# FY 2026 Sports Envoy Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/dfop0018007-fy-2026-sports-envoy-program/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361680

> Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs offered grants of up to $2.6 million (at least $2.6 million) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make one award. Applications closed on May 26, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DFOP0018007 |
| Agency | Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | May 26, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $2.6 million |
| Award floor | $2.6 million |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.415 |

## 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 Office of Sports Diplomacy of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the Sports Envoy Program. This international exchange program uses sports to advance the Administration’s foreign policy priorities and promote American leadership and excellence. The Sports Envoy 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 Envoy Program sends current and former American professional athletes and coaches overseas on weeklong programs to promote cross-cultural understanding, engage key communities that are often difficult to reach through traditional approaches, and showcase American excellence and leadership through sport. Sports Envoys lead youth clinics and team building activities, conduct community outreach and media engagements, foster dialogue with government leaders, and meet with other U.S. embassy contacts to advance U.S. foreign policy and America First priorities. ECA funding will support approximately 35 international exchanges for approximately 70 Envoy participants, approximately eight alumni grants, and a technology system created by the applicant. Each Sports Envoy program typically lasts 4-7 days excluding travel, and 7-10 days including travel. Alumni grants will enable participants to deepen the impact of sports diplomacy in the U.S. and/or internationally. Applicants are encouraged to exceed 35 exchanges, 70 Envoy participants, and eight alumni grants should their expertise lead to cost-efficiencies. 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. Please see announcement for additional details.

## Questions people ask

### Is DFOP0018007 still open?

No. It closed on May 26, 2026. A newer notice is open: DFOP0017180, closes January 1, 2099 (26353 days left).

### Who can apply for FY 2026 Sports Envoy 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 Sports Envoy 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 $2.6 million each.

### Who has won Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - Citizen Exchanges grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were American Councils for International Education: Actr/Accels, Inc., International Research and Exchanges Board Inc., World Learning Inc. The program made 289 awards worth $569 million in that time.