# FY 2026 Strengthening Talent, Research, Innovation and Vital Engagement (STRIVE) Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/dfop0018335-fy-2026-strengthening-talent-research-innovation-and-vital/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362356

> Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs offered grants of up to $2.0 million (at least $2.0 million) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make one award. Applications closed on June 10, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DFOP0018335 |
| Agency | Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | June 10, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $2.0 million |
| Award floor | $2.0 million |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.009 |

## 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 full announcement.

## What the grant funds

The STRIVE Program’s goal is to strengthen U.S. global leadership by supporting U.S. higher education institutions to equip the next generation of American leaders with the vital knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to advance U.S. commercial and security interests. ECA previously engaged U.S. higher education institutions in similar activities through the IDEAS Program. The STRIVE Program increases the U.S. institutions and students engaging overseas while aligning activities to better support U.S. prosperity and security. The STRIVE Program provides competitively selected subawards and resources to U.S. colleges and universities to establish international partnerships and programming that prepare U.S. undergraduate and graduate students for careers in industries critical to U.S. prosperity and security. The STRIVE Program has three main objectives: · Increase the number of U.S. higher education institutions developing international partnerships to maintain U.S. global leadership and influence in higher education, counter malign influence of other actors in foreign higher education systems, and align global academic innovation with U.S. priorities. · Increase the number of U.S. undergraduate and graduate students studying, interning, apprenticing, and/or researching abroad on programs that prepare them to fulfill domestic labor needs, ensuring a skilled U.S. workforce that can effectively advance U.S. commercial and security interests. · Increase the strategic locations where U.S. undergraduate and graduate students study, intern, apprentice, and/or research abroad. Growing foreign public’s interactions with U.S. students, culture, and business practices helps lay the foundation for strengthened diplomatic, security, economic, and trade ties. Pending availability of funds, the recipient will work in close consultation with ECA to implement two main components to achieve the STRIVE Program goal and objectives under this award: 1. Small Grants Competition and Oversight: The award recipient will implement at least one open, merit-based competition that will result in at least 25 subawards to accredited U.S. colleges and universities to develop international academic programs that equip U.S. students to meet domestic labor needs in industries critical to U.S. commercial and security interests. The developed programs can include credit-bearing study, internship, apprenticeship, and/or research abroad activities and be open to U.S.

## Questions people ask

### Is DFOP0018335 still open?

No. It closed on June 10, 2026.

### Who can apply for FY 2026 Strengthening Talent, Research, Innovation and Vital Engagement (STRIVE) 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 Strengthening Talent, Research, Innovation and Vital Engagement (STRIVE) Program?

Closed June 10, 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 $2.0 million each.

### Who has won Academic Exchange Programs - Undergraduate Programs grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were International Research and Exchanges Board Inc., World Learning Inc., American Councils for International Education: Actr/Accels, Inc. The program made 66 awards worth $230 million in that time.