The U.S. Embassy Small Grants program supports the enduring alliance between the United States and Latvia. A U.S. Embassy Small Grants project must result in at least one of the following in Latvia:

• Stronger Democratic Institutions, including strengthened civil society, greater access to credible and independent news sources, capacity to resist disinformation, improved social inclusion, and expanded support for rule of law.
• Enduring Cultural Ties between the United States & Latvia, including projects that highlight the breadth and depth of the U.S.-Latvia partnership or showcase American cultural elements that are unique, novel, and meaningful to Latvian audiences.
• Enhanced European and Transatlantic Security, including support for NATO, cyber issues, and other shared security challenges.
• Sustainable, shared economic growth, including support for STEAM education, solving environmental problems, entrepreneurship, and economic development for underrepresented communities.

The U.S. Embassy grants program is not accepting applications at this time. Please check this page periodically for updates.

The Embassy adheres to U.S. Government rules and regulations pertaining to grants administration. Questions related to the Small Grants Program may be referred to EmbassyRiga@state.gov or +371 6710 7109.

Eligibility:

1. The Embassy may award grants only to individuals or to non-profit organizations.
2. Third country organizations and individuals (non-Latvian and non-U.S.) are not eligible for grants.
3. Grants are made on a one-time basis per U.S. fiscal year (October to September). A repeat grant to a particular organization may be issued if the Embassy determines the activity advances a clearly defined priority objective.
4. Projects must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institutions(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
5. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: programs relating to partisan political activity, construction programs, programs that support specific religious activities, fundraising campaigns, lobbying for specific legislation or programs, scientific research, or projects to create original journalistic content or fund journalist salaries.
6. Proposed projects should target audiences in Latvia.
7. Applications must be submitted in English.

Allowable Budget Items:

1. Grants should not provide for long-term infrastructure needs. Grants cannot be used to buy equipment (cameras, microphones, computers etc.).
2. Salaries, overhead, and other administrative expenses are allowable only as they relate to specific project activities. Salary or honoraria should be listed according to rate of pay and percentage of time spent on program-related activities.
3. Grant funds cannot be used to pay for expenses (such as travel, per diem, lodging, honoraria, etc.) incurred by third country (non-Latvian and non-US) individuals.
4. Funds for events (food, beverages, etc.) should not exceed 10% of the total project budget.
5. No single grant may exceed 15,000 USD.
6. International air transportation must be performed by U.S. airlines and airlines that are part of the “open skies” agreements: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103191.
7. Grant funds can support only economy class airfare.
8. All payments should be done through the bank account of the grantee organization or individual.

Application Process

1. Proposals may be submitted here.
2. Review of grant proposals is carried out by the U.S. Embassy Grants Committee. The purpose of the review is to ensure compliance with embassy priorities, program parameters, and to verify that budgets are accurate and allowable.
3. Budgets should be calculated in U.S. dollars. Budgets should be as detailed as possible, to avoid delays in funding.
4. You should submit your application at least 3 months ahead of the commencement of your project.

Publicity

Any publication that includes a reference to U.S. Embassy support or the U.S. logo must be approved by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy prior to publication. The US Embassy logo (US flag) can be found here.

All publications must contain the reference that project has been supported by the Embassy in accordance with the grant guidelines using the following text: “This project has been developed with the support of the US Embassy in Latvia. The views, conclusions or recommendations expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the United States Department of State.”