FY 2026 Leaders Lead On-Demand
This grant funds organizations to design and run four to six exchange projects for emerging and mid-level leaders from the U.S. and abroad, fostering professional networks through customized, two-way international exchanges.
Funder: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Due Dates: May 25, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications due by 11:59 PM Eastern, May 25, 2026)
Funding Amounts: One award of $2,000,000 total for 24–30 months; no cost sharing required.
Summary: Supports rapid, flexible international exchange projects building networks of emerging leaders and mid-level professionals aligned with U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Key Information: Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges for awards over $130,000.
Description
The Leaders Lead On-Demand (LLOD) program, administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), funds the design and implementation of a series of rapid-response, two-way exchange projects. These projects are intended to build self-sustaining networks of emerging leaders and mid-level professionals from government, business, and civil society, both in the U.S. and abroad. Each exchange project focuses on urgent or emerging U.S. foreign policy priorities and aims to foster collaboration, leadership skills, and cross-cultural understanding.
The selected recipient will be responsible for designing and carrying out approximately eight to twelve exchange projects, involving about 150 participants (110 foreign, 40 U.S.). Projects must include both U.S.-based and overseas segments, with robust engagement between U.S. and foreign participants throughout.
