FY 2026 Community Solutions Program

The Community Solutions Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, specifically within the Office of Citizen Exchanges. This program reflects the federal government’s longstanding commitment to fostering international collaboration, leadership development, and economic growth through educational and cultural exchange. The initiative is grounded in the Fulbright-Hays Act, which seeks to strengthen mutual understanding between the United States and other nations while advancing U.S. economic and diplomatic interests. The program leverages American expertise in regional economic development and industry cluster strategies to support both domestic and international communities. The primary purpose of the program is to support the design and implementation of a comprehensive exchange initiative that brings together emerging community leaders from around the world with U.S. counterparts. These participants, typically aged 27 to 39, engage in a structured three- to four-month exchange in the United States, where they are embedded within host organizations. Through hands-on placements, participants gain exposure to real-world economic development strategies across sectors such as entrepreneurship, hospitality, technology, and agriculture. The program also includes reciprocal exchanges in which U.S. participants travel abroad to collaborate on follow-on projects, reinforcing partnerships and expanding economic opportunities. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement with an anticipated award of approximately 3000000 dollars. Only one award is expected, covering a performance period of 28 months. The funding supports a wide range of programmatic costs, including travel, training, participant stipends, materials, and program administration. While cost sharing is not required, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate additional financial or in-kind contributions. Allowable costs are clearly defined and include per diem, cultural allowances, consultant fees, and program-related travel, while restrictions prohibit expenditures such as alcohol or excessive facility rental costs. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, both public and private. Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of experience conducting international exchange programs due to the size of the award. Additional requirements include maintaining an active registration in SAM.gov and possessing a Unique Entity Identifier. Organizations must also comply with all proposal submission requirements, including providing a detailed narrative, budget documentation, and supporting materials. Only one proposal per organization is permitted, and failure to meet technical requirements may result in disqualification. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple components such as an executive summary, detailed program narrative, and comprehensive budget documentation. The narrative must address program design, evaluation, recruitment, and implementation strategies in alignment with the program’s objectives. Evaluation criteria emphasize the quality of the program design, institutional capacity, monitoring and evaluation plans, and cost effectiveness. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to manage complex international exchanges and deliver measurable outcomes. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated award date is September 4, 2026, with program implementation beginning shortly thereafter. The program is expected to be renewed for up to two additional years contingent upon performance and funding availability, indicating a recurring funding cycle. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparation early due to registration requirements and the complexity of the submission process. Contacts for the program include representatives from the Office of Citizen Exchanges, and inquiries must reference the funding opportunity number provided in the notice. The program places strong emphasis on monitoring and evaluation, requiring recipients to track participant outcomes, program impact, and long-term benefits to both U.S. and international communities. Overall, the Community Solutions Program represents a significant federal investment in leadership development, economic growth, and international collaboration.

Focus on measurable economic impact; demonstrate strong international exchange experience; align program design with regional economic development strategies; provide detailed monitoring and evaluation framework