Education grants (Under $50K)

This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Purpose of Small Grants: The Austrian-American Partnership Fund (AAPF) is organized to fund projects advancing collaboration and dialogue and expand cooperation between Austria and the United States. AAPF accepts applications for funding for innovative projects that seek to bring American perspectives to Austria or connect Americans and Austrians in the following priority areas: • Promote understanding of U.S. global foreign policy and economic priorities and interests among Austrian publics, particularly young people, and support U.S.-Austrian initiatives that advance these priorities. • Contribute to strengthening U.S.-Austria efforts to combat shared transnational threats, such as terrorism, illegal migration, antisemitism, or drug trafficking. • Enhance understanding of the United States and U.S.-Austrian shared history and celebrate American arts, film, sports, and music, particularly among youth, including in connection with America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. • Highlight American technological and scientific innovation and economic dynamism and create opportunities for U.S.-Austria collaboration in these fields. Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis and subject to the availability of Public Diplomacy funds for Fiscal Year 2026. The selection process can take up to two - three months. ELIGIBILITY The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from Austria, European or, U.S.-based organizations and individuals with proven experience of executing programs. Proposals that demonstrate the long-term sustainability of the proposed project will receive priority. The following organizations are eligible to apply: • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations • Public and private educational institutions • Individuals

The School-based Nursery (SBN) Capital Grant 2027 to 2030 (phase 3) is a local authority-led delivery model. Local authorities are responsible for developing and submitting multi-year funding proposals that set out plans for creating or expanding SBN provision in their area. These proposals can include projects across state-funded primary schools, maintained nursery schools (MNS), and Best Start Family Hub (BSFH) sites. This is the third phase of the school-based nurseries programme. It builds on the foundations of phase 1 (SBN Capital Grant 2024 to 2025) and phase 2 (SBN Capital Grant 2025 to 2026) and has an increased focus on supporting disadvantaged families to access early years provision.

Skills Bursaries provide grants of up to £1,000 for people seeking to grow their expertise in community heritage work. Open to applicants at any stage of their personal or professional journey, these bursaries can be used for training, mentoring, attending workshops, or other professional development activities related to heritage and community engagement to be determined by you. Offered on a rolling basis, Skills Bursaries are designed to be accessible and responsive, helping to build confidence and capacity across the sector—particularly among those who may not have had access to such opportunities before.