BALTIC-AMERICAN
DIALOGUE
PROGRAM

WHY PARTICIPATE?

The Baltic-American Dialogue program fosters the exchange of ideas between the Baltic States and the U.S. and stimulates international collaboration. This initiative is designed to empower Baltic organizations by enabling them to host knowledgeable American speakers who can bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and practical insights on a range of critical issues.

Public organizations and NGOs in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are invited to apply for funds to host speakers from the U.S. to travel to the Baltics and share their knowledge and experiences.

BAFF provides successful applicant organizations with financial support to sponsor American speaker(-s) on topics of mutual importance and interest.

Benefits of participating in the Baltic-American Dialogue Program:

  • Access to Expert Knowledge: Engage with American professionals and experts who can share best practices, specialized knowledge, and success stories, tailored to your organization’s area of focus.

  • Strengthen International Ties: Build sustainable relationships with U.S. thought leaders and organizations, enhancing the visibility and credibility of your projects on an international stage.

  • Customized Learning Opportunities: Create events and sessions that directly address the unique needs and interests of your community, allowing for a focused exchange that maximizes impact.

  • Financial Support for Hosting: BAFF funding covers critical expenses such as airfare, lodging, meals, and local transportation, reducing financial barriers and making it easier to connect with top-tier speakers.

 

FUNDING

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.

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • 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 U.S.

    NGOs, 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 independently 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 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.

  • Applications will be accepted for funding of up to $10,000 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.

    Eligible expenses include:

    • International airfare
    • Local transportation
    • Accommodations
    • Meals
    • Other event expenses such as IT support, or translation services

    NB! Funding does not cover speakers’ fees or honoraria.

  • Proposals will be evaluated by BAFF staff. Funding is intended to elevate 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.

    Through this program, BAFF hopes to contribute to lasting partnerships and the ongoing growth and development of the Baltic States NGO sector initiatives.

  • 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

DATES & DEADLINES

Application Deadline
January 15

Decision Notification*
March 31

Implementation Period
June - January

Application Deadline
October 15

Decision Notification*
November 30

Implementation Period
January - August

*Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview before the decision notification date.

Apply

Thank you for your organization’s interest in applying to the BAFF Baltic-American Dialogue Program. You must complete the application in its entirety and submit all required documents by the published deadline - October 15, 2025 at 23:59 EET (Baltic time zone).

Please review the application checklist below.

EMAIL YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS TO BAFFINFO@CIEE.ORG

THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST WILL HELP YOU GATHER DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION:

·       Application: Download the application here, complete it, and save it (PDF required).

·       Event Proposal: (PDF required).

In a separate document, describe, in free format, the rationale for both the topic and the speaker. Include the speaker’s CV or resume. Provide a brief explanation of the benefit to be gained by both your organization and the speaker. If this is a proposal submitted by multiple organizations working together, describe the benefits you expect to gain from your collaboration. Include a description of any associated events, such as faculty symposia or student seminars. If admission will be charged, indicate who will be responsible for selling and distributing tickets. Provide a media and publicity plan for the event describing the media opportunities for your organization, your guest speaker, and for the sponsors, e.g., interviews and event coverage. Finally, describe the criteria you will use to evaluate the outcome of the event.

·       Documentation of Official Legal Status or Organizational Registration; can be in a local language (PDF required).

Funded Projects

SPRING 2025

Name of the project: Magic Lantern show in Process Festival 2025
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Baltic Analog Lab

In May, 2025, Melissa Ferrari, experimental animator, nonfiction filmmaker, magic lanternist, and educator from the US was invited to Latvia and Lithuania to participate in Experimental film festival. Melissa Ferrari’s visit to the Baltics created a unique platform for cultural and artistic exchange around the rarely-seen 19th-century projection device—the magic lantern—at the center of this year’s Process Experimental Film Festival in Riga. Through workshops, performances, and collaborations, Ferrari introduced Baltic audiences and students to the history and contemporary potential of this early cinematic technology, while building meaningful connections across the region.
She brought her original magic lantern—a rare 19th-century projection device—into active use within a contemporary festival context. By combining historical technology with modern experimental film practice, her presence not only enriched the Process festival program but also offered Baltic students and audiences a tangible, creative engagement with cinematic heritage.

Name of the project: Future Ready 2025
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Riga Business School, Riga Technical University
Invited Speaker: Dr. Randi Cherise Williams

The Future Ready 2025 conference, held on April 25 in Riga, was organized by the Latvian IT Cluster (LITK), the Latvian Digital Accelerator (LDA), and Riga Business School at Riga Technical University (RTU) as the academic partner. The event gathered over 300 participants, including entrepreneurs, IT professionals, academics, policymakers, and startup ecosystem representatives, to explore innovations shaping the future of business and society. A highlight of the program was keynote speaker Dr. Randi Williams, a technology activist and researcher currently working with Day of AI, a nonprofit initiative founded at MIT that supports teachers and students in learning responsible uses of artificial intelligence. In her talk, Dr. Williams shared strategies for preparing communities for the AI era and spoke about her upcoming research role at Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute, supported by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation.
Following the main conference, practical workshops provided entrepreneurs with tools to apply in their businesses. Sessions led by international experts covered artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and change management, offering participants concrete methods for immediate implementation.

Name of the project: Visit of Professor Daniel Hess to Riga Technical University, guest lectures
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Riga Technical University, Faculty of Architecture
Invited Speaker: Professor Daniel B. Hess
With support from the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, Riga Technical University (RTU) hosted Professor Daniel B. Hess, an urban planning scholar from the United States, for a series of guest lectures and academic engagements. Professor Hess was hosted by RTU’s Institute of Architecture and Design (ADI), where he delivered a series of at least 10 lectures and seminars on Sustainable Urban Development. The sessions were integrated into professional architecture and urban planning courses. Professor Hess also participated as a speaker in the High-Level Expert Conference “Housing Renovation and Construction for the Competitiveness of Settlements” organized at RTU in cooperation with the Society Latvijas Formula 2050, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development, and Riga City Council. His lecture, delivered with simultaneous translation in accordance with Latvian law, brought together more than 50 participants, including academics, public officials, entrepreneurs, and experts. The event was covered in national media outlets such as Latvian Radio 1 and Radio SWH and accompanied by the opening of the exhibition Housing Availability and Improving the Quality of the Living Environment in Large-Scale Residential Areas in Latvia.
Professor Hess’s visit fostered transatlantic academic exchange, strengthened Latvian expertise in sustainable urban planning, and contributed to national discussions on housing, urban development, and competitiveness. By combining high-level lectures, student engagement, expert conferences, and cultural immersion, the program deepened institutional ties and promoted dialogue between U.S. and Latvian professionals in architecture, urbanism, and policy.

Name of the project: Conference Pain free patient centered perioperative care
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Smart Business Arts
Invited Speakers: Professors Edward R. Mariano and Jean-Louis Horn

With the support of the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, NGO Smart Business Arts; Riga East University Hospital (RAKUS) in cooperation with Riga Stradins University organized the Conference on Pain-Free, Patient-Centered Perioperative Care. The event provided medical professionals and students with an in-depth look at innovations in perioperative medicine, with special attention to regional anesthesia techniques, interdisciplinary teamwork, and patient-centered care.
Invited guest professors joined Latvian colleagues in the operating block at hospital Gailezers, where video recordings were made of clinical cases using regional anesthesia and catheter placement for prolonged pain relief. These recordings later served as case studies during the conference sessions.
The official conference opened on April 25 gathered more than 200 participants—surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, medical students, and residents—attended. Keynote lectures by Professors Mariano and Horn focused on advances in postoperative pain management and regional anesthesia techniques, complemented by video case presentations and audience discussions. By combining high-level expertise with hands-on demonstrations and collaborative discussions, the conference represented a significant step toward improving patient outcomes, advancing perioperative medicine, and strengthening international cooperation in healthcare.

Name of the project: Exhibition as Laboratory: Curating within the Univeristy Art Museum, part of Kim? contemporary art festival EDEN
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Contemporary art center Kim?
Invited Speaker: Curator Alaina Claire Feldman
Under the framework of the Kim? Contemporary Art Centre’s EDEN: Coming of Age festival, the “Exhibition as Laboratory” initiative transformed the exhibition into a dynamic site of learning, experimentation, and institutional inquiry. Spanning lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and public engagement, the project reframed university art museums—and their public programs—as vital spaces for interdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration, and education.
On June 10, 2025, at Kim?’s future site on Hanzas 22 in Riga, Feldman delivered the lecture “We Don’t Need No Education: Curating Within and Beyond the School”. Drawing upon her experience at university art institutions, she discussed how such museums serve as forums for interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, and community engagement, moving beyond conventional notions of academic spaces. She also led a workshop for 20 students from the Art Academy of Latvia. The session included interactive postcard exercises and a livestreamed discussion connecting students from Riga with their peers at the University of California, Irvine.
The core EDEN: Coming of Age exhibition ran from June 6 to August 1, curated by Alaina Claire Feldman in partnership with Zane Onckule, the exhibition was part of a broader festival program incorporating performances, installations, and educational interventions.

FALL 2024

Name of the project: Pre and post-operative OA rehabilitation Digitization
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: The Latvian Association of Physiotherapists, Musculoskeletal Subgroup
The event, organized by the Latvian Association of Physiotherapists (LAP), successfully advanced discussions on pre- and post-operative rehabilitation for osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions through digitalization and multidisciplinary collaboration. Held on September 6-7, 2024, in Valmiera, Latvia, at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), the event focused on regional development and featured Professor Julia Chevan, a renowned expert in rehabilitation policies, digitalization, and the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health). The primary goal was to improve rehabilitation practices, share OA (osteoarthritis) and digitization-related knowledge, and promote collaboration between healthcare professionals from Latvia, the Baltic region, and the U.S. The event included a comprehensive program to expand the understanding and implementation of digitalized rehabilitation methods, particularly for pre-operative care in osteoarthritis and chronic conditions. Prof. Chevan participated in strategic discussions with Latvian health authorities to explore further collaboration and policy development. Discussions with health sector representatives and stakeholders contributed to shaping national strategies for digitalized rehabilitation in the Baltic region particularly in Latvia.

Name of the project: Lectures, seminars and masterclasses by voice teachers and researchers Joanne and Kenneth Bozeman
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Latvian Association of Teachers of Singing

During an intensive two-week long program voice teachers and researchers Kenneth and Joanne Bozeman held 12 lectures, 3 workshops and numerous practical lessons in Riga and Liepāja for Latvian singers, teachers of singing, choral conductors, speech-language pathologists and other professionals working with speaking and singing voice. Professor Kenneth Bozeman spoke on his primary topic of expertise, vocal acoustics and kinesthetic vocal pedagogy, as well as subjects such as vocal expression, acoustic and functional recommendations for belting and choral singing. Joanne Bozeman informed about the impact of the hormonal seasons on the singing and speaking voice, especially in female voices during pregnancy and menopause, and talked about singing with hypermobility, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). A highlight of the project were the masterclasses and practical lessons led by both teachers, where they passed on their vast knowledge and skills to the singing students on stage and their teachers in the audience. All events of the program were available to any applicant without any attendance fee.

Name of the project: Conference The Role of Family Firms in Long-Term Sustainability
Location: Lithuania
Implementing organization: ISM University of Management and Economics

On June, 2024 in Vilnius the ISM University of Management and Economics held the conference “The Role of Family Firms in Long-Term Sustainability,” where Dr. Dennis Jaffe (Cornell University) and Prof. Christina R. Wing (Harvard Business School) played pivotal roles, supported by BAFF funding. Dr. Jaffe’s keynote, “Achieving Engaged Family Governance,” drew from 100-year family businesses to provide insights on sustaining enterprises across generations. Prof. Wing's talk, “Family Offices—Another Family Business,” highlighted the growing significance of family offices globally. Both also led workshops on "Long-lasting Enterprising Families" and "Difficult Conversations," and met with next-gen Lithuanian family members. The event, attended by over 130 participants from 15 countries, brought together family business leaders, academics, and advisors, with family business representatives making up the largest group. Jaffe and Wing’s contributions, alongside engaging presentations and networking opportunities, significantly impacted discussions on family governance, succession, and long-term sustainability. Feedback from attendees indicated high satisfaction with their keynotes.

SPRING 2024

Name of the project: National Culture Forum “Cultural Entrepreneurship
Location: Lithuania
Implementing organization: National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries

At the National Culture Forum “Cultural Entrepreneurship organized by National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries on June, 2024 in Kaunas, Lithuania, Jay H. Dick, Senior Director of State and Local Government Affairs at Americans for the Arts, was the keynote speaker. His presentation, titled "Unpacking how the CCI impacts our daily lives – the seen, the unseen, and the hidden," highlighted the cultural and creative industries' (CCI) contributions to the economy, innovation, and society. Drawing on his expertise in advocacy and policy, Dick provided data to show how CCI drives job creation, attracts investment, improves quality of life, and fosters inclusivity. His presentation was well-received by the diverse audience from many from Lithuanian regions. Additionally, prof. Dick met with Vilnius Municipality representatives and CCI professionals to discuss expanding CCI in Lithuania, creating a creative hub in Vilnius, and attracting investment to promote the city as a Creative City.

Name of the project: The future of Animation
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Daugavpils school of design Saules Skola

The project was organized mainly as training activities provided by the invited speaker, meetings with teachers and students, and cultural activities in Latvia. The  School invited Mr. Stephan Leeper, who is the founding professor of two university-level animation programs, most recently at Central Michigan University where he teaches classes in traditional animation, storytelling, and animated filmmaking. For participation at the Training course 18 students from audiovisual communication design and photo design were selected. Teachers, artists, and other students were invited to participate as spectators and supervisors. During the training course students explored narrative adaptation by navigating from the pages of a traditional sketchbook, to digital image editing. The presentation event welcomed not only school students and teachers but also representatives of City Council, artists and regional, and local mass media.

Name of the project: Hyper Weekend hip-hop and house dance workshops
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Latvian Association of Modern and Hip-Hop professional dance

Hyper weekend hip-hop and house dance workshops and lecture on February 10-11, 2024 in Riga, Latvia was a two-day event organized by Latvian Association of Modern and Hip-hop professional dance. Hyper weekend featured dance workshops and lectures on hip-hop culture and house dance with invited expert Caleaf Sellers from USA – one of the pioneers of the culture and true legend from the New York dance movement of the late 80’s, who keeps actively working in the dance scene, traveling around the world, sharing his knowledge and experience. The event consisted of a one-of-a-kind kids academy specifically dedicated to educating the young dancers as well as hip-hop and house dance workshops and laboratories for dancers of all ages and skill levels, jam session, lecture and a panel discussion – all for an audience from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Name of the project: Dynamic triage of Limited Public Health Resources: models as tools for making real-world decisions
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: University of Latvia

The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to research into how mathematical models could be used to improve public health that varied from groundbreaking to misleading and even dangerous. This variability in the quality of work highlighted the need for ongoing collaborations between scientists, mathematicians, and public health officials that start before the next pandemic takes hold. The objective of this visit was to deepen relationships between the relationships between the Medical and Mathematics faculty at the University of Latvia and public health officials. To that end, Dr. Romero-Severson presented a mini-symposium highlighting the use of mathematical models for the triage of limited public health resources. The symposium highlighted the need not only for technical expertise, and mathematical rigor, but also for a shared set of values that emphasize pragmatism and the need to focus on real public health questions. Dr. Romero-Severson also gave an open lecture covering how our perspectives on biotechnology may be affecting the trajectory of public health funding and argued for a vision of infectious disease surveillance that can be both adaptive to local conditions and provide feedback on the efficacy of intervention programs.

Name of the project: Novatore Impact Summit
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Riga Technical University

The third Novatore Impact Summit took place on March 7, 2024 in Riga, bringing together 300 senior and mid-level women executives from the Baltic states who want to develop their businesses and make new business contacts. The conference's main themes were financial well-being, women's leadership, and sustainable living. The event also included workshops to develop women's leadership skills. The summit aims to strengthen women's economic empowerment and prosperity by promoting women's leadership in senior business positions and entrepreneurship. Men equally are invited to attend to learn about the importance of equal opportunities for business and national economic development. The conference featured presentations by international and local leaders sharing their experiences, knowledge, and personal stories. The keynote speaker, brought to Latvia with the support of BAFF, was Linda Scott, Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Oxford University.

Name of the project: Gathering of Adventure Therapy Europe (GATE)
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Adventure Therapy Latvia

From 19-22 June Denise Mitten participated in the 4th Gathering of Adventure Therapy Europe (GATE) in Sigulda. About 180 participants from 23 countries (Europe, Canada, Australia, Israel, etc.) participated in this event. The participants represented such fields as social work, pedagogy, medicine, psychology, psychotherapy, experiential education, mentoring, nature and outdoor practitioners. Among the participants were the world's leading experts in the field of adventure and nature therapy, as well as those interested in expanding their knowledge in this field. This event included both theoretical presentations and workshops, as well as various cultural activities, such as a talent show, F*ck up nights, celebrating Solstice in Latvian traditions, etc. During this event Denise Mitten facilitated a key-note speech “Promise of adventure therapy 4.0: Gifts and reciprocal relationships” and a workshop “Language About the Natural Environment”, also participated in different presentations and workshops. Denise's participation in the GATE conference has made a significant contribution to the knowledge of specialists about examples of good practice, by asking provocative questions and challenging the existing theories.

Name of the project: Medical Library Advancement Initiative: Strengthening Latvian Research Capabilities through U.S. Expertise
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Riga Stradins University Library

The project aimed to enhance academic and medical libraries by leveraging expert knowledge. Academic and medical libraries play a crucial role in education and healthcare in Latvia, making initiatives to improve their services essential. Two days were dedicated to guest lectures at the Riga Stradins University by experts in the academic library field from the USA. Their topics were carefully selected to address key challenges and opportunities in academic libraries and the improvement of their services. The audience consisted of academic librarians, researchers, postgraduate students, and colleagues from RSU Research Department. The following organizations were represented: Riga Stradins University, University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, Latvian Academy of Sport Education, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, ARS Medicine Center. Experts shared their experiences on important topics such as the importance of systematic reviews and ways to improve them, aspects and importance of PRISMA-S, the importance of research data management and good practices, first-generation students and why librarians should care, and more.

Name of the project: Exchanging Ideas for the Economic Development: Formation of Business Communities and Clusters in Latgale as a Border Region
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Joint Municipal Institution Rezekne Special Economic Zone Authority

The project "Exchanging Ideas for the Economic Development: Formation of Business Clusters in Latgale as a Border Region" was held in Rezekne, Latvia, on August 22 - August 23, 2024. The issue of the business communities and clusters and their development in the region was chosen because they are not as developed and active in the Latgale region and there is a lack of common daily interaction and cooperation among the businesses in Latgale. developing a business community. Mr. Sipols provided valuable insight into the business community development policies in the Keweenaw region, which is also a border region and faces similar problems as Latgale. He also pointed out some business community support mechanisms that could also be applied in the Latgale region.