FY 2026 J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Program

The J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This initiative honors the legacy of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens by promoting cross-cultural dialogue, innovation, and collaboration between young leaders in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa region. The program is rooted in the Fulbright-Hays Act and supports U.S. foreign policy priorities by fostering mutual understanding, strengthening diplomatic ties, and advancing American leadership in science, technology, and civic engagement. The primary purpose of the program is to design and implement large-scale virtual exchange programming that connects youth and young professionals across borders. Through structured online engagements such as virtual dialogues, collaborative projects, and digital storytelling, participants explore themes including STEM innovation, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and digital media. The initiative emphasizes American values such as freedom of speech, individual liberty, and the rule of law, while encouraging participants to develop practical solutions to global challenges and strengthen economic and social connections. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, with approximately $10,000,000 in total funding available and two anticipated awards of approximately $5,000,000 each. The period of performance for each award is 36 months. Funds may be used for a wide range of allowable costs including personnel, program implementation, participant travel, digital platform development, alumni programming, and monitoring and evaluation. There is no required cost share, though applicants are encouraged to provide additional support where possible. Recipients may implement programming directly or through subawards to up to eight partner organizations, maintaining full oversight and compliance with federal requirements. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, including think tanks and civil society organizations, as well as public and private educational institutions. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity to manage large-scale international exchange programs, including experience in virtual programming and engagement with the MENA region. Additional requirements include registration in SAM.gov, possession of a Unique Entity Identifier, and submission of a complete application package including standard federal forms, a proposal narrative, and detailed budget documentation. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by May 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants must clearly indicate which of the two program options they are applying for and may submit separate applications for each. Proposals are evaluated based on program design, institutional capacity, monitoring and evaluation plans, cost-effectiveness, and innovation. The Department of State may also involve embassies and other offices in the review process. Successful applicants are expected to begin program activities around September 15, 2026. Program implementation includes multiple components such as participant recruitment, virtual exchange delivery, alumni engagement, and performance monitoring using the ECA MODE framework. Recipients are responsible for reporting, compliance, and coordination with U.S. embassies. The initiative also includes opportunities for alumni advancement through leadership academies and follow-on funding for participant-led projects. This program is part of a broader effort to strengthen global partnerships and promote stability, prosperity, and innovation through international exchange.

Ensure strong institutional capacity and detailed M&E plan aligned with MODE framework emphasize innovation and clear linkage to U.S. foreign policy goals