[Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs](https://eca.state.gov)

June 1, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Approx. $1,540,000 total; one cooperative agreement; 24–28 month project period

Supports a major international program elevating American film, television, gaming, and media arts through cultural and commercial diplomacy, professional exchanges, and global creative partnerships.

--- ## Description This opportunity funds the FY 2026 American Film Showcase (AFS), a comprehensive initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The program leverages American creativity in film, television, gaming, and media arts to advance U.S. foreign policy, foster international partnerships, and support the global competitiveness of American creative industries. Activities include international exchanges, professional development, curated film screenings, workshops, masterclasses, and a new "Made in America: Creative Capital" component focused on commercial diplomacy and market access for U.S. creators. The awardee will coordinate with U.S. embassies worldwide to deliver programming and manage both inbound and outbound exchanges. --- ## Due Dates - **Full application deadline:** June 1, 2026 (by 11:59 p.m. Eastern/Washington DC time) There are no pre-application or LOI deadlines; only one application per organization is accepted. --- ## Funding Amount - **Total available funding:** ~$1,540,000 (pending availability of funds) - **Number of awards:** 1 cooperative agreement - **Project duration:** 24–28 months (anticipated start: September 1, 2026) - **Cost sharing:** Not required, but encouraged for competitiveness --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - U.S. not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs) - U.S. public and private educational institutions (including colleges and universities) - **Requirements:** - Minimum four years of experience conducting international exchange programs (organizations without this experience are limited to $130,000 and are not competitive for this award) - Active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - Only one proposal per organization will be considered --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361402). - **Required documents:** - SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) - Executive summary - Proposal narrative - SF-424A (Budget Information) - Detailed line-item budget and budget narrative - Supporting documentation as described in the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) and Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) documents - **Attachments:** The full [Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FY26-AFS-NOFO.pdf), [POGI](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FY26-AFS-POGI.pdf), and [Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP)](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/performance_monitoring_plan_mode_2.3_02.03.2025-4.pdf) are required reading for applicants. - **Key notes:** - Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. - Applications must meet all technical and eligibility requirements as outlined in the NOFO and PSI. --- ## Additional Information - **Program activities include:** - Sending U.S. experts abroad for film/media diplomacy programs - Bringing international participants to the U.S. for professional development - Curating and distributing American films for international screenings - Implementing commercial diplomacy initiatives (e.g., business residencies, co-production labs, investment forums) - **Monitoring and Evaluation:** - Applicants must use the ECA’s MODE Framework and submit a Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) with standard indicators. - **Cost sharing is encouraged** but not required; proposals should maximize private sector and institutional support. - **Compliance:** - Awardees must adhere to J visa regulations and all applicable federal requirements. - Branding and communications must follow ECA guidelines. --- ## External Links - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361402) - [ECA Grant Opportunities](https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/) - [FY 2026 American Film Showcase NOFO (PDF)](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FY26-AFS-NOFO.pdf) - [Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) (PDF)](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FY26-AFS-POGI.pdf) - [Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (PDF)](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/performance_monitoring_plan_mode_2.3_02.03.2025-4.pdf) - [Instructions and Mandatory Application Forms](http://state.gov/instructions-and-mandatory-forms/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Notes | |--------------------|-----------------------------|------------------|------------------------------------------| | Catherine Collins | CollinsCS@state.gov | (202) 632-9301 | ECA/PE/C/CU, U.S. Department of State | | Grants.gov Support | support@grants.gov | 1-800-518-4726 | Technical support for electronic submission | For additional details, refer to contacts in the NOFO or on the [ECA website](https://eca.state.gov). ---

FY 2026 American Film Showcase

Sign in to see full grant listing