FY 2026 Sports Diplomacy On Demand Program

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposals for its FY 2026 Sports Diplomacy On Demand Program, a new initiative to leverage sports for U.S. foreign policy goals. This open competition targets U.S. public and private non-profit organizations with at least four years of international exchange experience. The program, a cooperative agreement, anticipates one award of approximately $2,000,000 to manage 40 short-term sports exchange projects for 120-140 participants. The recipient will design and implement projects, recruit participants, manage logistics, and report on performance using the MODE Framework. The program emphasizes flexible, rapid-response design, high-quality media strategy, and cost-efficient implementation to support priorities like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced the FY 2026 Sports Diplomacy On Demand Program, an open competition for U.S. non-profit organizations to manage short-term sports exchange projects. This cooperative agreement, with an anticipated award of $2,000,000, aims to advance U.S. foreign policy by rapidly responding to emerging priorities through sports-focused programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. non-profit organizations with at least four years of experience in international exchanges and active SAM.gov registration. The program will implement approximately 40 projects for 120-140 participants, including foreign and American athletes, coaches, and sports administrators. Key responsibilities for the recipient include project design, recruitment, logistics, and monitoring. The program emphasizes flexible, rapid-response design, high-quality communication, and strong networks, with performance measured against ECA's MODE Framework objectives and indicators. Applications are due by May 26, 2026, and must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced the FY 2026 Sports Diplomacy On Demand Program, an open competition for U.S. non-profit organizations to manage short-term sports exchange projects. This program, with an anticipated award of $2,000,000, aims to quickly respond to Administration foreign policy priorities by leveraging sports to advance U.S. interests and foster cross-cultural understanding. Eligible organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration, along with at least four years of experience in international exchanges. The recipient will implement approximately 40 projects for 120-140 participants, including foreign and American athletes, coaches, and sports administrators. ECA will be substantially involved in project development, participant selection, and overall oversight. Proposals must demonstrate a flexible, rapid-response program design, strong networks, and a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan aligned with ECA's MODE Framework. Applications are due by May 26, 2026.