Launching the Next 250 Years of American and European Innovation and Growth
🏛 U.S. Mission to Belgium
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. organizations and individuals working to advance U.S.-EU relations through commemorative activities and innovation partnerships.
Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, and civil society groups can apply. Educational institutions (public and private), individuals, and public international organizations are also eligible.
Projects must celebrate U.S. history and innovation for EU audiences and advance U.S.-EU cooperation in priority sectors like trade, technology, energy, and defense. Activities run through the end of the year and focus on relationship-building with EU leaders and civil society.
Geographic scope is international, with projects based in or targeting the European Union.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for U.S. organizations and individuals working to advance U.S.-EU relations through commemorative activities and innovation partnerships.
Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, and civil society groups can apply. Educational institutions (public and private), individuals, and public international organizations are also eligible.
Projects must celebrate U.S. history and innovation for EU audiences and advance U.S.-EU cooperation in priority sectors like trade, technology, energy, and defense. Activities run through the end of the year and focus on relationship-building with EU leaders and civil society.
Geographic scope is international, with projects based in or targeting the European Union.
Program description
The U.S. Mission to the European Union’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday aims to showcase America’s rich history and honor U.S.-EU contributions to global peace, security, and prosperity. Proposed projects should celebrate U.S. history and innovation among EU audiences and advance relations and economic growth between the United States and the EU. Examples of priority issues and sectors are trade, technological innovation, energy, critical minerals and defense.
Now through the end of the year, chosen grantees will work with influential EU civil society, government, private sector, business, and industry leaders to showcase Freedom 250-themed success stories or build people-to people ties with EU institutions to advance or drive growth in priority areas. Through these activities, grantees may develop and highlight stories, policies, research, and opportunities to support U.S. and joint U.S.-EU initiatives and policies related to but not limited to trade, technological innovation, AI, energy, critical minerals, security and defense, or other critical fields that have made the United States and Europe stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for U.S. organizations and individuals working to advance U.S.-EU relations through commemorative activities and innovation partnerships.
Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, and civil society groups can apply. Educational institutions (public and private), individuals, and public international organizations are also eligible.
Projects must celebrate U.S. history and innovation for EU audiences and advance U.S.-EU cooperation in priority sectors like trade, technology, energy, and defense. Activities run through the end of the year and focus on relationship-building with EU leaders and civil society.
Geographic scope is international, with projects based in or targeting the European Union.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Evidence of Cost-Share Commitment
- Organizational Background/History
- Letters of Support from EU Partners
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. Mission to Belgium
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.040 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$4,682,072
-
$3,371,312
-
$2,650,000
-
$2,446,525
-
$2,050,500
-
$1,861,451
-
$1,700,000
-
$1,565,795
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,480,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply?
Not-for-profits, think tanks, educational institutions, individuals, and public international organizations are eligible.
What should projects focus on?
Projects must celebrate U.S. history and innovation and advance U.S.-EU relations. Priority sectors include trade, technology, AI, energy, critical minerals, security, and defense.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. Budget your proposal to include matching funds or in-kind contributions.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 26, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
What funding amounts are typical?
Awards typically range from $20,000 to $100,000. The total funding pool is $250,000.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on concrete outcomes that strengthen U.S.-EU ties. Avoid purely celebratory activities without strategic partnership value.
- Demonstrate strong connections with EU civil society, government, or business leaders. Personal relationships matter for this work.
- Align your project with at least one priority sector (trade, technology, energy, defense). Show why your sector matters for both regions.
- Document the "people-to-people" dimension clearly. This grant prioritizes relationship-building, not just information sharing.
- Build cost-sharing into your budget upfront. Show in-kind contributions from EU partners or organizational resources that strengthen the project.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals fail when they focus only on historical commemoration without clear connection to current U.S.-EU policy priorities. Projects that lack demonstrated EU partner relationships or civil society engagement miss the core intent. Applications underestimating cost-share requirements or treating them as afterthoughts often lose competitiveness.
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