FY 2026 Arctic Exchange Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to support Arctic economic development through international exchange programs. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies with expertise in Arctic issues, tourism, or critical minerals. Activities must involve short-term exchanges between Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. Applicants should demonstrate capacity to manage cooperative agreements and coordinate international participants across multiple countries.
Program description
The Arctic Exchange Program (AEP) aims to advance economic prosperity in the United States (Alaska), Canada, and Greenland through short-term exchange activities focused on two overarching themes: Arctic tourism development and critical minerals supply chain resilience.
The AEP will consist of three targeted exchange activities with distinct cohorts of approximately eight to 10 participants each. One activity will take place in each participating country, subject to local conditions. The scope of these activities may vary based on program needs.
Across all three exchange activities, the AEP will build participants’ professional capacity and create new partnership opportunities that advance economic prosperity in the United States, Canada, and Greenland. The program will position the United States as a partner of choice in Arctic economic development initiatives, promote U.S. business interests, and counter adversarial influence in this strategically important region.
Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (required for full details)
- Project narrative with exchange activity plans
- Budget and budget narrative
- Partner letters of commitment from Canadian and Greenlandic organizations
- Organizational capacity documentation
- SF-424 (federal application form)
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 BarnesCL@state.gov
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.415 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$20,570,000
-
$20,450,000
-
$19,800,000
-
$18,390,884
-
$17,980,767
-
$17,915,753
-
$17,903,753
-
$17,403,806
-
$16,896,050
-
$16,320,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.415). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $139,802,885 | |
| 2025 | $86,270,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $86,270,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the Arctic Exchange Program?
Nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies with Arctic expertise are typically eligible. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete eligibility requirements.
What is the funding level for this grant?
Awards are fixed at $750,000 per grant. There is no cost-sharing requirement.
What activities does the program support?
The grant funds short-term exchange activities focused on Arctic tourism development and critical minerals supply chain resilience. Three separate exchanges will occur in Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
How many participants will be involved?
Each of the three exchange activities will include approximately 8-10 participants. Total program will serve 24-30 professionals.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is July 9, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate clear expertise in Arctic economic development, tourism, or critical minerals to strengthen competitiveness.
- Develop detailed partnerships with organizations in Canada and Greenland before applying. Strong international relationships are essential.
- Design exchange activities that build professional capacity and create lasting business partnerships across all three countries.
- Show how the program advances U.S. economic interests and positions America as a strategic Arctic partner.
- Plan logistics carefully for international travel, visa coordination, and participant recruitment across multiple countries.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak international partnerships or unclear coordination plans with Canada and Greenland organizations. Proposals that focus narrowly on one country or lack concrete exchange logistics. Insufficient demonstration of how the program builds lasting professional relationships and economic benefits.
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