# 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program – Selection

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/dfop0019966-2027-donald-m-payne-international-development-graduate/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/364155

> Bureau of Human Resources is offering grants of up to $85,855 to nonprofits, colleges and universities and businesses. Applications close on November 23, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DFOP0019966 |
| Agency | Bureau of Human Resources |
| Status | Open |
| Deadline | November 23, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $85,855 |
| Award floor | not stated |
| Expected awards | not stated |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.209 |

## 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
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses

## What the grant funds

Funding Opportunity Description The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Human Resources, Office of Outreach, Fellowships, and Internships (HR/OFI) announces an open competition for a qualified organization to manage the candidate screening, panel review, and selection process for the 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program under a Cooperative Agreement. This specialized selection project serves as a crucial gateway to identify top-tier, merit-based graduate talent across the nation for entry into the Foreign Service. Project Goal and Objectives The project aims to establish a rigorous, objective, and standardized multi-phase selection infrastructure that identifies candidates with the technical expertise and leadership required to advance U.S. foreign policy and international development priorities. Key objectives include: Panel Formation & Honoraria Management: Onboard qualified selection panelists (tenured Foreign Service Officers, backstop coordinators, and Senior Foreign Service Nationals) by January 2027 and administer panelist honoraria ($500/day for eligible non-USG panelists). Panel Training & Scoring Execution: Coordinate mandatory panelist training with HR/OFI and the Board of Examiners (BEX) in December 2026/January 2027, and facilitate secure electronic scoring to determine semi-finalists. Finalist Assessment & Selection: Execute the final selection stage in February 2027 by conducting structured interviews, administering essay assessments, and calculating composite scores to select up to 10 Payne Fellows and alternates. Onboarding Transition: Secure acceptance agreements, notify non-selected applicants within two working days, and transfer cohort records to HR/OFI to initiate medical and Top Secret security clearances by late February 2027.

## Questions people ask

### Who can apply for 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program – Selection?

Bureau of Human Resources accepts applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities and businesses.

### What is the deadline for 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program – Selection?

Closes November 23, 2026 (23 days left). Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $85,855 each.