FY 2027 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that can design, implement, and oversee the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program at a national scale. The applicant must be capable of managing graduate-level academic placements at multiple U.S. host universities and coordinating professional affiliations across sectors.
Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded. The organization must have demonstrated experience in international exchange programs, Fulbright-related activities, or similar cultural and educational diplomacy initiatives.
The program recruits influential professionals from priority countries designated by the U.S. Department of State. Activities include non-degree study placements, professional internships (6+ weeks for annual program, ~1 week for shorter-term tracks), and alumni network management.
Geographic scope is nationwide, with operations at approximately eight host universities across the United States.
Program description
The Office of Academic Exchange Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State is announcing an open competition for the FY 2027 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (Humphrey Fellowship). ECA is seeking proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the Humphrey Fellowship.
The Humphrey Fellowship, a Fulbright exchange, advances American interests by bringing influential professionals from priority countries to the United States to build strategic partnerships that advance shared interests and support U.S. foreign policy goals. Through graduate-level study and professional experiences at U.S. host universities and organizations, Humphrey Fellows gain practical insight into how American policies are developed and implemented, working alongside U.S. experts in their fields. Fellows are placed in multi-national thematic cohorts at U.S. host universities, where they gain skills to promote stability and economic growth, foster long-term cooperation with the United States on shared global challenges, and advance U.S. foreign policy interests.
The program offers two components: a longer-term fellowship of up to one academic year and a shorter-term, thematic Distinguished Humphrey Fellowship Program (DHFP). During the academic year program, Fellows participate in non-degree study in multi-national cohorts at approximately eight host campuses across the United States. They also complete at least six weeks of a professional affiliation at a U.S.-based private sector, governmental, non-governmental, or international organization. The shorter-term DHFP program places Fellows in thematic multinational cohorts at selected host institutions and includes approximately one-week of professional experiences at U.S.-based organizations.
Through their academic and professional experiences, Fellows deepen their understanding of the United States, strengthen their expertise in fields of strategic importance, and build networks with U.S. counterparts. Upon returning home, alumni apply their experience to shape national policy, promote stability and economic growth, and foster long-term cooperation with the United States on shared global challenges, such as border security, freedom of speech, and fair trade. Humphrey Fellows and alumni serve as critical interlocutors for U.S. Missions, helping to advance bilateral relationships and achieve foreign policy goals.
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 (full announcement)
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of commitment from host universities
- Program design and management plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational background and experience
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 WongJS@state.gov
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.010 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$13,149,938
-
$12,478,150
-
$12,065,000
-
$12,065,000
-
$11,914,999
-
$11,730,941
-
$11,265,000
-
$8,445,500
-
$35,000
-
$24,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.010). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $12,065,000 | |
| 2025 | $11,265,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $11,265,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Organizations with demonstrated capacity to manage large-scale international exchange programs. Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded. Experience with Fulbright programs or similar educational diplomacy is required.
What is the funding amount?
The award is a fixed $10,250,000 cooperative agreement with no cost-sharing requirement. This is a single, large grant for program management, not distributed to multiple recipients.
What activities does the grant support?
Designing and managing placements of international fellows at U.S. universities. Coordinating professional affiliations with U.S. organizations. Organizing thematic cohorts and monitoring alumni networks.
What makes applications competitive?
Strong experience managing Fulbright or similar programs. Established relationships with multiple U.S. host universities. Track record supporting foreign policy objectives through educational exchange.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is May 18, 2026. This is the only funding cycle mentioned; plan accordingly.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Research prior Humphrey Fellowship awardees and their program design to understand expectations. Reviewers expect sophisticated exchange management experience.
- Highlight your network of eight or more U.S. host universities ready to participate. Show formal partnerships or letters of commitment.
- Demonstrate how your management approach directly supports U.S. foreign policy goals in designated priority countries. Connect fellowship outcomes to strategic bilateral relationships.
- Budget carefully for the full scope: university placements, professional affiliations, travel, housing, stipends, and alumni engagement. This is a large, complex program to administer.
- Show evidence of successful Fulbright or similar program administration. Include metrics on fellow outcomes, alumni impact, and mission effectiveness from past programs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating operational complexity. Applicants often fail to demonstrate realistic capacity to manage eight university placements, professional affiliations, and cohort coordination simultaneously. Weak foreign policy alignment. Proposals that treat the program as a generic exchange initiative rather than a tool for advancing U.S. strategic interests lose points. Incomplete host institution commitments. Vague promises of "partner universities" instead of concrete letters of partnership from eight+ confirmed hosts.
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