FY 2026 Sports Diplomacy On Demand Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. public and private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations selected to manage short-term sports exchange projects. The Department of State seeks partners to rapidly implement sports-focused programs advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities. Eligible applicants will coordinate approximately 40 exchange projects with 120-140 participants (40-50 international, 80-90 U.S.-based). Projects should align with current Administration priorities, FIFA World Cup 2026 legacy efforts, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics momentum. Activities include hosting exchanges for elite athletes, sports federation leaders, coaches, and administrators from abroad.
Program description
The Office of Sports Diplomacy, in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), announces an open competition for the FY 2026 Sports Diplomacy On Demand Program. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to manage short-term sports exchange projects designed to support key sporting and cultural priorities of the Administration.
Sports Diplomacy On Demand (SD On Demand) is a new, flexible program that will allow the Department of State to quickly respond to Administration’s foreign policy priorities in sports. SD On Demand projects are designed for rapid implementation, enabling swift responses to emerging policies, geopolitical opportunities, and pressing foreign policy needs. The SD On Demand Program will advance U.S. foreign policy through sports-focused programs that leverage the Decade of Sport in America, solidifying the FIFA World Cup 2026 legacy, building momentum toward the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, and beyond.
The recipient will implement a series of customized, short-term sports-based exchange projects for a variety of individuals that may include high-profile athletes, leaders in sports federations and ministries abroad, or non-elite athletes, coaches, and sports administrators. The program expects to support approximately 40 exchange projects for 120-140 participants, including approximately 40-50 foreign participants and 80-90 from the United States.
Please see the announcement for additional information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 or SF-424 (R&B) application form
- Project narrative describing exchange project designs
- Organizational capability statement
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of 501(c)(3) status
- Key personnel résumés
- Letters of support from international partners or sports organizations
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 CainNL@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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
U.S. public and private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can apply. Your organization must be able to rapidly implement short-term sports exchange projects aligned with State Department foreign policy goals.
What is the funding amount and deadline?
Each award is $2,000,000. The deadline is May 26, 2026.
What kinds of activities does this grant support?
The program supports customized, short-term sports exchange projects. These include hosting international athletes, sports federation leaders, coaches, and sports administrators for exchange experiences.
How many exchange projects will be funded?
The program expects to support approximately 40 exchange projects serving 120-140 total participants (40-50 international, 80-90 U.S.-based).
Is cost-sharing required?
No, this grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from your organization.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Frame your proposal around current Administration priorities in sports diplomacy and foreign policy objectives. Show how your exchanges advance U.S. strategic interests.
- Emphasize your capacity for rapid project implementation. The program values quick turnaround; demonstrate proven experience launching exchange programs quickly.
- Detail your existing relationships with international sports bodies, federations, and athletic organizations. Strong partnerships streamline participant recruitment and implementation.
- Build a realistic timeline for 40 exchange projects with clear milestones. Show how you'll manage logistics across multiple simultaneous exchanges with different participant groups.
- Include relevant staff expertise in sports management, international relations, and cultural exchange. Highlight team members with experience managing Department of State-funded programs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak connection to current foreign policy priorities. Unclear timeline for rapid implementation of 40 distinct exchange projects. Lack of evidence of prior experience managing high-volume, fast-paced international exchanges.
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