FY 2026 Sports Diplomacy On Demand Program

The Sports Diplomacy On Demand Program is a flexible, rapid-response initiative managed by the Office of Sports Diplomacy within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This funding opportunity supports the implementation of short-term, sports-based international exchange projects that align with U.S. foreign policy priorities. With a total anticipated funding of $2,000,000, ECA intends to issue a single cooperative agreement under this program, allowing a selected U.S.-based nonprofit or educational institution to implement approximately 40 unique exchange projects over a 24 to 36-month performance period. The purpose of the Sports Diplomacy On Demand Program is to leverage the unifying power of sport as a diplomatic tool to build cross-cultural understanding, foster international relationships, and promote U.S. values. These exchanges are positioned to respond swiftly to emerging global policy needs and strategic opportunities. Projects will support the legacy of major international sports events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, while also highlighting themes like Freedom 250. Targeted participants include both elite and non-elite athletes, coaches, administrators, and sports ministry leaders from around the world, alongside U.S. peers. The award recipient will manage inbound and outbound exchanges involving 40 to 50 foreign participants and 80 to 90 U.S. participants. Each project will be designed in consultation with ECA and may cover diverse sports such as flag football, MMA, tennis, and others with strong American ties. Activities may include professional meetings, sports clinics, team-building exercises, media engagements, and mentoring. The recipient organization must have a track record of at least four years in managing international exchanges and demonstrate operational capacity to handle multiple concurrent projects. Applicants must be U.S.-based nonprofit organizations or public/private educational institutions with a valid registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). There is no minimum or maximum cost-sharing requirement; however, cost-efficiency and leveraging of resources are encouraged. The application must include a complete package: SF-424, proposal narrative, executive summary, budget (including SF-424A), line-item breakdown, and budget narrative. Only one application per organization will be reviewed. Applications are due by May 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time and must be submitted via Grants.gov. Proposals will be evaluated on their quality, feasibility, institutional capacity, monitoring and evaluation plans, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with program goals. ECA reserves the right to renew this award for up to two additional fiscal years based on performance and funding availability. The anticipated award date is September 15, 2026. For technical assistance or questions regarding the program, applicants should contact Nalinee Cain at [email protected] or call (771) 204-2492. Additional information about performance monitoring expectations, including use of the MODE Framework and reporting via the MyGrants system, is detailed in the NOFO. The program also includes specific compliance obligations, including adherence to federal non-discrimination laws, J-1 visa requirements, and reporting regulations for recipients and subrecipients.

Show strong capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects; include detailed PMP aligned with MODE; address recruitment and safety procedures; showcase cost-efficiency and use of partnerships.