Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0018219
The FY 2026 Future Leaders Exchange Global (FLEX Global) funding opportunity (DFOP0018219) is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) competitive announcement seeking proposals to run a major high school exchange program through cooperative agreements. FLEX Global is positioned as an expanded, worldwide evolution of two long-running exchange models: the 34-year Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program and the 24-year Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. The purpose is to advance U.S. interests by developing a pipeline and alumni network of young leaders with deeper understanding of the United States, with program emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and leadership.
ECA is offering funding under a discretionary cooperative agreement model, meaning awardees should expect substantial collaboration with ECA during implementation rather than a hands-off grant. The total award ceiling listed is $22,000,000, and ECA anticipates making about 11 awards in total across two distinct program components. Applicants are allowed to apply for one or both components, but if applying for both, they must submit separate proposals for each component, reflecting different scopes of work and cost structures.
The first track is the Administrative Component (Component #183). This is the program-wide backbone role and includes managing overseas operations; recruiting and selecting both inbound and outbound students; arranging travel; recruiting and placing host families for outbound participants (American students going abroad); maintaining and managing the program database and website for both inbound and outbound cohorts; coordinating alumni activities across all participants; running program-wide events; and providing overall coordination for the entire FLEX Global effort. A key point in the announcement is that the outbound American exchange element is handled entirely under this Administrative Component. Up to 150 American high school participants are expected to study abroad for an academic year, and any organization applying only for the Placement Component is instructed not to budget or include costs associated with this outbound activity.
The second track is the Placement Component (Component #183). This role is focused specifically on the U.S. domestic hosting side for inbound international students. Placement awardees manage host family and school placement for inbound foreign participants, provide ongoing monitoring and support during the exchange year, and implement regional "American Excellence" enhancement-type activities. These enhancement activities are intended to strengthen participants exposure to U.S. civic life, leadership, and community engagement while they live with host families and attend U.S. high schools. ECA expects to fund multiple organizations for this work, estimating six to ten awards for the Placement Component, which suggests a distributed regional model with several placement organizations each responsible for a subset of students and regions.
Programmatically, FLEX Global is designed around full academic-year exchanges with homestay and school enrollment as the core experience. The expected scale is substantial: up to 1,200 foreign high school students will come to the United States for an academic year, living with host families, attending U.S. high schools, and participating in leadership-oriented programming and American Excellence activities. In parallel, up to 150 American students will spend an academic year abroad, with the administrative awardee responsible for the end-to-end management of that outbound pathway. Across both inbound and outbound tracks, ECA highlights the importance of participant support structures, data systems, alumni engagement, and coordinated events that reinforce the programs leadership and civic learning goals.
Eligibility is broad and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), as well as other eligible entities as specified in the full announcement. The opportunity is listed under CFDA/Assistance Listing 19.415. The announcement was created on 2026-04-29, and the original application closing date is 2026-06-29. The notice also references a POGI document (typically "Program Objectives, Goals, and Implementation") that details the specific activities, roles, responsibilities, and expectations for both the Administrative and Placement recipients, indicating that applicants should align proposals tightly to those defined requirements.Apply for DFOP0018219
- The Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2026 Future Leaders Exchange Global (FLEX Global)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.415.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-04-29.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-06-29. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $22,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 11 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FY 2026 Future Leaders Exchange Global (FLEX Global) (DFOP0018219) - FAQs
What is the FY 2026 FLEX Global funding opportunity?
FY 2026 Future Leaders Exchange Global (FLEX Global), funding opportunity DFOP0018219, is a competitive announcement from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeking proposals to run a major high school exchange program through cooperative agreements.
Who is the funding agency for this opportunity?
The funding agency is the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under Assistance Listing 19.415.
What is FLEX Global and how does it relate to FLEX and YES?
FLEX Global is positioned as an expanded, worldwide evolution of two long-running exchange models: the 34-year Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program and the 24-year Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program.
What is the purpose of FLEX Global?
The purpose is to advance U.S. interests by developing a pipeline and alumni network of young leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States, with emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and leadership.
What type of award is ECA offering?
ECA is offering funding through discretionary cooperative agreements, which means awardees should expect substantial collaboration with ECA during implementation.
What is the total funding ceiling for this opportunity?
The total award ceiling listed is $22,000,000.
How many awards does ECA expect to make?
ECA anticipates making about 11 awards in total across two program components.
What are the two FLEX Global components applicants can apply for?
The announcement describes two distinct components: (1) an Administrative Component and (2) a Placement Component.
Can an organization apply for both components?
Yes. Applicants may apply for one or both components, but if applying for both, they must submit separate proposals for each component to reflect different scopes of work and cost structures.
What is the Administrative Component responsible for?
The Administrative Component serves as the program-wide backbone. Responsibilities include managing overseas operations; recruiting and selecting inbound and outbound students; arranging travel; recruiting and placing host families for outbound participants (American students going abroad); maintaining the program database and website for inbound and outbound cohorts; coordinating alumni activities across all participants; running program-wide events; and providing overall coordination for the entire FLEX Global effort.
Which component covers the outbound American high school exchange?
The outbound American exchange element is handled entirely under the Administrative Component.
How many American students are expected to study abroad under FLEX Global?
Up to 150 American high school participants are expected to study abroad for an academic year.
If applying only for the Placement Component, should we include outbound American exchange costs in our budget?
No. The announcement instructs organizations applying only for the Placement Component not to budget or include costs associated with the outbound American exchange activity.
What is the Placement Component responsible for?
The Placement Component focuses on U.S. domestic hosting for inbound international students. Responsibilities include host family and school placement, ongoing monitoring and support during the exchange year, and implementing regional "American Excellence" enhancement-type activities.
What are "American Excellence" enhancement activities?
They are enhancement-type activities intended to strengthen inbound participants exposure to U.S. civic life, leadership, and community engagement while participants live with host families and attend U.S. high schools.
Does ECA plan to fund multiple organizations for the Placement Component?
Yes. ECA expects to fund multiple organizations for the Placement Component, estimating six to ten awards, suggesting a distributed regional model in which several placement organizations each manage a subset of students and regions.
How many inbound international students are expected to come to the United States?
Up to 1,200 foreign high school students are expected to come to the United States for an academic year.
What is the core program model for FLEX Global exchanges?
FLEX Global is designed around full academic-year exchanges, with homestay and U.S. high school enrollment as the core experience for inbound participants.
What types of support and infrastructure does ECA emphasize across the program?
ECA highlights the importance of participant support structures, data systems, alumni engagement, and coordinated events that reinforce leadership and civic learning goals.
Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?
Eligibility includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), as well as other eligible entities as specified in the full announcement.
What is the opportunity number for this announcement?
The funding opportunity number is DFOP0018219.
When was this announcement created?
The announcement was created on 2026-04-29.
What is the original application closing date?
The original application closing date is 2026-06-29.
What is the POGI document and why does it matter?
The notice references a POGI document (Program Objectives, Goals, and Implementation) that details specific activities, roles, responsibilities, and expectations for both Administrative and Placement recipients. Applicants are expected to align proposals closely to those defined requirements.
What are the main differences between the Administrative and Placement Components?
The Administrative Component covers program-wide coordination and includes overseas operations, inbound and outbound recruitment/selection, travel, outbound host family placement, shared data systems and website, alumni coordination, and program-wide events. The Placement Component focuses on U.S. domestic hosting and support for inbound students, including host family/school placements, monitoring, and regional American Excellence activities.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Previous opportunity: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Well-Rounded Education Programs: Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education (Javits) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.206A
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DFOP0018219
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DFOP0018219) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2027 Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program Apply for DFOP0018211 Funding Number: DFOP0018211 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,500,000 |
| FY 2027 Fulbright Specialist Program Apply for DFOP0018215 Funding Number: DFOP0018215 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $4,600,000 |
| Protecting U.S. Critical Energy Investments Through C-UAS and UAS Surveillance Capabilities in Iraq Apply for DFOP0018094 Funding Number: DFOP0018094 Agency: Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other Funding Amount: $6,808,090 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund - AEIF - 2026 Apply for EMB YAOUNDE AEIF FY26 01 Funding Number: EMB YAOUNDE AEIF FY26 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Cameroon Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| American Center Kampala Management and Programming Apply for DOS PDS FY26 02 Funding Number: DOS PDS FY26 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to Uganda Category: Other Funding Amount: $70,000 |
| Strengthening Transit Security and Economic Protection in Mozambique Apply for DFOP0018106 Funding Number: DFOP0018106 Agency: Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other Funding Amount: $4,933,399 |
| Strengthening Early Warning, Detection, & Response in Mozambique Apply for DFOP0018118 Funding Number: DFOP0018118 Agency: Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,960,039 |
| FY 2026 Tech Youth Program Apply for DFOP0018281 Funding Number: DFOP0018281 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,100,000 |
| FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange Apply for DFOP0018285 Funding Number: DFOP0018285 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,320,000 |
| FY 2026 TechLeaders: Critical Emerging Technologies Exchange Apply for DFOP0018277 Funding Number: DFOP0018277 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| 2026 American Spaces Support Funds: Celebrating Freedom 250 and Advancing USA-ROC Shared Goals Apply for PDS BRAZZAVILLE FY26 02 Funding Number: PDS BRAZZAVILLE FY26 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to the Republic of the Congo Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Immersive Employment Readiness Training for People under Correctional Authority Apply for 26AC02 Funding Number: 26AC02 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Countering Terrorist Financing Flows In and Through Tajikistan Apply for DFOP0018078 Funding Number: DFOP0018078 Agency: Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,480,019 |
| Countering Terrorist Recruitment of Central Asian Foreign Workers Apply for DFOP0018082 Funding Number: DFOP0018082 Agency: Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other Funding Amount: $986,679 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Apply for MUSCAT PAS 2026 01 Funding Number: MUSCAT PAS 2026 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Oman Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Direct Service Delivery for the National Sheriffs’ Institute Apply for 26JD02 Funding Number: 26JD02 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other Funding Amount: $375,000 |
| Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Legal and Financial Disruption Program Apply for DFOP0018070 Funding Number: DFOP0018070 Agency: Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other Funding Amount: $8,880,118 |
| FY 2026 Strengthening Talent, Research, Innovation and Vital Engagement (STRIVE) Program Apply for DFOP0018335 Funding Number: DFOP0018335 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| FY 2026 Stewards of Cultural Heritage Apply for DFOP0018339 Funding Number: DFOP0018339 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Moonshot: Artemis Edition Apply for PAS MOROCCO FY26 02 Funding Number: PAS MOROCCO FY26 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to Morocco Category: Other Funding Amount: $200,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DFOP0018219", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.