Recognizing the need to make a fresh start in relations between the U. S. and Russia, the Presidents of both countries created the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission in July 2009 to improve coordination between our governments and societies to address shared challenges and to explore new opportunities

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for partnership in areas of mutual interest.

To help foster greater contacts between Americans and Russians, the State Department is announcing the U.S.-Russia Peer-to-Peer Dialogue Program, which will provide small grants to support meetings, virtual interactions, exchanges, and internships between American and Russian organizations.

Applications from any kind of non-commercial organization will be welcome, including scientific groups, student associations, academic collaborators, and civil society organizations.

American or Russian organizations can submit applications, but must clearly demonstrate in their application a proposed collaboration with a peer organization in the other country.

This program is not intended to support core funding for applicants, but rather to provide new opportunities for greater dialogue, interaction, and collaboration between Russian and Americans organizations.

Projects must be non-political in nature and focus on Russian-American peer-to-peer dialogue or people-to-people engagement on themes of mutual interest.

Applicants are encouraged to incorporate innovative ways to foster interaction including the use of social media, video conferencing, short-term academic exchanges, and internships.

Successful projects will include an outcome or product that enhances greater interaction and understanding between our two societies.

The maximum amount of each grant will be $100,00 0. Please read carefully the instructions provided with this document, making sure you focus on a concrete theme for your project proposal.

Please submit the completed application by August 12, 2013 to US-RussiaDialogue@state.gov, or to the address included in the instructions.