FY 2026 Community Engagement Exchange
This grant funds a two-way exchange for young civic leaders from Europe, Eurasia, and the U.S. to build free speech skills and strengthen community engagement through professional placements and collaborative projects.
Funder: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Due Dates: July 9, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $1,000,000 (single award; 30-month period); renewal possible for up to two additional years
Summary: Supports a two-way exchange program for emerging civic leaders from Europe/Eurasia and American counterparts, focused on free speech, leadership, and community engagement.
Key Information: No cost-sharing required; only one application per organization will be considered.
Description
This opportunity funds the design and implementation of a two-way exchange program for approximately 30–40 emerging civic leaders (ages 22–27) from Europe and Eurasia, along with 15–20 American participants. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), provides skill-based training, hands-on activities, and professional placements in U.S. organizations, all centered on the practical application of First Amendment rights—especially freedom of speech. The initiative aims to strengthen participants' leadership skills, foster constructive public discourse, and build lasting international networks that advance free speech and community engagement in alignment with U.S. foreign policy interests. American participants will also travel abroad on reciprocal exchanges to support ongoing collaboration and project implementation.
