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United States Department of State (DOS)

Freedom 250 Poland 2026

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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.  

Research Category
Funding Type
External Deadline
6/14/2026
Solicitation Type

FY26 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange

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Executive Summary 
The U.S. Creative Tech Exchange (U.S.CTX) is a new international arts exchange program that drives economic growth by connecting U.S. creative professionals and technologists with international peers working at the intersection of the arts and emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to position American technology as a key driver of American innovation, economic, and cultural influence in art and technology, For the purposes of this program, “arts” refers specifically to architecture, creative coding and gaming, fashion, graphic design, music and immersive art such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR); but excludes film and television.

U.S.CTX will support up to 30 participants through short-term, hands-on activities such as collaborative labs, fellowships, workshops, and public showcases. ECA will award one U.S.-based nonprofit or educational organization $1.32 million to design and implement the program in close coordination with ECA and U.S. embassies. Applicants should propose a concept that leverages their strengths and includes clear plans for recruitment, program delivery, and measurable outcomes in creative arts, economic impact, and public diplomacy.

FY2026 TechLeaders: Critical Emerging Technologies Exchange

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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.


Executive Summary
The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Global Leaders Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions for the FY 2026 TechLeaders: Critical Emerging Technologies Program. TechLeaders will strengthen America’s technological edge and industry dominance by promoting U.S. leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Space Technology, Biotechnology/Health Technology, Supply Chain/Cold Chain Technology, and Agricultural Technology (AgriTech). This initiative engages approximately 60 foreign participants, ages 25-40, from Europe and Eurasia, East Asia and the Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Western Hemisphere through a five-week intensive placement in the United States. Participants will collaborate with U.S.- based mentors and companies to develop actionable solutions in critical technology sectors, showcasing American expertise and innovation. The program will also feature overseas components including reciprocal exchanges and an accelerator following the second U.S.-based cohort to expand U.S. influence, inspire future STEM professionals, and foster collaboration with American businesses. TechLeaders supports U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives byexporting American expertise and technological innovations abroad, promoting U.S.- preferred technology standards globally, bolstering economic ties, and countering the proliferation of malign competitors’ technology in the global market.

Organizations applying for this federal award must demonstrate the capacity to recruit, select, and place participants, manage all program logistics, and implement overseas programming, which includes annual reciprocal exchanges and a Critical Emerging Technologies Accelerator program after the second cohort of participants. The recipient will be awarded $ 1,500,000 for the overall FY 2026 TechLeaders: Critical Emerging Technologies Program, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently to advance U.S. national interests and global leadership in criticaltechnology sectors.

Transatlantic Partnership Program

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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.

Research Category
Funding Type
External Deadline
6/1/2026
Solicitation Type

Protecting U.S. Critical Energy Investments Through C-UAS and UAS Surveillance Capabilities in Iraq

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H. Rastgoftar (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering) 

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 Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) announces this funding opportunity to protect American economic interests, personnel, and national security by supporting the Government of Iraq’s (GOI) capabilities to counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) threats while simultaneously advancing Iraqi security forces’ capability to protect critical infrastructure.  This program should deliver concrete returns for American taxpayers by safeguarding U.S. commercial investments in Iraq’s energy sector and reducing threats to American personnel from Iran and Iran-Aligned Milita Groups (IAMGs).

Funding Type
External Deadline
6/8/2026

FY 2026 U.S. Leadership in Education, Advanced Manufacturing, and Digital Skills (U.S. LEADS) Program

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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.

Executive Summary
The United States Leadership in Education, Advanced Manufacturing, and Digital Skills (U.S. LEADS) Program celebrates America's 250th anniversary by showcasing U.S. leadership from the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Revolution, focusing on revitalizing manufacturing, advancing AI, and strengthening supply chains. This Freedom 250 initiative will spark collaboration between U.S. community colleges, international vocational leaders, and U.S. industry partners to address emerging labor market demands that advance U.S. interests and drive economic development. The program will launch with a summit in Washington, D.C. to highlight America’s industrial heritage, current leadership in manufacturing and AI, and the role of U.S. community colleges in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

The program will also include a U.S. exchange for approximately 100 higher education officials, commerce leaders, and policymakers from countries strategically important to U.S. industry. The group should be divided into four cohorts comprised of approximately 25 representatives from approximately 3-4 countries, determined based on U.S. foreign policy priorities in consultation with ECA, U.S. embassies, and regional bureau input. These two-week regional programs will take place in approximately four U.S. cities with strong higher education-industry partnerships. Through site visits, hands-on learning, and industry engagement, international participants will gain knowledge of U.S. best practices in manufacturing and technology training, enabling them to adopt similar approaches and establish partnerships that advantage U.S. companies. The summit should occur between December 2026 and March 2027 and be followed immediately by the in-person regional exchanges. The successful applicant will provide responsive and flexible programming with activities tailored to U.S. priorities for vocational-technical education and commercial diplomacy that will lead to measurable positive policy change.

Funding Type
External Deadline
5/18/2026

Advancing Innovation and Collaboration Through C-SIPA

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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 Public Affairs Section (PAS) at U.S. Embassy Manama announces an open competition to support programs that advance high-tech research and innovation under the Comprehensive Strategic Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) between the United States, Bahrain, and the United Kingdom. C-SIPA strengthens trilateral cooperation under three pillars: 1) defense and security; 2) economic, commercial, and trade;
and 3) science, technology, and network security. This initiative contributes to broader U.S. efforts to reinforce national security, expand economic opportunity, and promote trusted technology partnerships.

The Embassy seeks proposals that foster collaboration among academic institutions and private sector partners with a focus on supporting economic and/or advanced technology cooperation under C-SIPA. This initiative aims to make America and its C-SIPA partners safer and more prosperous by promoting resilient, secure, and market-driven technology partnerships that uphold shared values and deliver measurable outcomes. Priority will be given to proposals that include direct collaboration with U.S. private sector partners and that engage all three C-SIPA countries.

If you have any questions about the grant application process in its entirety, please contact: ManamaPAO@state.gov. Please follow all instructions in the funding announcement. 

Research Category
Funding Type
External Deadline
7/6/2026
Solicitation Type

U.S. Mission to Libya Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program Annual Program Statement (APS)

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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.

Research Category
Funding Type
External Deadline
6/8/2026
Solicitation Type

FY 2026 Sports Visitor Program

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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.

Executive Summary 
The Office of Sports Diplomacy of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the Sports Visitor Program. This international exchange program uses sports to advance the Administration’s foreign policy priorities, promote American leadership, and support the U.S. sports economy. The Sports Visitor Program includes countries from all six regions of the world, as determined in consultation with the Department’s regional bureaus. The program is authorized under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act), which aims to increase mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the people of the United States and other nations. 

The Sports Visitor Program brings together American and international youth and adult coaches/chaperones for thematic, sports-based exchanges. The target audience for this program is American and international youth (ages 15- 23) and their adult coaches/chaperones. The program is not intended for elite or professional athletes. Through both U.S.-based and international exchanges, participants develop leadership skills, build lasting bilateral relationships, and explore the positive impact of U.S. laws – such as Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – on sports and society. The program focuses on peer-to-peer engagement, cultural exchange, and helping youth become role models and community leaders. 

Key program components include: 

  • Organizing thematic exchanges to meet program goals;
  • Integrating with existing youth sports camps and/or creating customized camps to maximize interaction between American and international participants;
  • Balancing on-the-field sports training with off-the-field workshops, community service, and cultural activities;
  • Launching special initiatives to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and major sporting events hosted in the United States; and
  • Providing comprehensive orientations, strong media and communication strategies, and ongoing alumni engagement and follow-on activities. 

ECA funding will support approximately five U.S.-based exchanges and approximately seven international-based exchanges, each lasting at least two weeks. The program will also support follow-on projects so participants can share what they learned in their home communities. The award will fund approximately 265 Sports Visitor Program participants (130 foreign and 135 American as detailed in Section 3). Applicants are encouraged to exceed these numbers should their expertise lead to cost-efficiencies. 

Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs) and U.S. not-for-profit public and private educational institutions with at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Only one proposal per organization will be considered. 

ECA anticipates that a single award recipient will manage all organizational and administrative responsibilities of the program and select qualified partners (subaward recipients) to implement the international-based exchanges. Applicants should explain how they will manage and oversee these sub-awards. 

Funding Type
External Deadline
5/26/2026
Solicitation Type