Baltic American Dialogue

The Baltic-American Dialogue program brings Baltic organizations and American experts together to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and spark new collaboration. Through the program, public organizations and NGOs in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania can invite U.S. speakers to share fresh perspectives, practical experience, and innovative approaches to the challenges shaping our societies today.

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  • ✦ Up to USD 10 000

  • ✦ 9 months

  • ✦ Master students & recent graduates

  • ✦ From Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

  • ✦ United States

Why Participate?

The Baltic-American Dialogue program fosters the exchange of ideas between the Baltic States and the United States and stimulates international collaboration. The initiative empowers Baltic organizations to host knowledgeable American speakers who bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and practical insights on critical issues.

Public organizations and NGOs in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are invited to apply for funding to host speakers from the United States who can share their knowledge and experience in fields responding to today’s geopolitical challenges.

• Cybersecurity & Digital Security

• Critical Infrastructure Protection

• Supply-Chain Security & Resilience

• Crowd & Public-Space Security

• Civil Protection & Crisis Management

• Health Security

• Energy Security

• Border & Transportation Security

• Social & Community Resilience

• Economic / Strategic Security

• Environmental & Climate Security

• Cultural Heritage Protection

What You’ll gain

  • Access to Expert Knowledge

    Engage with American professionals and experts who can share best practices, specialized knowledge, and lessons learned.

  • Strengthen International Ties

    Build sustainable relationships with U.S. thought leaders and organizations.

  • Customized Learning Opportunities

    Design events and sessions tailored to the selected topic, enabling a focused exchange that maximizes impact.

  • Financial Support for Hosting

    BAFF funding covers eligible expenses such as airfare, lodging, meals, and local transportation, reducing financial barriers to connecting with leading speakers.

Who can participate?

The program welcomes applications from NGOs and public organizations with project ideas that align with the program’s mission. Successful applicants are encouraged to design impactful projects that address pressing issues and actively contribute to dialogue between the Baltic States and the United States.

Eligible applicants include NGOs; educational institutions such as universities; government entities; nongovernmental organizations such as chambers of commerce; social service organizations; and trade and business groups.

Speakers should be selected independently based on the topic, relevance, and relevant experience.

Because strengthening U.S.–Baltic ties is a core value of the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, the strongest proposals will provide meaningful opportunities for learning and exchange between U.S. speakers and members of Baltic sponsoring institutions. Proposals that promote cross-Baltic collaboration among similar groups or institutions will receive special consideration.

BAFF support

Applications may request funding of up to $10,000 USD. Funds will be disbursed as required according to the schedule provided in the application, but no earlier than 60 days before the event.

What Types of Expenses Can Be Included in a Proposal?

  • International airfare

  • Local transportation

  • Accommodation

  • Meals

  • Other event expenses, such as IT support or translation services

Funding does not cover speakers’ fees or honoraria.

How Will Proposals Be Evaluated?

Proposals will be evaluated by BAFF staff and members of the Board of Directors. Funding is intended to expand professional development opportunities available to host organizations and is not intended to offset regularly budgeted training costs.

Special consideration will be given to proposals that create opportunities for bilateral learning and the exchange of ideas between American speakers and members of Baltic sponsoring institutions.

Projects should address one or more of the following areas

  • Prevention

  • Protection

  • Preparedness

  • Response

  • Recovery

  • Resilience

Applications should include

  • Rationale for the training and a description of specific training objectives

  • How the training will be incorporated into practice, including assessment metrics

  • Expected impact

  • Speaker’s CV or résumé

  • Date or time period of the event

  • A well-researched budget, in USD, for the funds requested

  • A marketing or social media plan

  • Host institution support

  • Expected audience size and further opportunities for collaboration

What Is Required of Finalists?

Finalists will be invited to present their proposals in person. Presentations should address:

  • Rationale for the topic to be addressed

  • Benefits to both parties—the sponsoring organization and the speaker

  • Speaker’s CV or résumé

  • Date or time period of the event

  • A well-researched budget, in USD, for the funds requested

  • Adequate public relations, including public relations related to BAFF, which may include advance publicity, ticket sales or distribution, and arrangements for press coverage

  • Support the applying or inviting institution will provide

  • How the outcome of the event will be measured, including assessment metrics for evaluating impact

Dates & Deadlines

Application Deadline

December 1, 2026

Notification Date

February 1, 2027