FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions implementing an international arts and technology exchange program.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or educational organizations based in the United States. The program supports creative professionals and technologists in arts including architecture, creative coding, gaming, fashion, graphic design, music, and immersive art (VR/AR/MR). Film and television are excluded.
ECA will select one awardee to design and manage the program nationally. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to recruit, coordinate, and deliver hands-on collaborative activities involving up to 30 participants working with international peers.
This grant is for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions implementing an international arts and technology exchange program.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or educational organizations based in the United States. The program supports creative professionals and technologists in arts including architecture, creative coding, gaming, fashion, graphic design, music, and immersive art (VR/AR/MR). Film and television are excluded.
ECA will select one awardee to design and manage the program nationally. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to recruit, coordinate, and deliver hands-on collaborative activities involving up to 30 participants working with international peers.
Program description
The U.S. Creative Tech Exchange (U.S.CTX) is a new international arts exchange program that drives economic growth by connecting U.S. creative professionals and technologists with international peers working at the intersection of the arts and emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to position American technology as a key driver of American innovation, economic, and cultural influence in art and technology, For the purposes of this program, “arts” refers specifically to architecture, creative coding and gaming, fashion, graphic design, music and immersive art such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR); but excludes film and television.
U.S.CTX will support up to 30 participants through short-term, hands-on activities such as collaborative labs, fellowships, workshops, and public showcases.
ECA will award one U.S.-based nonprofit or educational organization $1.32 million to design and implement the program in close coordination with ECA and U.S. embassies. Applicants should propose a concept that leverages their strengths and includes clear plans for recruitment, program delivery, and measurable outcomes in creative arts, economic impact, and public diplomacy.
Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions implementing an international arts and technology exchange program.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or educational organizations based in the United States. The program supports creative professionals and technologists in arts including architecture, creative coding, gaming, fashion, graphic design, music, and immersive art (VR/AR/MR). Film and television are excluded.
ECA will select one awardee to design and manage the program nationally. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to recruit, coordinate, and deliver hands-on collaborative activities involving up to 30 participants working with international peers.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (full announcement)
- Project narrative with program concept and implementation plan
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Recruitment and participant selection strategy
- Measurable outcomes framework
- Budget and budget narrative
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 nelsonjg2@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 this grant?
U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational organizations can apply. You must have capacity to manage an international exchange program coordinating with U.S. embassies.
What arts disciplines are eligible?
Architecture, creative coding, gaming, fashion, graphic design, music, and immersive art (VR/AR/MR) are included. Film and television are not eligible.
How many participants will the program support?
The program will support up to 30 participants through collaborative labs, fellowships, workshops, and public showcases.
What is the funding amount?
One awardee will receive exactly $1.32 million to design and implement the full program.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is July 6, 2026. Only one nonprofit or educational institution will be selected nationally.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate your organization's expertise at the intersection of creative arts and emerging technology, especially AI applications. Demonstrate competitive advantage over other potential applicants.
- Develop detailed recruitment strategies showing how you'll identify and attract top creative professionals and technologists domestically and internationally.
- Include measurable outcomes tied to three areas: creative arts impact, economic development benefits, and public diplomacy goals for U.S. cultural influence.
- Plan concrete hands-on activities like collaborative labs, workshops, and showcases that create meaningful exchange between U.S. and international participants.
- Address your relationships with U.S. embassies and international partners. Show clear coordination plans with ECA throughout implementation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing activities that include film or television instead of eligible creative tech disciplines. Not clearly connecting arts programming to economic growth and U.S. diplomatic goals. Underestimating complexity of coordinating international exchange across multiple embassy locations.
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