United States Department of State (DOS)

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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. 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.
    

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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.

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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. 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.

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Limiting Langauge
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 Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs (EAP) and U.S. Consulate General Auckland announce an open competition to implement Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Solutions Labs, a series of workshops centered around: 

• Unlocking Investment in the Pacific 
• Advancing the American Decade of Sports for Pacific Economic Impact 
• Pursuing Peace in the Pacific with Faith Communities 
• Defending Free Speech through Pacific Journalism Excellence 

Applicants may apply to host one, more, or all of the YPL Solutions Labs workshops in the series with the average cost of one workshop being roughly $100,000 to $250,000. 

Since 2013, the YPL program has cultivated the target audience and participants of emerging Pacific Island Country (PIC) leaders ages 20-40 into advocates for U.S. policy in a region of increasing strategic importance. Since YPL’s inception YPL alumni have delivered on U.S. priorities across the region. The YPL Solutions Labs will be a series of workshops throughout 2026-2028 to catalyze advocacy and action on U.S. priorities. 

Eligible recipients include foreign and U.S. not-for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, individuals, public international organizations, and government institutions.

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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 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.  

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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.

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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 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.

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. 

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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.

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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).