The Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) is announcing call for applications for their Baltic-American Dialogue Program. All Baltic NGOs, public institutions, universities, chambers panning to invite lecturers or experts from the U.S. for the events and projects taking place from September 2021 till end of May 2022, are welcome to submit their applications to BAFF. Apply HERE!

Why to participate?

The Baltic-American Dialogue program fosters the exchange of ideas between the Baltic States and U.S. and stimulates international collaboration.

Public organizations in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are invited to apply for funds to host speakers from the U.S. to travel to the Baltics. BAFF provides successful applicant organizations with financial support to sponsor American speakers on topics of mutual importance and interest.

Applicant organizations are encouraged to design programs and invite speakers to address the interests of their unique constituencies. Funding is designed to cover expenses such as airfare and local lodging, meals, and transportation.

Who can participate?

Educational institutions such as universities, government entities, nongovernmental organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, social service organizations, and trade and business groups are eligible to apply for funding. Speakers should be chosen according to the needs of the sponsoring group. Since visibly strengthening U.S.-Baltic ties is a core value for the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, the strongest proposals will provide opportunities for bilateral learning and exchange of ideas between U.S. speakers and members of Baltic sponsoring institutions. In addition, proposals that promote cross-Baltic collaboration between similar groups or institutions will be given special consideration.

FUNDING

Applications will be accepted for funding of up to ,000 USD. Funds will be disbursed as required based on the schedule provided in the application but no more than 60 days prior to the event.

PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS

Since the opportunity to travel to the Baltics and meet with counterparts in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania represents a substantial benefit for potential U.S. speakers, funding does not cover speakers’ fees or honoraria. Rather, funds are intended to cover expenses such as airfare, local transportation, and accommodations and meals. Eligible expenses include:

• International airfare
• Local transportation
• Accommodations
• Meals
• Other event expenses such as IT support, or translation services
• Funding does not cover speakers’ fees or honoraria.

PROJECT EVALUATION

Proposals will be evaluated by BAFF staff. Funding is intended to augment the professional development opportunities available to host organizations. It is not intended to offset regular budgeted training costs. Special consideration will be given to proposals designed to provide opportunities for bilateral learning and exchange of ideas between American speakers and members of Baltic sponsoring institutions.

• Rationale for training and description of specific training objectives
• How training will be incorporated in practice, including assessment metrics
• Benefit to be gained by both parties (i.e., the sponsoring organization and the speaker)
• Speaker’s CV or resume
• Date or time period of the event.
• Well-researched budget, in USD, for the funds requested
• Marketing or social media plan
• Host institution support
• Size of the audience, further opportunities for collaboration, etc.

What is required for finalists?

• Finalists will be invited to present their proposals in person. Presentations should address:
• Rationale for the topic to be addressed
• Benefit to be gained by both parties (i.e., the sponsoring organization and the speaker)
• Speaker’s CV or resume
• Date or time period of the event.
• Well-researched budget, in USD, for the funds requested
• Adequate public relations including public relations related to BAFF, which may include advance publicity, sale or distribution of tickets, and arrangement for press coverage
• Support the applying or inviting institution will provide
• How the outcome of the event will be measured—assessment metrics for assessing impact of training