FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program Grant Announcement
Summary
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has announced the FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program, seeking applications for cooperative agreements to support approximately 580 in-person and virtual programs. The program aims to advance Administration priorities through exchanges with U.S. experts and foreign decision-makers.
What changed
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has released a funding opportunity announcement (NOFO) for the FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program. This program, operating under Assistance Listing 19.440, will support approximately 580 programs, both in-person and virtual, designed to foster relationships and advance U.S. foreign policy priorities such as energy security, digital freedom, and AI. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and public and private institutions of higher education.
Eligible organizations must submit applications by May 26, 2026. The program seeks to engage American experts with foreign decision-makers and professional interlocutors to promote economic opportunities and strengthen international ties. Award amounts are expected to range from a minimum of $2,736,259 to a maximum of $2,736,259, with an estimated total of $2,736,259 available for distribution across one expected award. Applicants should refer to the NOFO for detailed application procedures and performance monitoring requirements.
What to do next
- Review the FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program NOFO for detailed requirements.
- Prepare and submit applications by the deadline of May 26, 2026.
- Ensure eligibility criteria (nonprofit 501(c)(3) or higher education institution) are met.
Source document (simplified)
FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Assistance Listings: 19.440 -- ECA U.S. Speaker Program
Last Updated: March 26, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition to support the FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program. Through this cooperative agreement, ECA will support approximately 580 programs, 360 in-person and 220 virtual, engaging key interlocutors from all regions of the world.
The U.S. Speaker Program is a nimble, rapid response public diplomacy tool that for more than 40 years has built lasting relationships between U.S. citizen experts and foreign decision-makers and other professional interlocutors that serve Administration priorities and the American people. Programs will focus on America First priorities such as energy security, critical minerals, commercial diplomacy, freedom of expression, digital freedom, and AI. The program recruits experienced American experts from across the United States for in-person and/or virtual exchanges that advance America First priorities. Through the program, American professionals establish and sustain linkages with key foreign audiences and institutions, which directly contribute to economic opportunities for Americans. The program works with U.S. embassies and consulates to produce impactful in-person programs ranging from three days to three weeks in length; and virtual programs, which can take place on a single date and time and/or may be part of a continuing series. Programmatic formats include lectures, workshops, seminars, and training series.
...
Please see the announcement for additional information.
Show full description
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Nonprofit
- Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
Education
- Public and state institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Please see announcement.
Grantor contact information
Description
Imani Pitman
Documents
Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NOFO-FY26AmericaFirstU.S.Speaker_Program.pdf | FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program NOFO | Mar 26, 2026 05:02 PM UTC |
| performancemonitoringplanmode2.3_02.03.2025-4.docx | ECA Performance Monitoring Plan 219 KB (DOCX) | Mar 26, 2026 05:02 PM UTC |
| performancemonitoringplanmode2.3_02.03.2025.pdf | ECA Performance Monitoring Plan 219 KB (PDF) | Mar 26, 2026 05:02 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Organizational Funding Opportunities
Closing: May 26, 2026
Application process
This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. View on Grants.gov
Award
$--
Program Funding
1
Expected awards
$2,736,259
Award Minimum
$2,736,259
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
DFOP0017995
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Please see announcement.
History
Version:
2
Posted date:
March 26, 2026
Archive date:
June 25, 2026
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