RFPs: Mission Australia APS Grant Program (New Zealand)

Deadline: 20-Sep-2026

The U.S. Mission to New Zealand is offering cooperative agreements of $25,000 to $100,000 for projects that strengthen U.S.-Australia and Pacific partnerships through flag football, Holocaust education, or arts, culture, and education initiatives. Up to three awards may be made from a total funding pool of $300,000, with projects lasting up to 24 months.

About the U.S. Mission to New Zealand Program

The U.S. Mission to New Zealand is inviting eligible higher education institutions to propose projects that advance U.S. economic, commercial, and security interests in Australia. The programme seeks to strengthen U.S.-Australia bilateral relations, promote mutual understanding, and build connections across Australia and the Pacific through targeted public diplomacy activities. Projects must address at least one of the programme’s strategic priorities and demonstrate a clear connection to American expertise, organisations, or cultural elements. Funding Available The programme provides cooperative agreements ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 per project.

Key funding details include:

Minimum award: $25,000

Maximum award: $100,000

Total programme funding: $300,000

Expected number of awards: Up to 3

Project duration: Up to 24 months

Award type: Cooperative agreement

The number and value of awards are subject to the availability of programme funds. What Projects Can Be Supported? Applicants must propose projects addressing at least one of three strategic goals.

1. Promote Flag Football in Australia

Projects may support initiatives that increase awareness, participation, and engagement with flag football in Australia. Activities should help create stronger connections between the United States and Australia through sport while highlighting relevant American expertise and cultural connections.

2. Combat Antisemitism Through Holocaust Education

Projects may focus on Holocaust education as a tool for combating antisemitism and promoting greater awareness and understanding. Educational activities should contribute to mutual understanding and demonstrate an appropriate connection to U.S. expertise, organisations, or perspectives.

3. Strengthen Pacific Islands Partnerships

Projects may strengthen relationships among the United States, Australia, and Pacific Island communities through: The objective is to highlight common cultural connections and strengthen partnerships across the region. U.S. Connection Requirement A central requirement is that proposed projects demonstrate a clear connection to American expertise, organisations, or cultural elements. Applicants should explain how the proposed activities will help participants better understand: The United States U.S. policy perspectives American expertise U.S. cultural contributions Shared U.S.-Australia-Pacific interests Projects should therefore go beyond simply delivering a local activity and demonstrate a meaningful U.S. connection. Who Is Eligible?

The opportunity is specifically open to:

Public institutions of higher education State-controlled institutions of higher education Eligible institutions should be able to demonstrate the institutional capacity and expertise required to deliver the proposed project. The opportunity is therefore targeted at qualifying higher education institutions rather than individual applicants or general community organisations. Pacific Islands partnerships through arts, culture, education, or training

Step 2: Develop a Project Concept

Create a clear project plan explaining:

The problem or opportunity being addressed Target participants or beneficiaries Proposed activities Expected outcomes Project timeline Requested funding

Step 3: Establish the U.S. Connection

Clearly explain the role of American expertise, organisations, cultural elements, or perspectives in the project. This connection should be integrated into the project’s activities rather than treated as a minor addition.

Step 4: Prepare a Realistic Budget

The proposed budget should correspond directly to project activities and the requested cooperative agreement amount. Applicants should ensure that costs are reasonable, necessary, and clearly justified.

Step 5: Demonstrate Bilateral and Regional Impact

Explain how the project will contribute to stronger relationships between: The United States and Australia The United States, Australia, and Pacific Island communities, where relevant

Participating institutions and communities

Projects should demonstrate measurable benefits and meaningful engagement.

Step 6: Submit the Proposal

Eligible higher education institutions should submit their proposal according to the U.S. Mission’s application instructions and requirements. Why This Opportunity Matters The programme uses public diplomacy, education, sport, and cultural exchange to strengthen international partnerships. It provides higher education institutions with an opportunity to develop projects that connect American expertise and perspectives with Australian and Pacific communities. The three thematic areas also create opportunities to address broader issues such as:

Choose a clear priority: Make it obvious which strategic goal the project addresses.

Explain the U.S. connection: Clearly identify American experts, organisations, knowledge, or cultural elements involved.

Define measurable outcomes: State what participants and communities will gain.

Show regional relevance: Explain how the project contributes to U.S.-Australia or Pacific partnerships.

Build a realistic timeline: Ensure activities can be completed within the 24-month maximum.

Justify every major cost: Connect budget items directly to planned activities.

Demonstrate institutional capacity: Highlight relevant expertise, partnerships, and experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing projects unrelated to the three strategic priorities. Failing to demonstrate a meaningful U.S. connection. Presenting a project that benefits only the applicant institution wi