Grants / Department of State / Bureau of Human Resources

2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program Administration Grant

Open Closes November 23, 2026 (23 days left) Opportunity DFOP0019970

• Award ceiling$2.8 million
• Award floornot stated
• Expected awards1
• Total fundingnot stated
• Cost sharingNot required
• Funding typeCooperative Agreement

Key dates

Add the deadline to your calendar

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to nonprofits, colleges and universities and businesses.

• 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

More grants for nonprofits, colleges and universities, businesses.

Is this a realistic fit?

• No cost sharing or match is required.

What the grant funds

Background & Goal: The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Human Resources Outreach, Fellowships, and Internships Division (HR/OFI) announces an open competition for an eligible organization to manage programmatic, financial, and administrative operations for the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program. Established in 1992, the Pickering Fellowship attracts outstanding students—particularly those with financial need—for Foreign Service Officer careers. Administered via a Cooperative Agreement, this 32-month project (starting ~January 2027) aims to cultivate premier diplomatic talent, ensuring timely commissioning into generalist tracks pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2719 and 22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq. Problem Statement: Fellows face complex operational, financial, and logistical demands across graduate studies, domestic internships in Washington, D.C., and overseas assignments at U.S. Embassies. Dedicated administrative oversight is essential to execute tuition disbursements, secure housing, navigate security/medical clearances, and eliminate friction that could impede academic success or delay Foreign Service commissioning. Key Objectives & Outcomes: Financial & Academic Oversight: Establish a robust tracking system within 30 days of award to manage 100% on-time disbursements for tuition ($55k/yr cap), living stipends ($33k/yr cap), and summer allowances ($11k/summer cap) under 2 CFR 200 guidelines, ensuring Fellows maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA. Clearance & Onboarding Support: Guide 100% of the cohort through required examination attempts and medical, suitability, and Top Secret security clearance protocols prior to graduation. Internships & Professional Development: Coordinate travel, lodging, and stipends for summer internships; deliver 7–8 professional seminars; facilitate a 2-week session at NDU; and pair all Fellows with tenured Foreign Service mentors.

Category: Employment, Labor and Training.

How to apply

1. Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
2. Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
3. Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.

Questions go to Katherine Wright, Grantor, wrightka@state.gov, 7712041230.

Open the official notice