DFOP0018285: FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange
Closed
This grant is closed. A newer notice from the same program is open now: Annual Program Statement for U.S. Presentation at International Architecture Biennales (DFOP0017180). Status: Closes January 1, 2099 (26353 days left). It is in our archive of Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs notices from 2026.
Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs offered grants of up to $1.3 million (at least $1.3 million) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make one award. Applications closed on July 6, 2026.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed May 7, 2026. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Award ceiling$1.3 million
- Award floor$1.3 million
- Expected awards1
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeCooperative Agreement
Key dates
| Posted | May 7, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | July 6, 2026 |
| Archived by Grants.gov | August 5, 2026 |
Who can apply
This opportunity was open to nonprofits and colleges and universities.
- 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 full announcement.
Is this a realistic fit?
- Past Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - Citizen Exchanges awards averaged $2.0 million; this notice allows up to $1.3 million per award.
- Most of the program's money (95% over five years) went to nonprofits.
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
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. Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Who has won Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - Citizen Exchanges grants before
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - Citizen Exchanges (19.415) awarded $569 million across 289 grant awards, an average of $2.0 million per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Councils for International Education: Actr/Accels, Inc. | District of Columbia | 34 | $220 million |
| International Research and Exchanges Board Inc. | District of Columbia | 11 | $59.2 million |
| World Learning Inc. | Vermont | 20 | $32.2 million |
| Aspen Institute, Inc. (the) | District of Columbia | 2 | $22.3 million |
| Afs-USA, Inc | New York | 8 | $17.0 million |
Applying now
This notice no longer takes applications. Apply under the newer notice, DFOP0017180, which is open now.
The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.
Questions people ask
Is DFOP0018285 still open?
No. It closed on July 6, 2026. A newer notice is open: DFOP0017180, closes January 1, 2099 (26353 days left).
Who can apply for FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange?
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 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange?
Closed July 6, 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 $1.3 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.
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