The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants Program is a competitive funding opportunity for U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs. It provides grants of up to $10,000 to support teams in designing and implementing projects that address shared global challenges, strengthen communities, and showcase American excellence over a six-month period.
IREX, a global development and education organization, implements this program with support from the U.S. Department of State. It aims to amplify the impact of exchange programs by empowering alumni to apply their skills and networks to create lasting solutions.
Benefits Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants
- Grants of up to $10,000 per project
- Project management training coursework
- Regular progress check-ins with IREX
- Participation in a culminating Virtual Showcase
Eligibility Criteria for the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants
- Projects must be related to one of the four current CDAF themes
- Projects must be submitted by teams of two or more alumni of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs
- The primary team leader must be a U.S. citizen
- All team members must be alumni of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs
- All team members must be alumni in good standing
- All team members must be 18 years of age or older
How to Apply for Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants
- Completed Application Form
- Completed Work Plan
- Completed Budget
- Professional resumes of Exchange Alumni team members
- Letter of intent from partnering organization (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants Program. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants Program?
Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants is a small-grants competition for U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs. It provides competitively awarded grants of up to $10,000 for teams to implement policy-focused projects addressing global challenges over a six-month period.
Who is eligible to apply for the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants Program?
Teams of two or more alumni of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs are eligible. The primary team leader must be a U.S. citizen, and all team members must be alumni in good standing and aged 18 or older. Projects must align with one of the four program themes.
What are the funding amounts and benefits?
Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants offers grants of up to $10,000 per project. Selected teams receive project management training, regular check-ins with IREX, and participate in a Virtual Showcase to demonstrate project impact.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 cycle?
Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Small Grants opens on March 5, 2026, and closes on May 5, 2026. Project selections are announced in June 2026, with implementation from July to December 2026.
What are the required application materials?
Applications must include a completed Application Form, Work Plan, Budget, professional resumes of all team members, and a letter of intent from any partnering organization. All materials must be in English.
What are the program’s thematic areas?
Projects must address challenges in one of four areas: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and global connections; Advancing free speech and expression; Fostering economic prosperity; or Strengthening alumni networks and partnerships.
How are applications evaluated?
Eligible applications are reviewed based on project methodology and feasibility, measurability of goals, alignment with themes, applicant qualifications, team engagement, budget reasonableness, potential impact, and for international projects, a clear link to the exchange program.
Can international alumni participate?
Yes, team members can include both U.S. and international alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs. However, the primary team leader must be a U.S. citizen.
What is the project implementation timeline?
Selected projects are implemented over six months, typically from July to December 2026. Teams complete training and check-ins during this period, culminating in a Virtual Showcase in January 2027.
How can I get more information or find a project partner?
For questions, email [email protected]. The program hosts webinars and networking sessions; prospective applicants can complete a networking form to find partners and register for information sessions.
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