austrian youth by way of new and creative projects using experiential learning and innovative techniques.
- Arts America: Presenting emerging American musicians, writers, filmmakers and other artists whose works have not previously been shown in Austria or who have not yet performed in Austria.
Eligibility
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Austria is seeking projects that support collaboration and dialogue between Austrian and U.S. NGOs, NPOs, academic institutions, schools, professional associations, and arts and cultural organizations as well as academics and other professionally qualified individuals. Applicants must demonstrate a proven level of expertise and an ability to work with American counterparts in developing or further expanding exchange in the areas of education, work, and culture, and in promoting dialogue and partnership between the United States and Austria. Organizations that have not previously received sponsorship from the U.S. Embassy are especially encouraged to apply.
While requests for support typically range between $1,000 to $10,000, the maximum Embassy support is $25,000 total. Co-sponsoring from additional funding sources will be an asset.
Submission deadlines and selection procedures
Deadlines for submission of project proposals are February 15, May 15, July 15, and November 15. Since the selection process can take up to two months, applicants should plan accordingly. In exceptional cases, if the lead time for a project is too short for submission within the above deadlines, out-of-cycle applications will be accepted.
Project proposals must include a letter of support from a U.S. partner – either a qualified individual or an organization – where willingness to participate in the project is stated. Applications are evaluated by a U.S. Embassy selection committee, with priority given to projects that meet the Embassy’s criteria of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- The project proposal falls within one of the above categories: Global Issues, Climate & Environment, Study of the U.S., Arts America.
- The project budget is well organized, detailed, and reasonable, and does not include budget items for “miscellaneous expenses,” food, alcoholic beverages, or entertainment. Project proposals missing a clear and detailed budget will not be considered.
- The project proposal demonstrates that the Austrian and American individuals and/or organizations have the necessary expertise, competence, and capacity to implement the project.
- The project makes a substantial contribution to deepening partnerships between Austrian and American individuals, organizations, and/or institutions.
- The project theme and its implementation are innovative; proposed project activities are concrete and detailed and accompanied by a work plan.
- The project clearly states how applicants will evaluate and measure output and results during the project implementation period by way of quantitative and qualitative assessment tools.
The following types of projects will not be funded:
- Applications from organizations and individuals that do not meet the above criteria for eligibility
- Projects related to humanitarian or charitable activities or activities related to party politics
- Conferences outside of Austria and personal trips abroad
- Commercial projects and activities
- Fundraising and fundraising events
- Conducting or publishing scientific research
- Projects primarily serving the institutional development of the organization applying
Application instructions for financial support within the framework of the Austrian-American Partnership Fund
IMPORTANT: Only complete, English-language applications will be evaluated by the U.S. Embassy selection committee. Applications must conform to the format described under points 1–3.
Standard Form-424: All applications must include Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424, Instructions for SF-424), Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A, Instructions for SF-424A), and Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B, Instructions for SF-424B), which are available for download. Please fill out the forms completely and send them electronically as attachments to ViennaGrants@state.gov along with the other required documents and the required information listed below.
Please note that the form SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs is required in addition to a complete budget, as mentioned in item 2.4. below.
Instructions for completing the Application for Federal Assistance Form (SF-424)
1. Organizational Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) Registration
On April 4, 2022, the unique entity identifier used across the U.S. Federal Government changed from the DUNS Number to the Unique Entity ID (generated by SAM.gov).
Organizations applying for assistance awards must obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and register with the System for Award Management (SAM) on www.sam.gov. Registration with SAM is required to be eligible to receive federal assistance funding.
The Unique Entity ID is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to an entity by SAM.gov.
As part of this transition, the DUNS Number has been removed from SAM.gov.
Entity registration, searching, and data entry in SAM.gov now requires use of the new Unique Entity ID.
Existing registered entities can find their Unique Entity ID by following the steps here:
https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0041254.
New entities can obtain their Unique Entity ID at SAM.gov and, if required, complete an entity registration.
For more information about this transition, visit SAM.gov or the Federal Service Desk FSD.gov. You can search for help at FSD any time or request help from an FSD agent Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
UEI Post-Transition Fact Sheet
Obtaining a UEI and registering with SAM.gov is free of charge. Any additional services offered during or after the registration process are not required, and the applicant is under no obligation to sign up for them.
2. Project proposal
Each application must include a written project proposal of the activity for which funding is sought. The project proposal should be in the following format:
2.1. Project title
2.1.1. Project information: Description of the project should be no more than two pages long and present the project in as much detail as possible.
2.1.2. Intended project dates and venues: Please include start and end dates, times, and locations of planned events.
2.1.3. Purpose of the project: Please describe the specific merits of the project and how impact will be measured.
2.1.4. Other partner organizations or institutions involved in the project, as well as co-sponsors
2.2. Applicant data
2.2.1. Organization name
2.2.2. Organization address
2.2.3. E-mail address
2.2.4. Phone number(s)
2.2.5. Name and title of officer (or person signing Federal Assistance Award documents)
2.2.6. Names of other key personnel involved in project and/or budget details
2.2.7. Background information about the organization
2.2.8. Bank details: name and address of the bank, IBAN – International Bank Account Number, BIC or SWIFT Code
2.3. Amount of funding being sought from the Austrian-American Partnership Fund
2.4. Total project costs: For an evaluation, applicants must submit a detailed and complete project budget including the cost shares borne by co-sponsors and recipients of the grant. Applicants list the expenses incurred as part of the project, broken down by item. The budget statement is logical and sufficiently detailed so that the individual items and how they came about can be traced exactly when the application is examined. Budgets must be calculated in Euros or U.S. Dollars.
IMPORTANT: Please note that under the Fly America Act, travelers flying on U.S. Government-funded flights are required to travel Economy Class on a U.S. airline (https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/40118)
3. Submission process
The project application, including the SF-424 forms, and any other required information listed above must be submitted via e-mail. Please submit your comprehensive application per e-mail to ViennaGrants@state.gov; applications in hard copy/snail mail will not be accepted.
Applications for funding cannot be considered until all required information has been received. Applications and project proposals must be in English. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact ViennaGrants@state.gov.
Some sections in the SF-424 form are not relevant for Austrian applicants and can be left blank:
3. Date Received
4. Applicant Identifier
5a. Federal Entity Identifier
5b. Federal Award Identifier
6. Date Received by State
7. State Application Identifier
11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title
12. Funding Opportunity Number/Title
13. Competition Identification Number/Title
16. Congressional Districts Of
Please note:
19. Is Application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? – For applications within the framework of the Austrian-American Partnership Fund, Austrian organizations check c.
4. Reporting terms
The awarding of U.S. Government grants under the Austrian-American Partnership Fund requires at least a final activity report to be submitted in writing to the grants officer confirming that the project or activity has been completed or that the grant has been consumed. The final report must be submitted by the grantee within 30 days of the completion of the project or activity period. The report(s) must be in English and should include details about impact on audiences reached, amplification of messages about the project, and any media reporting.
In some cases, grantees must submit Federal Financial Report SF-425, a written project report, and a final financial report within 30 days of completion of the project or activity period. Reports must be in English. Grantees who are required to submit a financial report will be informed of this requirement as part of the approval of their application.
Failure to meet the reporting requirements may result in the suspension of further funding payments under this project and an exclusion from participation in further awards programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I would like to submit additional material with my project proposal. How can I send this in?
Answer: Please submit only the required SF-424 forms and application documentation (preferably no more than three pages). The U.S. Embassy cannot accept samples, prototypes, or other ancillary materials as part of the grant application.
Question: If I ask for $10,000, and the committee approves my project, will I get the full amount?
Answer: The committee evaluates each completed application based on a variety of factors, including availability of funds. Projects accepted by the committee do not automatically receive the full amount originally requested.
Question: If I have already received funding, can I apply again the following year?
Answer: Only complete applications are evaluated by the committee, with preference given to new and innovative ideas and to applicants with a proven level of expertise and ability to implement the project. Previous grantees will only be considered if they have met the above reporting requirements.
Question: Can Austrian organizations apply for funding?
Answer: Yes, both Austrian organizations and individuals are eligible to apply.
Question: My application for funding does not fall into one of the areas mentioned above. Can I still apply?
Answer: We do not award any funding outside of the areas mentioned. If you are uncertain whether your application for funding corresponds to one of the areas, please contact us via e-mail: ViennaGrants@state.gov.
Question: Can I apply for financial support as an individual?
Answer: If your project meets the Austrian-American Partnership Fund’s requirements for funding, and you can justify your application as an individual, it will be considered. However, individuals will be held accountable for project activities, results, and sustainability in the same way as institutions.
Question: Does an organization need to register with SAM.gov when applying for funding?
Answer: Potential recipient organizations must be registered with SAM.gov before they can receive U.S. Government funding. Organizations applying should begin SAM registration at the latest once they have received confirmation that their project proposal has been approved. Issuance of a Federal Assistance Award and funding depends on successful registration and furnishing of the Unique Entity ID (UEI).
Question: I am unable to provide all the information requested on Form SF-424. Can I leave some positions blank?
Answer: Austrian applicants may leave the following items blank on their SF-424 application form for the Austrian-American Partnership Fund:
3. Date Received
4. Applicant Identifier
5a. Federal Entity Identifier
5b. Federal Award Identifier
6. Date Received by State
7. State Application Identifier
11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title
12. Funding Opportunity Number/Title
13. Competition Identification Number/Title
16. Congressional Districts Of
Please note:
19. Is Application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? – For applications within the framework of the Austrian-American Partnership Fund, Austrian organizations check c.
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