# FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/dfop0017995-fy-2026-america-first-u-s-speaker-program/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361682

> Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs offered grants of up to $2.7 million (at least $2.7 million) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make one award. Applications closed on May 26, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DFOP0017995 |
| Agency | Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | May 26, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $2.7 million |
| Award floor | $2.7 million |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.440 |

## Who can apply

- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Please see announcement.

## What the grant funds

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.

## Questions people ask

### Is DFOP0017995 still open?

No. It closed on May 26, 2026.

### Who can apply for FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program?

Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs accepted applications from nonprofits and colleges and universities. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program?

Closed May 26, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $2.7 million each.

### Who has won ECA U.S. Speaker Program grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were World Learning Inc., Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees, Apdtm - Assoc Prom Desenvolvimento Do Teatro Musical. The program made 52 awards worth $12.9 million in that time.