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IMPORTNAT NOTE: 
We are proceeding with our normal internal competition schedule even though there is not currently a live solicitation for the NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program. We are monitoring the program and will provide updates as they are available. If there are major changes in a new solicitation, we will work with applicants to respond accordingly. 

Apply to Internal Competition // Limit: 4 (subject to change, see above) // Tickets Available: 4

Limiting Language
Each performing organization may submit in revised "Tracks" as defined below, with no more than two (2) submissions in Track 1 and no more than one (1) submission in Track 2. For the newly defined Track 3, no more than one (1) submission per competition is permitted. As a result, it is now possible for an institution to submit up to four MRI proposals within the Track limits as described above.

Inclusion as a funded subawardee on a development proposal at a level in excess of 20% of the total budget requested from NSF, or as a funded subawardee, when allowed, on any acquisition proposal, will be counted against an organization's proposal submission limit. If you plan to partner at a level in excess of 20%, please notify RDS by the internal deadline. 

Program Description

The NSF Major Research Instrumentation Grant is awaiting a new solicitation. The old solicitation for the program is linked here. The program page is linked here. Details from the previous solicitation are included below.

The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program (MRI Program Website) serves to increase access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and research training in our Nation's institutions of higher education and not-for-profit scientific/engineering research organizations. An MRI award supports the acquisition of a multi-user research instrument that is commercially available through direct purchase from a vendor, or for the personnel costs and equipment that are required for the development of an instrument with new capabilities, thereby advancing instrumentation capabilities and enhancing expertise for instrument design and fabrication at academic institutions. MRI instruments are, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs.

MRI provides support to acquire critical research instrumentation without which advances in fundamental science and engineering research may not otherwise occur. MRI also provides support to obtain next-generation research instruments by developing instruments with new capabilities that open new opportunities to advance the frontiers in science and engineering research. Additionally, an MRI award is expected to enhance research training of students who will become the next generation of instrument users, designers and builders.

An MRI proposal may request from NSF up to $4 million for either acquisition or development of a research instrument. Each performing organization may submit in revised "Tracks" as defined below, with no more than two (2) submissions in Track 1 and no more than one (1) submission in Track 2. For the newly defined Track 3, no more than one (1) submission per competition is permitted. As a result, it is now possible for an institution to submit up to four MRI proposals within the Track limits as described above.

• Track 1: Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than $100,0001 and less than $1,400,000.
• Track 2: Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including $4,000,000.
• Track 3: Track 3 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,0001 and less than or equal to $4,000,000 that include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to conserve or reduce the consumption of helium. Institutions may submit no more than one Track 3 proposal. Submission of a Track 3 proposal does not impact limits that apply for Track 1 and Track 2 proposals.

Cost sharing requirements for new awards in the MRI Program are waived for a period of 5 years beginning with the FY 2023 MRI competition. Institutional submission limits for Track 1, Track 2 and Track 3 proposals remain.

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the PSI document.

Executive Summary
The STRIVE Program’s goal is to strengthen U.S. global leadership by supporting U.S. higher education institutions to equip the next generation of American leaders with the vital knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to advance U.S. commercial and security interests. ECA previously engaged U.S. higher education institutions in similar activities through the IDEAS Program. The STRIVE Program increases the U.S. institutions and students engaging overseas while aligning activities to better support U.S. prosperity and security.

The STRIVE Program provides competitively selected subawards and resources to U.S. colleges and universities to establish international partnerships and programming that prepare U.S. undergraduate and graduate students for careers in industries critical to U.S. prosperity and security. The STRIVE Program has three main objectives:

• Increase the number of U.S. higher education institutions developing international partnerships to maintain U.S. global leadership and influence in higher education, counter malign influence of other actors in foreign higher education systems, and align global academic innovation with U.S. priorities.
• Increase the number of U.S. undergraduate and graduate students studying, interning, apprenticing, and/or researching abroad on programs that prepare them to fulfill domestic labor needs, ensuring a skilled U.S. workforce that can effectively advance U.S. commercial and security interests.
• Increase the strategic locations where U.S. undergraduate and graduate students study, intern, apprentice, and/or research abroad. Growing foreign public’s interactions with U.S. students, culture, and business practices helps lay the foundation for strengthened diplomatic, security, economic, and trade ties.

Pending availability of funds, the recipient will work in close consultation with ECA to implement two main components to achieve the STRIVE Program goal and objectives under this award:

1.  Small Grants Competition and Oversight: The award recipient will implement at least one open, merit-based competition that will result in at least 25 subawards to accredited U.S. colleges and universities to develop international academic programs that equip U.S. students to meet domestic labor needs in industries critical to U.S. commercial and security interests. The developed programs can include credit-bearing study, internship, apprenticeship, and/or research abroad activities and be open to U.S. undergraduate and/or graduate students. The award recipient should look for efficiencies to maximize the amount of funding dedicated to subawards. The award recipient will monitor and support subaward recipients as they implement project activities and build institutional capacity to develop international programs aligned with U.S. economic and security needs.
2. Higher Education Partnerships Initiative: The award recipient will develop and implement a cohesive series of engagements to foster partnerships between U.S. and global higher education institutions that will lead to study, internship, apprenticeship, and/or research exchanges in one or more fields critical to U.S. commercial and security interests. The field(s) of focus will be determined in consultation with ECA but could include artificial intelligence / supercomputing, critical minerals, emerging technologies and innovations, and energy, among others. This initiative should include virtual and/or in-person seminars open to all U.S. and foreign higher education institutions, as well as an in-person forum held in conjunction with a major industry conference that will bring together approximately 40 total U.S. and foreign higher education leaders to explore partnership opportunities.
    

Request Ticket // Limit: 8 (one per program option) // Tickets Available: 8

Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization per program option. In cases where more than one submission per program option from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission for that option made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant for that program option.

Executive Summary
The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce an open competition for the FY 2026 Youth Ambassadors program. Proposals may be submitted to implement one, or more, of eight program options outlined in this solicitation. A different proposal must be submitted for each program option, if applying for more than one. You must clearly identify which program option a proposal is for, early in the Executive Summary of the proposal. The Youth Ambassadors program provides groups of youth and adult mentor (select programs) participants from select countries in the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (AF), East Asia and Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR), Middle East and North Africa (NEA), South Central Asia (SCA), the Western Hemisphere (WHA), and the United States of America (USA) , with a three-week exchange focusing on youth leadership. In addition to participants travelling internationally, exchanges will include U.S. youth and adult mentors participating as peers in U.S. based exchanges. As applicants explore the main theme of leadership,3 they are encouraged to showcase creative and transformative application of AI concepts, resources, strategies, and tools. Program participants will apply knowledge gained on the program to implement follow-on projects in their home communities.

Request Ticket // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the PSI document.

Executive Summary
The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA, invites proposal submissions for the design and implementation of the FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program (Albright SUSIs). The four Albright SUSIs will take place over five weeks in summer 2027. 

The Albright SUSIs will focus on one of two themes: 1) Economic Prosperity and Growth (two SUSIs) and 2) Governance and Security (two SUSIs). See details in section C. Program Description.

The Albright SUSIs include four cohorts of approximately 20 foreign undergraduate students (men and women), between the ages of 18 and 25 (approximately 80 participants total). The Albright SUSIs will include an approximately four-week academic residency at a U.S. educational institution and an approximately one-week integrated academic field experience that will bring participants to a U.S. region distinct from their residency location. Each Albright SUSI should highlight American success and innovation in the themes outlined above. The program should include opportunities for continued follow-on engagement once participants return home.

The award recipient will be responsible for planning, overseeing, and implementing the program, including administering the four Albright SUSIs and overseeing all subaward recipients.

Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization.

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

Limiting Language
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity.}

Executive Summary
The U.S. Department of State's Mission Poland announces an open competition for programs inspired by America's 250th anniversary through the Freedom 250 initiative. This initiative will support innovative projects, events, and activities that leverage America’s independence anniversary to highlight U.S. leadership and that celebrate the vibrant cooperation between the United States and Poland in business, defense, energy, science and technology innovation, and culture.  Freedom 250 in Poland builds on 250 years of friendship, shared values, and people-to-people ties and invites Polish participants to join America in celebrating the greatest experiment in human history.  Freedom 250 looks forward as much as it looks back; it invites partners to engage with the American story in ways that resonate with youth, early-career professionals, community leaders, and opinion makers to forge new partnerships between the United States and Poland that meet today’s needs.  

If you are interested in the FY 2027 Fulbright Specialist Program, please reach out to Danielle Barefoot, Associate for International Research Development and Fulbright Scholar Liaison. 

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
Applicants may submit one proposal per organization. Please note that if we receive multiple proposals from the same organization, we will be unable to consider any of them for funding under this opportunity.

Executive Summary 
The Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Mission to Germany invites proposals under its Partnership Program to strengthen the transatlantic relationship between the United States and Germany. As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding (Freedom 250), this program supports forward-looking initiatives that highlight the enduring strength of the bilateral partnership and advance shared democratic principles.

The Partnership Program seeks innovative projects that deepen mutual understanding, foster collaboration, and engage key German audiences in meaningful dialogue with the United States. In recognition of the breadth of the transatlantic relationship, proposals are encouraged in areas central to U.S.–German cooperation, including collaboration in sports, science, and space; efforts to counter anti-Semitism and support freedom of speech; and initiatives that measure and amplify the long-term impact of exchange programs.

Programs focused on science, technology, and space may highlight U.S.–German cooperation in innovation, research, and exploration as a shared frontier advancing knowledge and partnership. Sports diplomacy initiatives may leverage major global sporting events to promote leadership, collaboration, and teamwork while advancing common goals. Projects addressing anti-Semitism and freedom of expression should combat hate, protect constitutionally protected speech, promote open dialogue, and strengthen institutional resilience. Proposals that assess and highlight the long- term impact of exchange programs and sister city partnerships are encouraged to demonstrate the lasting value of transatlantic engagement.

All projects must feature substantial U.S. elements, clearly define and prioritize German audiences, and present a strategic implementation plan. Competitive proposals will demonstrate measurable objectives designed to increase awareness, shape attitudes, strengthen skills, or build sustainable networks that advance U.S.–German cooperation.

Each application must include a robust monitoring and evaluation plan outlining how outputs and outcomes will be tracked and assessed. Successful programs will contribute directly to strengthening the transatlantic partnership and reinforcing the United States as a forward-looking, reliable partner guided by strong institutional principles.

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language 
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Executive Summary
The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program, administered by the U.S. Mission to Libya through the Tunis-based U.S. Libya External Office. This Annual Program Statement outlines key strategic priorities and funding opportunities for proposals that advance Libyan-U.S. mutual interests, reinforce regional stability and security, and promote shared prosperity between the United States and Libya.

Proposals should directly support one or more of the following objectives:

• Promote Economic Opportunity and U.S. Collaboration
• Showcase U.S.-Libyan Partnership and Shared Values
• Support Libya’s Unity, Stability and Security

Projects involving alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs are strongly encouraged.

Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0

G. Stickney (Center for the Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers)

The submission of this limited submission to the Hearst Foundation will be lead by the University of Arizona Foundation. 

Limiting Language
Proposals from institutions with multiple departments (e.g., universities, medical centers, etc.) should be coordinated through the central development offices such that only one proposal will be submitted to the Hearst Foundations.

Program Overview
The Hearst Foundations are national philanthropic resources for organizations working in the fields of culture, education, health and social services. The Hearst Foundations identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States have the opportunity to build healthy, productive and satisfying lives.

Focus Areas

1. Culture - https://www.hearstfdn.org/culture 
   The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.Funding Priorities in Culture
   In the recent past, 25% of total funding has been allocated to Culture. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 60% of the funding in Culture. The minimum grant size is $100,000.
   
   Types of Support:
   - Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support
   
   Preference will be given to:
   - Artist development and training
   - Arts education programs that effectively fill the void of arts programming in K–12 curricula
   - Science programs based in museums or cultural organizations that focus on developing skills in science, technology, engineering, environment, arts and math
    

2. Education - https://www.hearstfdn.org/education 
   The Hearst Foundations fund educational institutions demonstrating uncommon success in preparing students to thrive in a global society. The Foundations’ focus is largely on higher education, but they also fund innovative models of early childhood and K-12 education, as well as professional development. The minimum grant size is $100,000.

   Types of Support:
   - Program, scholarship, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support
   
   Preference will be given to:
   - Higher education programs and scholarships and, on a limited basis, scholarships for post-graduate education
   College access and college success programming
   - Professional development for educators
   - Science education programs that focus on developing career pathways in science, technology, engineering, environment and math
   -  Programs educating the next generation of health professionals, such as nursing and mental health

3. Health - https://www.hearstfdn.org/health 
   The Hearst Foundations assist leading regional hospitals, medical centers and specialized medical institutions providing access to healthcare for high-need populations. In response to the shortage of healthcare professionals necessary to meet the country’s evolving healthcare demands, the Foundations also fund programs designed to enhance skills and increase the number of practitioners and educators across roles in healthcare. The Foundations also support public health, medical research and the development of young investigators to help create a broad and enduring impact on the nation’s health. The minimum grant size is $100,000.
   
   Types of Support:
   - Program, capital and, on a limited basis, endowment support
   
   Preference will be given to:
   - Professional development 
   - Programs improving access to high-quality healthcare for low-income populations, rural populations and/or veterans
   - Programs developing and providing specialized care for the complex needs of elderly populations
   - Programs providing behavioral and mental health care
   - Programs scaling innovative healthcare delivery systems to provide efficient, coordinated care
   - Research, particularly support for early career investigators and/or efforts related to finding new cures and treatmentfor prevalent diseases, such as cancer
    
4. Social Service - https://www.hearstfdn.org/social-service 
   
   The Hearst Foundations fund direct-service organizations that tackle the roots of chronic poverty by applying effective solutions to the most challenging social and economic problems. The Foundations prioritize supporting programs that have proven successful in facilitating economic independence and in strengthening families. Preference is also given to programs with the potential to scale productive practices in order to reach more people in need. The minimum grant size is $100,000.
   
   Types of Support:
   - Program, capital and general support
   
   Preference will be given to:
   - Affordable housing
   - Domestic violence victims 
   - Economic development with a focus on environmental sustainability
   - Food banks and food delivery, provided services are program-related
   - Job creation and job training
   - Legal services for those in need of legal representation
   - Prison education and reentry programs
   - Youth development
   - An organization’s national headquarters for wider initiatives instead of local chapters