United States Department of State (DOS)

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.

Executive Summary
The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), invites proposal submissions from U.S. public and private academic and cultural institutions, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and public and private universities, and other not-for-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) (see section B. Eligibility) for the design and implementation of three (3) programs under the Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs for Scholars). Three SUSIs for Scholars will take place over five weeks in summer 2027. Each SUSI will focus on a specific theme: 1) Critical Minerals, 2) Digital Transformation, and 3) Economics and Business. See details in Section C. Program Description.

SUSIs for Scholars are post-graduate level seminars held at U.S. academic institutions for groups of approximately 18 foreign university faculty, researchers, and practitioners, who serve as “multipliers” for students and colleagues abroad. The program goal is to provide influential scholars and experts with content and resources that enhance teaching and research about the United States in other countries. SUSIs for Scholars also promote collaboration in research, teaching, and other activities between foreign and American scholars and practitioners.

Each of the three SUSIs for Scholars focuses on a theme or topic in U.S. studies and will include an approximately four-week intensive summer 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 SUSI must highlight American success and innovation with regard to the SUSIs for Scholars themes. The academic residency should take place on a U.S. university or college campus and should include coursework, time for independent research, and interaction with American peers. The SUSIs for Scholars should include opportunities for continued follow-on engagement once the participants return home.

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

Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. It is ECA’s intent to award a cooperative agreement of one base year plus two renewals. Please see Section A. Basic Information above for additional details.

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.

Executive Summary
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational Cultural Affairs announces the FY2026 American Film Showcase open competition for one cooperative agreement to support thematic projects in film, television, gaming, and other media arts-based, international cultural and commercial diplomacy exchanges that create partnerships through artistic collaboration and professional development activities, promote economic opportunities, demonstrate the power of free expression, and support Administration foreign policy and America First priorities.

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.

Executive Summary
The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce an open competition for proposals to administer the FY 2026 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program. NSLI-Y increases the number of American youth (ages 15 to 18) who learn critical foreign languages in support of bolstering U.S. national security; promoting U.S. competitiveness and economic prosperity; and building mutual understanding with critical regions of the world. The award will support approximately 275 American teens to study critical languages through intensive overseas language programs in locations where the target languages are widely spoken, and through virtual programming. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations, meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3), may submit proposals to cooperate with ECA in the overall administration of NSLI-Y and the3 implementation of summer, academic year, and virtual programs according to the guidance in this solicitation.

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.

Executive Summary
The Office of Citizen Exchanges in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the FY 2026 Leaders Lead On-Demand program (LLOD). This program develops ideas from across the Department of State into customized, two-way exchange projects. LLOD provides rapid response, flexible programming focused on building self-sustaining global, regional, and country-based networks of practitioners.

The recipient will design and carry out a series of exchange projects for emerging leaders and mid-level professionals representing government, business, and civil society. The program expects to support approximately four to six exchange projects for approximately 75 participants, including approximately 55 foreign and 20 U.S. participants.

Each project will feature a group of foreign participants who will travel to the United States for an intensive, customized program. Activities may include workshops, meetings, or events. Every U.S.-based exchange must also include at least one segment overseas, which should involve U.S. participants. All participants should have relevant experience or expertise in the project’s field. U.S. participants will work with foreign participants during both the U.S. and overseas segments. The award recipient will work closely with ECA, other State Department staff, and partner organizations in the relevant countries or regions as appropriate to identify participants and design activities that meet each project’s goals. ECA must approve the final list of foreign and U.S. participants.

Additional project elements, such as regional meetings overseas, small grants competitions, or local trainings, should be included as needed to support project objectives and promote American leadership and expertise.

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.

Executive Summary 
Priority Region: Tibetan populations in China, India, Nepal and Bhutan

The Global Leaders Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposal submissions for one to two cooperative agreements to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program. Launched in 1997, the Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program is a two-way economic exchange program designed to enhance leadership and professional skills and build lasting partnerships between emerging entrepreneurs from Tibetan communities in China, India, Nepal and Bhutan, and the United States. The defining element of the program is a minimum four-week U.S.-based exchange which will provide Fellows with opportunities to discuss and share best practices for initiating and supporting business and/or community initiatives.3

The award recipient will be responsible for planning and administering all components of the Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program. The non-U.S. Fellow component will feature a series of virtual engagement opportunities leading up to a minimum four-week U.S.-based exchange for up to 25 participants. This component will consist of professional and leadership development activities which may include, but shall not be limited to: trainings, workshops, site visits, job shadowing, team building exercises, panel discussions, case studies, resource-sharing, and networking events. The U.S. Fellows component will enable up to 10 U.S. professionals, who engaged with the non-U.S. Fellows during the course of their program, to travel to India, Nepal or Bhutan for approximately two weeks to assist the non-U.S. Fellows’ follow-on plans and conduct alumni engagement activities.

The Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program directly supports the 2025 National Security Strategy and the Administration’s foreign policy, furthering our national interests. In addition, the Program positions the United States as the partner of first choice, by demonstrating American principles of openness, transparency, commitment to freedom and innovation, and free market capitalism.

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.

Executive Summary
The Global Leaders Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions for a cooperative agreement to design, administer, and implement the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). The JCSVEI advances U.S. foreign policy priorities by championing American scientific excellence, technological leadership, and innovation, while promoting core U.S. principles—freedom of speech, individual liberty, and the rule of law—as foundations of peace and prosperity. The program achieves these goals through American-led virtual exchanges that connects young leaders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with peers across the United States.

Through interactive digital programming, participants will explore U.S. global leadership in science, technology, business, and civic life, while demonstrating how American freedom of speech, rule of law, and individual liberty underpin prosperity and opportunity. They will collaborate virtually with peers overseas to develop digital storytelling projects, podcasts, vlogs, and other media that illustrate the strength of American communities and the nation’s commitment to open exchange, innovation, and collaboration. The initiative will also challenge participants to apply American ingenuity to practical solutions that promote economic opportunity, job creation, and digital connectivity—contributing to shared prosperity and regional stability. By reinforcing the spirit of the Abraham Accords and advancing U.S. engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, the program will strengthen ties between the United States and key partners in the Middle East while advancing America’s vision of a secure, prosperous, and interconnected region.

The JCSVEI will use a range of virtual exchange formats—live dialogues, collaborative digital projects, online trainings, and virtual workshops—to reach approximately 8,000 participants annually. Programming should promote mutual collaboration grounded in U.S. leadership, encouraging youth to view the United States as a trusted partner in science, entrepreneurship, and global problem-solving. An Alumni Leadership Academy will provide continued engagement for participants who demonstrate strong leadership potential, equipping them to serve as ambassadors of U.S. values and connectors between American and Middle Eastern communities. Follow-on activities should reinforce long-term networks that advance America’s economic, security, and diplomatic priorities.

Organizations applying for this award must demonstrate the capacity to recruit, select, and manage up to six partner organizations as sub-award recipients to implement virtual exchange components under the JCSVEI umbrella. The primary award recipient will maintain full oversight of sub-awards, ensuring compliance, accountability, and alignment with ECA’s goals, performance measures, and branding standards.

ECA will consider only one proposal per applicant organization. If multiple proposals are submitted through grants.gov, only the most recent submission prior to the deadline will be reviewed.

By connecting rising leaders through cutting-edge virtual platforms, the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative will project American excellence, expand U.S. influence, and strengthen networks that promote stability, opportunity, and peace—furthering th

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.

Executive Summary
The English Access Scholarship Program (Access) leverages American English to build English language capacity with strategic audiences through in-person programming and exchanges in the United States. The program promotes economic self-reliance which strengthens American national security and economic prosperity. Access showcases U.S. educational excellence, demonstrates U.S. educational technology, and promotes opportunities for American business partnerships.

Limit: 2* // Tickets Available: 0

Z. Guido (Arizona Institute for Resilience)
G. Barron-Gafford (School of Geography Development and Environment)

Limiting Language
Applicants may submit up to two (2) applications as the Management Entity (ME).

Note: Coordination with other eligible applicants and use of a consortia approach is acceptable. In addition to applying as a Management Entity, an organization may partner as a sub awardee under other eligible applications.

Executive Summary
America First investments in agricultural research through the FtF Innovation Labs benefit the world’s poorest regions while also providing major benefits to the United States. The Department of State invites eligible applicants to advance global food security in alignment with U.S. policy through targeted research that meets one or both of the following core objectives:

1. Advances agricultural science and research to increase productivity, mitigate threats to production systems, and support food systems to reduce hunger and malnutrition through enhanced supply of nutritious and safe foods; and/or
2. Increases demand for individual and household consumption of nutritious, safe foods as part of healthy diets, and improves market pathways and opportunities for government and private sector actors to promote consumption of nutritious and safe foods.

The Management Entity of each respective FtF Innovation Lab is expected to help implement and communicate impact pathways from research to development outcomes via partnerships with other USG programs, national partners, private companies, community-based organizations, such as faith-based organizations, and other donors and their programs. Programs must ensure U.S. investments directly benefit American safety, strength, and prosperity. Proposals should clearly address how the research activities will support both global food security and U.S. national security and economic interests, reduce the need for repeated humanitarian assistance, expand market access for U.S. companies, and protect the U.S agriculture industry.

No Applicant // 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 Community College Administrator Program’s (CCAP) goal is to advance U.S. global leadership in vocational-technical education, support systemic education policy change in priority countries, and foster strategic partnerships that advance U.S. interests in trade and commerce. By showcasing America’s specialized approach to vocational-technical education, CCAP will help reduce reliance on foreign aid and cultivate trade and business relationships that strengthen U.S. supply chains and economic interests. CCAP will introduce approximately 20 foreign higher education officials and senior administrators to the U.S. community college model through a maximum six-week program, to be implemented approximately between October 2026 and June 2027. The program consists of a virtual exchange and up to four weeks of in-person programming in the United States, featuring site visits, industry engagement, and a one-week executive dialogue. Cohorts include government or high-level officials with higher education planning responsibilities and senior administrators from post-secondary vocational and technical institutions, selected from one or more countries. The program will examine the key tenets of community college administration and cutting-edge programs at U.S. community colleges that address local educational and labor market needs. In support of U.S. foreign policy, the program will build participant higher education policy knowledge regarding community college administration in key areas including, but not limited to, developing talent pipelines, curriculum development, program assessment, finance and fundraising, and private sector partnerships. The successful applicant will provide responsive and flexible programming and exhibit an ability to tailor activities to U.S. priorities for vocational-technical education that leads to measurable positive policy change. ECA, in consultation with regional bureaus, U.S. embassies, and Fulbright commissions, will finalize the structure of the program which will be tailored to foreign policy priorities and focus on strategic sectors appropriate to meet program goals and objectives.

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

Executive Summary
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) announces an open competition to support the FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program (ELFSVEP). ECA/A/L plans to issue one cooperative agreement to support approximately 385 participants for $14,000,000, pending the availability of funds.

The English Language (EL) Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program (ELFSVEP) places top-tier American experts in the field of English teaching in strategic projects at key institutions to advance U.S. interests in strategic countries. The program sends highly qualified experts on approximately ten-month Fellow exchanges, short-term (two weeks or more) Specialist assignments, or three-week to six-month Virtual Educator assignments at educational institutions in all world regions.

English Language programs advance American influence with critical audiences and have a cascading reach and strategic returns. The initiatives go beyond teaching English; they advance America’s national interest by embedding the global language of diplomacy, business, and science abroad. American expertise is in high demand by foreign governments, educational institutions, and workplaces. Providing American English Educators abroad allows U.S. Missions to build trusted networks in fragile regions, reinforce alliances through shared language and values, and promote U.S. economic interests. When America leads in English Language teaching, we set the terms of engagement; when America steps back, competitors fill the void. These programs ensure foreign partners turn first to the United States for English education, vocational upskilling, and secure partnerships, delivering on the Department’s America First mission.