Every day we work to promote the development of Portugal in cooperation with the United States of America. And it’s by assuming this mission that FLAD constitutes itself as a bridge between the two countries, a resource of excellence among those who seek and offer opportunities in the USA in different areas.
As we celebrate 35 years we want FLAD to be involved in projects of undeniable value and to be recognized as an accessible, humane and modern institution, which rewards merit and value creation.
Focusing on four major areas – Science and Technology, Education, Art and Culture and Transatlantic Relations – FLAD wants to pave the way for the Portuguese scientific, academic and artistic potential, strengthen Portuguese-American communities and bring people and institutions closer together from the two sides of the Atlantic.
And, of course, in addition to our regular grants, programs, and open calls, it is very important for us to have your ideas and projects, framed in this promising relationship between Portugal and the United States of America, in which the Azores have a special role.
Join us!
FLAD is the result of the strong relationship between Portugal and the United States of America.
Longtime allies, the two countries have had a close relationship for several decades, which gained intensity after the Second World War, with Portugal’s access to the Marshall and OECE Plan in 1948, and inclusion in NATO in 1949, together with the broad economic aid program granted to Portugal for its democratic consolidation, after the 25th of April of 1974.
But one of the most remarkable moments for FLAD to be born is the Cooperation and Defense Agreement between Portugal and the United States of America, in 1983. In it the Portuguese government accepted the military facilities intended by the American government, such as the continuation of the North-American stay at the Lajes Base, until 1991. On the other hand, the USA agreed to grant a set of support (military, economic and energetic), among which was the creation of the Luso-American Development Foundation.
The formalization of the creation of FLAD took place on the 20th of May of 1985, with the approval of the Decree-Law n.º 168/85. The Luso-American Development Foundation was thus constituted as a Portuguese institution, financially autonomous and private, designed to contribute to the national development, through the promotion of scientific, technical, cultural, educational, commercial and business cooperation between the two countries.
On that date, FLAD had a capital of 85 million euros. The management of this endowment allows the autonomous exercise of FLAD’s mission, to which other revenues from statutory activities also contribute.
Member of the main national and international networks of foundations (The Portuguese Foundation Center – CPF; The European Foundation Center – EFC), FLAD is recognized as one of the most important Portuguese foundations. It has opened doors to the United States for almost 35 years, developing Portugal, the Portuguese and Portuguese descendants, in partnership with leading institutions, while supporting projects of recognized value.