FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations selected through a competitive process to manage the U.S. Speaker Program. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) awards cooperative agreements to support approximately 580 programs annually—360 in-person and 220 virtual.
Organizations must have capacity to recruit experienced U.S. citizen experts and coordinate exchanges with foreign institutions. Work involves partnering with U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to deliver programs.
Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, consulting firms, and educational institutions with international development expertise. Programs focus on "America First" priorities: energy security, critical minerals, commercial diplomacy, freedom of expression, digital freedom, and AI.
In-person programs range from three days to three weeks; virtual programs are flexible in format.
Program description
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition to support the FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program. Through this cooperative agreement, ECA will support approximately 580 programs, 360 in-person and 220 virtual, engaging key interlocutors from all regions of the world.
The U.S. Speaker Program is a nimble, rapid response public diplomacy tool that for more than 40 years has built lasting relationships between U.S. citizen experts and foreign decision-makers and other professional interlocutors that serve Administration priorities and the American people. Programs will focus on America First priorities such as energy security, critical minerals, commercial diplomacy, freedom of expression, digital freedom, and AI. The program recruits experienced American experts from across the United States for in-person and/or virtual exchanges that advance America First priorities. Through the program, American professionals establish and sustain linkages with key foreign audiences and institutions, which directly contribute to economic opportunities for Americans. The program works with U.S. embassies and consulates to produce impactful in-person programs ranging from three days to three weeks in length; and virtual programs, which can take place on a single date and time and/or may be part of a continuing series. Programmatic formats include lectures, workshops, seminars, and training series.
Please see the announcement for additional information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Full announcement (see ECA website)
- SF-424 or ECA-equivalent form
- Project narrative describing program design and recruitment strategy
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Evidence of embassy/consulate relationships
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 PitmanIE@state.gov
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.440 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$6,045,259
-
$3,962,904
-
$3,882,437
-
$3,705,000
-
$2,236,259
-
$34,960
-
$24,900
-
$18,252
-
$15,882
-
$14,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.440). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,809,000 | |
| 2025 | $3,451,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,451,000 |
FAQ
What is the exact award amount?
The award is $2,736,259 for the cooperative agreement. This funds approximately 580 total programs (360 in-person, 220 virtual).
When is the deadline?
The deadline is May 26, 2026. Check the full announcement for submission instructions and any early deadlines.
What types of programs are supported?
Funded programs include lectures, workshops, seminars, and training series. In-person exchanges last three days to three weeks; virtual programs can be single-session or ongoing series.
What are the thematic priorities?
Programs must advance "America First" priorities including energy security, critical minerals, commercial diplomacy, freedom of expression, digital freedom, and AI.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your track record recruiting and managing U.S. experts for international engagements.
- Demonstrate existing relationships with U.S. embassies and consulates in target regions.
- Show how your proposed programs directly align with stated America First priorities.
- Include details on virtual program delivery capacity and scalability across regions.
- Highlight how your programs create economic opportunities for American professionals and businesses.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to clearly connect program activities to America First priorities (energy security, digital freedom, AI, etc.). Underestimating the logistics required to coordinate 360 in-person exchanges plus virtual programs simultaneously. Vague descriptions of expert recruitment networks or embassy partnership capacity.
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