Baltic-American Dialogue Program

Provides funding for NGOs and public organizations in the Baltic States to invite U.S. experts to visit and share knowledge, fostering exchange of ideas and international collaboration between the Baltic States and the U.S.

Geographic Scope: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

Eligible Applicants:

• NGOs and public organizations
• Educational institutions (universities)
• Government entities
• Nongovernmental organizations such as Chambers of Commerce
• Social service organizations
• Trade and business groups

Focus Areas:

• Topics of mutual importance and interest aligned with organization's mission
• Range of critical issues addressed by American experts
• Professional development opportunities
• Best practices and specialized knowledge from U.S. professionals

Program Goals:

• Empower Baltic organizations with access to expert knowledge
• Strengthen international ties between Baltic States and U.S.
• Build sustainable relationships with U.S. thought leaders
• Create customized learning opportunities
• Promote bilateral learning and exchange of ideas
• Support cross-Baltic collaboration between similar institutions

Funding Covered:

• International airfare
• Local transportation
• Accommodations
• Meals
• Other event expenses (IT support, translation services)

Funding NOT Covered:

• Speaker fees or honoraria

Maximum Award: $10,000 USD per proposal

Special Considerations:

• Proposals promoting cross-Baltic collaboration receive special consideration
• Proposals emphasizing bilateral learning and exchange of ideas receive priority
• Funding intended to elevate professional development opportunities, not offset regular budgeted training costs

Disbursement Schedule: Funds disbursed as needed based on application schedule, but no more than 60 days prior to event

Application Process

Required Components:

1. Rationale and Objectives
- Description of specific training objectives
- Rationale for the topic to be addressed

2. Implementation Plan
- How training will be incorporated in practice
- Assessment metrics for measuring impact

3. Mutual Benefit
- Specific benefits to sponsoring organization
- Specific benefits to speaker/American expert

4. Speaker Information
- Speaker CV or resume
- Speaker's expertise and qualifications
- Speaker selected independently according to sponsoring group's needs

5. Event Details
- Date or time period of proposed event
- Expected audience size
- Further opportunities for collaboration

6. Budget
- Well-researched budget in USD
- Itemized expenses for airfare, transportation, accommodations, meals, other costs
- Must not exceed $10,000

7. Marketing and Outreach
- Marketing or social media plan
- Public relations strategy including advance publicity
- Plans for press coverage
- Ticket sales or distribution if applicable

8. Institutional Support
- Documentation of host institution support
- Evidence of organizational commitment

9. Evaluation Criteria Addressed
- How proposal meets program mission
- Emphasis on bilateral exchange and learning
- Cross-Baltic collaboration elements

Selection Process:

BAFF staff reviews all proposals

Finalists invited to present proposals in person

Presentations should address all above components

Finalist Presentation Requirements:

Present rationale for topic

Demonstrate mutual benefits

Present speaker CV and qualifications

Confirm event date/timeline

Present detailed budget

Outline public relations and marketing approach

Describe institutional support

Submission: Return completed applications to baffinfo@ciee.org