FY 2026 Community Solutions Program
The FY 2026 Community Solutions Program funds exchanges for international leaders to collaborate with U.S. partners on regional economic growth initiatives in key industries through 3–4 month placements.
Funder: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Due Dates: July 23, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: One award, approx. $3,000,000 total for a 28-month period; no cost sharing required.
Summary: Supports a cooperative agreement to design and implement an international exchange program for community leaders focused on regional economic growth and cross-sector collaboration.
Description
This opportunity, administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), seeks proposals from eligible organizations to design and implement the FY 2026 Community Solutions Program (CSP). The program brings together experienced community leaders from select countries and the United States for a three- to four-month professional exchange in the U.S., focusing on regional economic development, industry clusters, and community prosperity. The awardee will be responsible for all aspects of program design, participant recruitment and selection, placements with U.S. host organizations, reciprocal exchanges for Americans, alumni programming, monitoring and evaluation, and program administration.
Approximately 50–60 international participants (ages 27–39) will be placed with U.S. host organizations to work on real-world economic growth initiatives in sectors such as business, technology, hospitality, and more. Around 20–25 Americans will participate in reciprocal exchanges to partner countries. The program emphasizes leadership development, cross-sector collaboration, and the adaptation of U.S. regional economic models abroad.
