Young Pacific Leaders Small Grants Competition 2025

Background
The U.S. Mission New Zealand Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations interested in submitting proposals to organize a comprehensive small grants program designed to provide emerging Pacific leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to become leaders in the region’s economic and civic development. As a Pacific nation, the United States has long been committed to working with partners in the region to ensure continued regional security, as well as economic growth and development.

Grant Details
The small grants program should bring together a group of emerging leaders, ages 25-40, with the goal of providing them with practical leadership skills and a deeper knowledge of regional issues related to the four pillars of the YPL program: civic engagement, environment/resource management, education, and economic and social development. The small grants program should emphasize experiential learning and capacity building in order to equip participants with the tools they need for success. The goals of the small grants should include developing the knowledge and skills of youth in the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, ensuring that emerging Pacific Islands leaders see the United States as a partner in solving regional and global challenges, building a network of emerging Pacific leaders that can share best practices and collaborate on shared challenges.

Eligibility Requirements
Not-for-profit organizations or universities are invited to submit a proposal. Participants must be alumni of the previous YPL programs. Participants should be drawn from Pacific Islands youth, including diaspora populations living in Australia and New Zealand, and Maori, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as youth working on Pacific issues in Australia and New Zealand. They should be between the ages of 25-40 with a track record of making positive impacts in their community, institution, or company, and have at least two years of professional experience. Proficiency in written and spoken English and citizenship in one of the participating countries is also required.

Period of Performance
The length of performance period is up to 36 months with an anticipated project start date on October 1, 2024. The period of performance should be approximately 18-24 months, with the event taking place in 2025.

Grant Value
The total available funding is up to $400,000 USD with one award anticipated for up to $400,000 USD.

Place of Performance
The location of the in-person training workshops should be in New Zealand.