About BAFF
Mission
Continuing a longstanding American commitment to the Baltic region, the mission of the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) is to deepen the ties between Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the United States. Through strategic programs of education and exchange, we focus on strengthening regional security, advancing economic growth, and defending shared democratic values.
Our current funding and scholarship opportunities empower individuals and organizations to make a tangible impact:
Baltic-American Security Exchange (BASE) for Baltic and U.S. security professionals focused on civil preparedness and defense.
Baltic-American Dialogue for educational institutions, government entities, and NGOs hosting U.S. experts to foster resilience and collaboration.
BAFF Fellowship Program for driven university students and recent graduates building international expertise.
Leadership Academy for ambitious high school students developing modern leadership skills.
We invite individuals and organizations dedicated to shaping a secure and prosperous Baltic future to apply for the appropriate BAFF program. Please contact us to learn how we can support your ambitions.
History & Funding
In 1989, the United States Congress enacted the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act, which authorized the creation of enterprise funds to assist the development of private market economies in Central and Eastern Europe. SEED established the funds as unique “public-private partnerships” for the purpose of investing U.S. government funds to support the private sector and nascent market economies of Poland and Hungary. Subsequent Foreign Appropriations Acts extended the authorization to establish funds in other Central and Eastern European countries, including the Baltic States.
From 1989 to 1994, the U.S. Congress, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), appropriated $1.3 billion to establish 10 new investment funds, known collectively as the Enterprise Funds, throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
The Baltic-American Enterprise Fund (BalAEF) was established in 1994 to contribute to private-sector development in the Baltic States. BalAEF’s work in the region focused on the development and funding of primary and secondary mortgage market activities, as well as the provision of capital to growth-oriented companies. The fund originated some 19,800 mortgage loans and financed more than 125 businesses.
By late 2008, as BalAEF prepared to exit its investments, the fund’s leadership turned its attention to what it might “leave behind” as a legacy to continue enriching ties between the United States and Baltic citizens. Taking a cue from other Enterprise Funds, BalAEF’s leadership began setting up a legacy foundation, which became the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF). The board saw BAFF as a natural outgrowth of the fund’s original mission.
In 2010, BAFF was established and authorized by USAID to fund educational exchange programs collectively known as BAFF Scholarships. With an endowment from BalAEF that exceeded $35 million—after returning $25 million to the U.S. Treasury—BAFF has thus far disbursed more than $22 million in scholarships to over 1,000 participants. The scholarships provided by BAFF are intended to be a gift from the American people to the citizens of the Baltic States, furthering the friendship and goodwill that exists between Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the United States.
Board of Directors
The Baltic-American Freedom Foundation is governed by a distinguished Board of Directors comprised of leading experts in transatlantic relations, business, security, and diplomacy. Drawing upon decades of combined experience across the public and private sectors in both the United States and the Baltic States, the Board provides strategic oversight and ensures that every program strictly aligns with BAFF’s mission: to deepen regional security, foster economic growth, and empower the next generation of Baltic leaders.
Building on the historic legacy of the original Baltic-American Enterprise Fund (BalAEF), the Directors share a profound, long-standing dedication to the region's prosperity. Their hands-on leadership directly shapes BAFF’s strategic initiatives—from expanding cross-border security dialogues to cultivating new professional exchange opportunities. By actively bridging American and Baltic institutions, the Board ensures that this unique U.S. investment continues to adapt, thrive, and deliver a meaningful impact for future generations.
Cenet
Cultural Exchange Network (Cenet) administers and supports BAFF's professional exchange scholarship programs. Founded in 1996, Cenet is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing international education, cultural exchange, and professional development.
Designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor multiple BridgeUSA J-1 Exchange Visitor programs, Cenet has helped thousands of participants gain valuable international experience while fostering mutual understanding between countries and cultures.
Through its work with BAFF, Cenet is committed to creating meaningful exchange opportunities that support professional growth, leadership development, and lasting global connections.
