ECA U.S. Speaker Program

ECA - U.S. Speaker Program
CFDA 19.440 Active Grant
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$3.5M FY2026
$3.8M
FY24
$3.5M
FY25
$3.5M
FY26*
* estimated

Who has received this funding

Organizations awarded under CFDA 19.440 (USAspending.gov).

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 No Current Data Available.

Program Objective

As authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act, the U.S. Speaker Program of the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs awards a cooperative agreement to an organization with experience in international exchanges for the administration of projects. The U.S. Speaker Program mobilizes American citizen experts from all 50 states to engage foreign professional audiences to directly advance Administration priorities. These programs are not academic exercises; they are forward platforms for America First diplomacy, designed to showcase U.S. excellence, expand U.S. market share, and deliver tangible returns for the American people. The participating U.S. experts represent a broad range of knowledge and responsible and informed opinion. Experts participate in traveling and/or virtual programs in support of U.S. foreign policy objectives. The grantee organization is to be responsible for handling all administrative aspects of the program, including arrangements for participant travel, visas, funding disbursement, mailing of materials, and speaker evaluation reporting.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Nonprofit Organization

Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals)

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress, allocated and committed through internal Bureau procedures. Successful applicants will receive a Federal Assistance Award (FAA) from the Bureau’s Grants Office. The FAA and the original proposal with subsequent modifications (if applicable) shall be the only binding authorizing document between the recipient and the U.S. Government. The FAA will be signed/validated by an authorized Grants Officer, and sent via the U.S. Department of State's MyGrants (formerly SAMS Domestic) to the recipient’s responsible officer identified in the application.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 90 to 120 days
Program details & compliance

Description

As authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act, the Office of the U.S. Speaker Program of the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs awards a cooperative agreement to an organization with experience in international exchanges for the administration of projects that enable U.S. experts to engage international audiences on topics of strategic importance to the United States. The participating U.S. experts represent a broad range of knowledge and responsible and informed opinion. Experts participate in traveling and/or virtual programs in support of U.S. foreign policy objectives. The grantee organization is to be responsible for handling all administrative aspects of the program, including arrangements for participant travel, visas, funding disbursement, mailing of materials, and speaker evaluation reporting.

Mission Categories

Primary: International

Other categories:
General and Special Interest Organizations

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Cooperative Agreements are only available to non-profit U.S. organizations with significant experience with implementing international exchange programs.

Required Documentation

Pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended (Fulbright-Hays Act) the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State awards project grants and cooperative agreements to educational and cultural public or private nonprofit foundations or institutions. Applications may be submitted by public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3). Organizations must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. Please refer to the Grants.gov or the U.S. Department of State's MyGrants (formerly SAMS Domestic) announcement for further eligibility criteria. OMB Guidance 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E Cost Principles under Special Considerations for States, Local Governments, and Indian Tribes applies to this program. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Deputy Director Imani Esparza Pitman — DIRECTOR
202-632-9245
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of U.S. Speaker Program 2200 C Street, NW, SA-05, Rm. 3-CC16, WASHINGTON, DC 20037
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-03-02. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-28 07:25:49.