2026 U.S. Speaker Program
🏛 U.S. Mission to India
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and government organizations implementing the Speaker Program in India. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, NGOs, public and private educational institutions, and public/private international organizations. The program connects American experts with Indian audiences on security, technology, and economic growth topics. Activities involve 8-10 in-country speaker events and 10 virtual engagements across India.
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Program description
The Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi announces an opportunity to implement the U.S. Speaker and Specialist Program in India. The program will advance U.S. strategic, economic, and security interests by connecting American experts with priority Indian audiences and highlighting U.S. leadership in areas critical to security, innovation, technological competitiveness, and economic growth.
Through this program, U.S. subject matter experts will engage Indian audiences on priority issues, including regional security and deterrence; maritime security; cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure; emerging technologies; strategic competition; energy security; and innovation driven economic growth. Program activities will include eight to ten (8 to 10) in country speaker programs across India and ten (10) virtual engagements.
Target audiences include established and emerging professionals from leading think tanks and research institutions; technology and innovation leaders; industry stakeholders and business leaders involved in trade, investment, and supply chains; and other professionals positioned to influence policy, technology, security, and economic decisions relevant to U.S. interests.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application form)
- Program Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Documents (501c3 status, bylaws)
- Evidence of International Experience
- Speaker Biographies and Commitments
- Audience Engagement Plan
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. Mission to India
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.040 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$4,682,072
-
$3,371,312
-
$2,650,000
-
$2,446,525
-
$2,050,500
-
$1,861,451
-
$1,700,000
-
$1,565,795
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,480,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.040). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $129,428,262 | |
| 2019 est. | $34,549,598 | |
| 2020 | $129,979,440 | |
| 2021 | $128,999,999 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, educational institutions (public and private), and government institutions. International organizations are also eligible.
What is the funding amount?
Awards range from $230,000 to $250,000. The total program pool is $250,000.
What activities does this program support?
The grant funds 8-10 in-country speaker programs across India and 10 virtual engagements. Topics include security, cybersecurity, technology, and economic growth.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this grant.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is July 24, 2026. Applications are submitted as a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Embassy.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate how your speaker program advances U.S. strategic, economic, or security interests in India.
- Identify speakers with deep expertise in priority topics: regional security, maritime security, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, or energy.
- Target high-impact Indian audiences: think tank professionals, technology leaders, industry stakeholders, and policy influencers.
- Develop a realistic plan for 8-10 quality in-country events and 10 virtual sessions with confirmed speaker commitments.
- Demonstrate your organization's experience managing speaker programs or educational outreach internationally.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to connect proposed speakers and topics to the State Department's strategic priorities. Underestimating logistical complexity of coordinating multiple in-country events across India. Proposing low-credibility speakers or audiences without influence on policy or business decisions.
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