Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0018696
The FY 2027 Fulbright Scholar Program grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0018696) is a discretionary, federally funded cooperative agreement issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), under CFDA 19.401. The program supports the administration and delivery of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program and the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, two flagship international academic exchange efforts that, together, send U.S. scholars and professionals abroad and bring non-U.S. scholars to the United States for lecturing and/or research. The scope described in the announcement indicates that these programs collectively facilitate a very large annual portfolio of exchanges: roughly 970 awards to U.S. participants to teach or conduct research overseas and about 1,025 awards to visiting scholars to lecture or conduct research at U.S. institutions. In practice, this opportunity is about running a complex, high-volume exchange infrastructure that enables placements, academic engagement, and research collaboration aligned with U.S. public diplomacy and international education goals.
Beyond the core U.S. and Visiting Scholar awards, the opportunity explicitly includes several additional Fulbright components and special initiatives that fall under the same overarching agreement. These include the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence (S-I-R) Program, which typically places visiting scholars at U.S. institutions (often those that have less prior exposure to international programming) to broaden campus internationalization and bring global perspectives into teaching and community engagement. It also includes the Global Scholars Program, International Education Administrator (IEA) Seminars that support higher education leaders in understanding international education systems and building partnerships, and the Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF), which generally supports guest lectures and outreach engagements that extend the program's reach beyond a single host campus. The announcement also references research-based, cohort-style programs designed to address priority policy areas and other special awards that align with U.S. government priorities, signaling that the implementing partner is expected to be able to stand up themed cohorts, manage policy-relevant programming, and respond to evolving diplomatic or strategic priorities while maintaining the academic integrity associated with Fulbright.
The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which usually means the federal agency anticipates substantial involvement in program direction, oversight, and coordination rather than a fully hands-off grant relationship. The posted award ceiling is $8,650,000, and the opportunity anticipates making one award, suggesting a single prime recipient will be selected to manage this large, integrated set of Fulbright Scholar activities and subcomponents. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education, as well as "others" as defined in the full notice. This eligibility range indicates ECA is open to a university-based implementer or an experienced nonprofit organization capable of administering international exchange programming at scale.
Key logistics included in the listing show the opportunity was created on June 16, 2026, and the original application closing date is August 14, 2026. Applicants are directed to consult the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the POGI (often used as program guidelines or program objectives and grant information) for the detailed requirements, which typically cover expectations such as program design, recruitment and selection processes, participant support and advising, host institution engagement, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, compliance, and coordination with U.S. embassies and other stakeholders. Overall, the opportunity is essentially for an organization to operate and continuously improve a broad, multi-track Fulbright Scholar exchange portfolio that supports teaching, research, and professional engagement across borders, while also delivering special initiatives and policy-responsive cohort programming that advances U.S. government international education and foreign policy objectives.Apply for DFOP0018696
- The Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2027 Fulbright Scholar Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.401.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-16.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-14. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $8,650,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FY 2027 Fulbright Scholar Program (DFOP0018696) - Frequently Asked Questions
What is this funding opportunity?
This is the FY 2027 Fulbright Scholar Program grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0018696), a discretionary, federally funded cooperative agreement issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), under CFDA 19.401.
Which agency is offering the award?
The award is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
What type of funding instrument is being used?
The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This generally indicates substantial federal involvement in program direction, oversight, and coordination compared to a more hands-off grant.
What programs does this opportunity support?
The opportunity supports the administration and delivery of two major academic exchange efforts: the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program and the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program.
What do the Fulbright U.S. Scholar and Visiting Scholar programs do?
Together, these programs send U.S. scholars and professionals abroad and bring non-U.S. scholars to the United States for lecturing and/or research.
How large is the exchange portfolio described in the announcement?
The scope described indicates a very large annual portfolio of exchanges, with roughly 970 awards to U.S. participants to teach or conduct research overseas and about 1,025 awards to visiting scholars to lecture or conduct research at U.S. institutions.
Is this opportunity about funding individual scholars directly?
Based on the description provided, the opportunity is focused on running the administrative and delivery infrastructure for the Fulbright Scholar exchanges at high volume, rather than providing a single research or teaching project grant to an individual.
What additional Fulbright components are included under this overarching agreement?
In addition to the core U.S. Scholar and Visiting Scholar awards, the announcement explicitly includes the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence (S-I-R) Program, the Global Scholars Program, International Education Administrator (IEA) Seminars, and the Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF). It also references research-based, cohort-style programs and other special awards aligned with U.S. government priorities.
What is the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence (S-I-R) Program in this context?
The S-I-R Program typically places visiting scholars at U.S. institutions, often those with less prior exposure to international programming, to broaden campus internationalization and bring global perspectives into teaching and community engagement.
What are International Education Administrator (IEA) Seminars?
IEA Seminars support higher education leaders in understanding international education systems and building partnerships.
What is the Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF)?
The OLF generally supports guest lectures and outreach engagements that extend the program's reach beyond a single host campus.
What does it mean that the opportunity includes research-based, cohort-style programs and special initiatives?
The announcement signals that the implementing partner is expected to be able to stand up themed cohorts, manage policy-relevant programming, and respond to evolving diplomatic or strategic priorities while maintaining the academic integrity associated with Fulbright.
How many awards does ECA expect to make under this opportunity?
The opportunity anticipates making one award, meaning a single prime recipient is expected to be selected to manage the integrated set of Fulbright Scholar activities and subcomponents described.
What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?
The posted award ceiling is $8,650,000.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education, as well as "others" as defined in the full notice.
What does the eligibility range suggest about the kind of organization ECA is looking for?
The eligibility range indicates ECA is open to either a university-based implementer or an experienced nonprofit organization capable of administering international exchange programming at scale.
When was the opportunity created?
The listing shows the opportunity was created on June 16, 2026.
What is the application closing date?
The original application closing date is August 14, 2026.
Where should applicants look for the detailed requirements?
Applicants are directed to consult the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the POGI for detailed requirements and expectations.
What kinds of requirements are typically covered in the NOFO and POGI for an opportunity like this?
Based on the description provided, these documents typically cover expectations such as program design, recruitment and selection processes, participant support and advising, host institution engagement, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, compliance, and coordination with U.S. embassies and other stakeholders.
What is the overall purpose of the cooperative agreement described?
Overall, the opportunity is for an organization to operate and continuously improve a broad, multi-track Fulbright Scholar exchange portfolio that supports teaching, research, and professional engagement across borders, while also delivering special initiatives and policy-responsive cohort programming that advances U.S. government international education and foreign policy objectives.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: Collaborative Research
Previous opportunity: BIA-IBIP-OIED-2026
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DFOP0018696
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DFOP0018696) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Fiscal Year 2026 Port Security Grant Program Apply for DHS 26 GPD 056 00 99 Funding Number: DHS 26 GPD 056 00 99 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: $95,000,000 |
| FY 2026 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals and Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange Apply for DFOP0018692 Funding Number: DFOP0018692 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,100,000 |
| Escape The Hack: Countering Cyber Scams with an Immersive Experience for Everyday Indonesians Apply for PAS JAKARTA FY26 04 Funding Number: PAS JAKARTA FY26 04 Agency: U.S. Mission to Indonesia Category: Other Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| U.S. India Sports Technology Dialogues and Innovation Program Apply for OFOP0002831 Funding Number: OFOP0002831 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| American Spaces Support Funds Program Apply for AF HAR FY26 04 Funding Number: AF HAR FY26 04 Agency: U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe Category: Other Funding Amount: $14,000 |
| U.S. Mission to Canada Alumni Summit Apply for PD FY26 CANADA NOFO 003 Funding Number: PD FY26 CANADA NOFO 003 Agency: U.S. Mission to Canada Category: Other Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement Apply for ISR PD APS 26 001 Funding Number: ISR PD APS 26 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Israel Category: Other Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| The 2027 YSEALI Regional Workshop: Securing Supply Chains Apply for FY26 PAS SURABAYA 01 Funding Number: FY26 PAS SURABAYA 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Indonesia Category: Other Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Program to End Modern Slavery Annual Program Statement Apply for DFOP0018770 Funding Number: DFOP0018770 Agency: Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons Category: Other Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
| Countering Terrorist Recruitment Online Apply for DFOP0018502 Funding Number: DFOP0018502 Agency: Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other Funding Amount: $4,933,399 |
| Child Protection Compact Annual Program Statement Apply for DFOP0018775 Funding Number: DFOP0018775 Agency: Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| TIP Office International Programs to Combat Human Trafficking Annual Program Statement Apply for DFOP0018774 Funding Number: DFOP0018774 Agency: Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2027 Apply for PDS SINGAPORE FY26 001 Funding Number: PDS SINGAPORE FY26 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Singapore Category: Other Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| FY 2027 International Visitor Leadership Program’s National Program Agencies Apply for DFOP0018829 Funding Number: DFOP0018829 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $8,875,000 |
| FY 2026 Community Solutions Program Apply for DFOP0018816 Funding Number: DFOP0018816 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Ensuring Research Integrity – Research on Research Integrity Program (RRI) Apply for IR ORI 26 001 Funding Number: IR ORI 26 001 Agency: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Other Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Export Controls and Investment Screening for Critical Minerals Supply Chain Apply for DFOP0018149 Funding Number: DFOP0018149 Agency: Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation Category: Other Funding Amount: $5,409,250 |
| Ensuring Research Integrity – Conferences and Workshops Program (CWP) Apply for IR ORI 26 002 Funding Number: IR ORI 26 002 Agency: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Ensuring Research Integrity – Program Development and Evaluation Program (PDE) Apply for IR ORI 26 003 Funding Number: IR ORI 26 003 Agency: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Leadership Essentials for Sustainability Apply for 26PR11 Funding Number: 26PR11 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other Funding Amount: $210,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DFOP0018696", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.