Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF) Small Grants Program 2026: Up to $10,000 for U.S. Exchange Alumni Addressing Global Challenges @Unknown

Overview

The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF) Small Grants Program is offering grants of up to $10,000 to U.S. Government exchange program alumni for collaborative projects addressing local and global challenges. The program aims to strengthen communities, expand international partnerships, and amplify the impact of exchange programs.

Benefits

• Grants of up to $10,000 per project
• Six-month project implementation period
• Project management training coursework
• Regular progress check-ins with IREX
• Virtual CDAF Showcase to present project outcomes

Requirements

• Projects must address one of the four CDAF thematic priorities.
• Applications must be submitted by teams of at least two U.S. Government exchange program alumni.
• Two team leaders required; the primary team leader must be a U.S. citizen, and the second can be a U.S. or international citizen.
• All team members must be 18 years of age or older and alumni in good standing.
• Employees of the U.S. Department of State, IREX, and their immediate family members are not eligible.
• Required application documents include a completed application form, detailed work plan, project budget, and professional resumes of team members.

How to Apply

Submit a complete application package including a completed application form, detailed work plan, project budget, and professional resumes of team members. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their project builds upon their exchange program experience. For more information, click here.

Deadline

May 5, 2026

Location (Country Only)

Global