The FY 2026 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) is a program by the U.S. Department of State designed to foster international collaboration and promote free speech. It involves a two-way exchange for young civic leaders from Europe and Eurasia and their American counterparts. Participants will engage in training and hands-on activities to develop skills related to the First Amendment, specifically freedom of speech. The program includes professional placements in the U.S. and reciprocal visits to Europe and Eurasia.
Who it's for: This grant is for organizations that can design and implement exchange programs for young civic leaders, focusing on free speech and community engagement. Eligible applicants include public and state institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations, and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of experience in international exchange programs
- Inability to design a program focused on free speech
- Not being a public or state institution of higher education, Native American tribal organization, or nonprofit without 501(c)(3) status
- Failure to meet the application deadline
- Incomplete application package
What You May Need
- Detailed program proposal
- Budget plan
- Organizational background and experience
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Staffing plan
- Evaluation plan
- Proof of eligibility
- Timeline for program implementation
- Risk management plan
Cautions
- Ensure alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals
- Program must focus on First Amendment skills
- Strict adherence to budget and reporting requirements
- Potential cultural and logistical challenges in international exchanges
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants for the FY 2026 Community Engagement Exchange include: Public and State Institutions of Higher Education, which are colleges and universities run by state governments; Native American Tribal Organizations, which are groups recognized as representing Native American tribes; and Nonprofits Without 501(c)(3) Status, which are nonprofit organizations that do not have the specific tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The grant is also open to other unrestricted applicants, meaning there are no specific restrictions on who can apply, as long as they meet the program's goals and requirements.
Overview
This grant is for organizations that can design and implement exchange programs for young civic leaders, focusing on free speech and community engagement. Eligible applicants include public and state institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations, and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of experience in international exchange programs
- Inability to design a program focused on free speech
- Not being a public or state institution of higher education, Native American tribal organization, or nonprofit without 501(c)(3) status
- Failure to meet the application deadline
- Incomplete application package
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to design and implement the exchange program, including participant training, professional placements, travel expenses, and program evaluation. The goal is to enhance skills related to free speech and community engagement.
Expected Awards
1
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jun 10, 2026
- Deadline
- Jul 9, 2026(26 days)
- Archive Date
- Aug 8, 2026
Application Checklist
- Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity thoroughly
- Prepare a detailed program proposal
- Develop a comprehensive budget plan
- Gather organizational documents and proof of eligibility
- Secure letters of support or partnership agreements
- Draft a staffing and evaluation plan
- Submit the application by the deadline