FY 2026 YES - NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) FY26 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017979 Application Deadline: May 26, 2026

A. Basic Information B. Eligibility C. Program Description D. Application Contents and Format E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines F. Application Review Information G. Award Notices H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration I. Other Information

A. Basic Information

1. Overview.

Funding Opportunity Title FY26 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study

(YES)

Funding Opportunity Number

DFOP0017979

Announcement Type New Cooperative Agreement Deadline for Applications May 26, 2026, 11:59pm Eastern (Washington DC time) Assistance Listing Number 19.415

Length of Performance Period

15 months

Number of Awards Anticipated

1 award

Award Amount approximately $10,000,000

Total Available Funding $10,000,000, pending availability of funds

Type of Funding FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (ECE) Funds

Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement

Anticipated Award Date June 20, 2026

This notice is subject to availability of funding. Issuance of the NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.

ECA reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds.

2. Executive Summary.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invite proposals for a cooperative agreement to implement the FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) high school exchange program, hereafter referred to as the YES program. Participants will be on program from approximately January to June 2027.

The program requires the following elements:

• Manage overseas operations, recruit and select inbound participants, arrange travel, and oversee database and website management for all inbound participants, as well as coordinate the overall program.

• Manage host family and school placements for inbound foreign participants in the United States, organize “American Excellence” enhancement activities, and provide ongoing monitoring and support.

Although not required, applicants have the option to also propose a YES Abroad outbound component, recruiting, placing, and monitoring up to 30 American students who will attend high school and live with host families overseas.

The YES program advances U.S. interests by cultivating a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. principles and priorities, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and leadership. The program equips American youth participants with language skills and cross-cultural competencies essential for success in international business, diplomacy, and security. By fostering connections among young people from the United States and key countries, the program supports the National Security Strategy’s focus on expanding alliances to secure American interests and counter adversarial influence.

Key Activities:

• Up to 270 foreign high school participants will study in the U.S. for an academic semester.

• All participants live with host families, attend high school, perform community service, and participate in American Excellence enhancement activities.

ECA expects to issue one award.

The attached POGI document outlines the activities, roles, and responsibilities that the YES Program recipient will carry out.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants.

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

• U.S. Not-for-profit public and private educational institutions

Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional information.

2. Cost Sharing.

There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this program.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements.

a. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines for more information.

b. ECA’s Grant Guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. As noted in Section A. Basic Information, ECA anticipates issuing one award, for approximately $10,000,000. Therefore, organizations must demonstrate four years of experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal to be eligible to apply under this competition.

c. All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO, Project Objectives, Goals, and Instructions (POGI) document, and the PSI; not doing so may result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.

d. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.

e. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the PSI document.

f. Applicants who are current recipients of awards directly from ECA should make sure the application discusses one or more award that will be open with ECA at the start of the anticipated period of performance for this NOFO.

Applicants who do not have current awards directly with ECA, please review the information in the PSI, section D, with additional information that must be provided in your application for it to be eligible.

C. Program Description

The YES program will bring up to 270 high school participants from strategically important countries, selected on merit, to study in the United States for an academic semester. Given the condensed timeline for this program, the applicant can propose fewer participants, but should propose at least 130 inbound students.

Participants will live with volunteer U.S. host families, attend high school, perform community service, develop leadership skills, and take part in American Excellence enhancement activities. YES program proposals may include plans to select and program up to 30 American high school participants, based on merit, to study abroad in proposed countries for an academic semester.

Applicant organizations may partner with sub-award recipients on any part of the program. Because this cooperative agreement covers a broad scope and geographic area, ECA anticipates that applicants may propose multiple organizations as sub-award recipients. This approach is encouraged, if necessary, to strengthen the primary award recipient’s capacity. Each sub-award recipient must demonstrate significant previous experience in youth exchange in the region where it will implement the program. The applicant will, however, be fully responsible for the oversight of its sub-award recipients.

If using sub-awardees, your proposal must describe how you will provide mentoring, training, oversight, and additional monitoring for participants recruited and/or placed by sub-award recipients.

Proposals must identify anticipated sub-award recipients and include letters of commitment from these implementing partners. The recipient organization must provide sub-recipients with the relevant sections of the POGI and ensure they understand all requirements of the POGI, your organization’s expectations, J-1 visa regulations, and OMB Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600.

Further information on sub-awards is provided in the OMB Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards referenced in section F.2.

Program administration must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local tax reporting and withholding regulations. Recipient organizations must demonstrate this compliance in both the proposal narrative and budget.

YES inbound participants must return to their home countries immediately after their exchange program ends. In addition, recipient(s) must assist and represent the U.S. Department of State in meeting all J-1 Secondary School Student visa requirements under eCFR :: 22 CFR Part 62 -- Exchange Visitor Program. If proposed, for the outbound program (YES Abroad), which is not subject to J-1 regulations, the recipient must uphold standards similar to J-1 regulations in order to ensure participant safety and well-being.

1. Authority.

Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is "to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries...; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world."

The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.

2. Purpose.

YES advances America’s interests by building a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. culture and America First priorities. The program forges lasting relationships between Americans and peers worldwide, develops leadership skills, and showcases the United States as a global leader in innovation, governance, and economic prosperity.

3. Program Specific Guidelines.

YES supports key Administration priorities by emphasizing entrepreneurship and skill development to promote prosperity. The program highlights American excellence to young leaders around the world and builds pro-American networks. It incorporates U.S. history and government into coursework and activities for international participants, covering topics such as freedom of speech, federalism, entrepreneurship, innovation, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, participants will gain broader exposure to the U.S. business sector.

Program Timetable Funding for the YES inbound cohort will support exchanges during the second semester of the 2026-2027 academic year, from January to June 2027. All inbound https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-62 participants must enroll in accredited U.S. high schools and live with American host families. If proposed, funding for the YES Abroad cohort will support exchanges that begin no earlier than January 2027 and end in June 2027, with some variation in travel dates allowed based on host countries’ academic calendars. A notional timetable for inbound and outbound follows:

Date/Period Activity

June 2026 Awards issued

July–September 2026 Recruitment and selection

October 2026

October 2026- December

Select finalists and alternates

Placement in host families and schools

December 2026 Pre-departure orientations and preparation

January 2027 Travel for inbound and outbound (if proposed) participants

January 2027–June 2027 In-country program and ongoing monitoring

May–June 2027 Participant return travel

September 30, 2027 End of cooperative agreements

Countries and Recruitment Targets Applicants should suggest up to 10 sending countries from those that previously participated in YES and propose the target number of participants per country.

When choosing sending countries, applicants should consider the National Security Strategy, White House Executive Orders, participants’ ability to join a semester program from particular countries, and the feasibility of recruiting merit-based participants from those countries. ECA will make the final determination of participating countries.

Although not required, proposals may include up to 30 outbound participants and must demonstrate the ability to place and monitor abroad. Applicants may suggest up to five countries that previously participated in YES Abroad. When selecting countries, applicants should consider the criteria listed above and the security considerations at https://travel.state.gov. Should an outbound component be included, ECA will make the final determination of countries.

Note: ECA may adjust project configurations, budgets, and participant numbers based on program needs and available funds. ECA may also change or add participating countries if conditions shift or new priorities emerge.

ECA intends for YES participants and their natural families to incur minimal out of-pocket costs. The recipient organization will provide participants with stipends for pocket money. The award recipient and sub-award recipient(s) must not charge participants or their families for application or program fees related to their application or participation.

4. Recipient Responsibilities.

The attached POGI document outlines the activities, roles, and responsibilities that the YES Program recipient will carry out.

5. Goals and Objectives.

YES advances Administration priorities by engaging high school-aged youth in exchange programs. By reaching participants at a formative age and shaping the next generation of leaders, these programs promote pro-American networks, showcase American excellence, strengthen U.S. global influence, and build strategic partnerships that support America’s long-term economic and national security interests.

Program Goals:

1. Advance U.S. Interests and Principles o Build a global network of young leaders who understand and support

America First principles, priorities, and policies.

o Strengthen linkages and lasting ties between the United States and participating countries.

2. Develop Leadership and Entrepreneurial Skills o Equip participants with leadership and entrepreneurship skills that foster future innovation, prosperity, and security.

https://travel.state.gov./ o Showcase American excellence in governance, business, and civic engagement.

3. Promote Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement o Facilitate meaningful cultural immersion experiences for international and American (if proposed) high school participants.

o Encourage active participation in host communities through volunteer service, extracurricular activities, and cultural events.

Program Objectives:

• YES inbound participants will develop an appreciation for U.S. culture and gain a deeper understanding of foundational American principles, including freedom of speech, civic engagement, and excellence in innovation.

• YES and YES Abroad (if proposed) participants will develop an appreciation for their host cultures and broaden their perspectives and language abilities through direct engagement and exchange.

• YES and YES Abroad (if proposed) participants will actively share information about their home cultures with their hosts and local communities while building lasting relationships.

• YES Abroad (if proposed) participants will demonstrate and share U.S. ideals, including freedom of speech, civic engagement, and business principles, in their host communities.

• YES and YES Abroad (if proposed) participants will develop leadership skills that empower them, as alumni, to initiate development and community service activities in their home countries.

6. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).

Distinct from grants or cooperative agreement monitoring and participant monitoring, performance monitoring is designed to assess progress against a program’s goals and objectives. A performance monitoring framework is vital to tracking the direction, pace, and magnitude of change that result from ECA programs.

ECA created the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework to measure the performance of ECA programs. The MODE Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures across all ECA programs. More resources and guidance documents on the MODE Framework are available online at: https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/.

The proposal must include the MODE Framework objectives and indicators listed below (note that, because not all MODE objectives and indicators are relevant for a program, the numbering below will not be sequential). In addition to the ECA-required objectives and indicators, applicants may also select additional MODE Framework indicators (see the Indicator Book on the MODE Framework website), or design custom objectives and indicators that are specific to the proposed program and this proposal.

Demographic Questions as outlined in the Indicator Book on page v and Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (See the MODE Resource Guide -https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua – found on our website https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/)

• Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and global perspective o Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between participants and their host communities E1.1.01: Percent of participants reporting that their program experience offered opportunities to engage with other cultures E1.1.04: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the United States Government (core indicator) E1.1.09: Percent of participants who traveled abroad for the first time because of their program (core indicator) E1.1.10: Percent of foreign participants who traveled to the United States for the first time during their program (core indicator) E1.1.11: Percent of American participants indicating a change in their understanding of their host country's culture and values E1.1.12: Percent of foreign participants indicating a change in understanding of third-party countries’ cultures and values E1.1.13: Percent of foreign participants who are more likely to recommend the United States as a good place to study E1.1.16: Percent of virtual exchange (VE) participants who report VE as their only likely way to interact with citizens from other countries in the future

E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the American people (core indicator) https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua

E1.1.18: Percent of foreign participants indicating an increase in understanding of United States culture and values (core indicator)

E1.1.19: Percent of foreign participants agreeing with statements in support of democratic values (core indicator)

• Objective 2: Increase the impact that participants and alumni have on their communities / countries E2.0.01: Percent of foreign participants that volunteer in their host communities E2.0.04: Number of hours that foreign participants spend volunteering in their host communities o Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits communities/countries E2.2.01: Percent of participants who have more confidence in their ability to have an impact in their home country (core indicator)

• Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries, and institutions E3.0.02: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their network of Americans (core indicator) E3.0.04: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their network of third country nationals E3.0.07: Percent of participants who identify as a Department of State program participant (core indicator) o Sub-Objective 3.1: Alumni subscribe to platforms for resources and information-sharing E3.1.02: Percent of participants who learned about new resources E3.1.05: Percent of participants who are connected to ECA through a U.S.

Department of State-managed platform

• Objective 4: Strengthen personal, professional, and technical abilities and aptitudes of participants and beneficiaries E4.0.01: Percent of participants reporting increases in their job skills as a result of their program participation E4.0.03: Percent of participants reporting an increase in soft skills as a result of their program participation E4.0.05: Percent of participants who report an increase in technical skills as a result of their program participation E4.0.09: Percent of participants reporting an increase in language skills as a result of their program participation E4.0.14: Percent of participants reporting new digital skills/competencies gained from virtual exchange (VE) programming o Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic, professional, and cultural exchange programs E4.1.01: Total number of participants (core indicator) E4.1.02: Total number of program cohorts (core indicator) E4.1.03: Number of ECA-supported international scholarships provided E4.1.04: Number of professional placements E4.1.06: Number of participants in programs with formal, dedicated language learning activities E4.1.07: Number of instruction methodology trainings implemented E4.1.08: Number of language teaching fellows enrolled E4.1.11: Number of American reciprocal exchange participants E4.1.13: Number of fellows completing language teaching fellowships E4.1.14: Number of virtual exchange (VE) programs E4.1.15: Number of participants in virtual exchange (VE) programs E4.1.16: Number of audience members attending cultural events

• Objective 8: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs by leveraging the Bureau’s resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships E8.0.03: Response rate for participant surveys (core indicator)

Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs) ECA recommends the use of a PMP to serve as the primary reference document for performance monitoring for this award. If used, the PMP is an important part of any proposal, as it outlines how the applicant plans to track progress towards the proposed program’s goals and objectives through indicators and corresponding data collection questions. A PMP document that includes all MODE Framework indicators is a part of this solicitation’s attachments. Specific instructions on how to modify the PMP to be responsive to this solicitation are included in that document;

there is also a support video available for more information on how to fill out the PMP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI. While ECA recommends the applicant use the PMP format provided, this is not a requirement. If a PMP is not included in the proposal, applicants should provide similar information to that found in the suggested PMP format, in a presentation of your choice. Successful PMPs (or similar documentation) should include the following:

• Objectives. Programmatic objectives are statements of the condition(s) that state what the program is designed to achieve. Objectives are therefore bound by the resources and timeframe of the program and must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). In addition to those https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI outlined above, the applicant may propose other program objectives from the MODE Framework or other applicant-designed program-specific objectives.

• Indicators. Performance indicators are measures used to gauge progress toward programmatic objectives and sub-objectives. Indicators should be as specific as possible (following the SMART principles) and include any proposed disaggregations (meaning, breakdowns of the data by subgroups; the PMP lists the demographic questions required to obtain the information necessary to report the disaggregations). Each indicator should also include a target number to be achieved. A target is a planned level of result to be achieved within an explicit timeframe.

• If you do not use the PMP format provided, note that any performance monitoring reference document the applicant submits should include the information in the column headers (Indicator Name, Definition, Target, Survey Question, etc.) in the PMP attachment at a minimum.

• In addition to those indicators outlined in above, the applicant may propose additional custom, program-specific indicators in the PMP (ECA recommends the proposed PMPs include a minimum of one indicator for each custom programmatic objective).

• During the period of performance of the award, the ECA program office may further revise, add, or remove indicators. Therefore, the applicant’s PMP and data collection instruments should be flexible enough to incorporate those once established.

Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data only on participant outcomes during the period of performance of the award itself (see the PMP for guidelines as to when these data collection efforts should occur). ECA will measure outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years after the exchange has ended to capture the long-term outcomes of ECA programming unless otherwise specified in the solicitation. In this instance, the recipient will be responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to de-duplicate questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.

Regardless of the survey platform used, all MODE Framework survey questions outlined above are required (i.e., should be forced response); please see the Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for more information on how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.

Program Performance M&E Narrative

Proposals should include information within the program narrative section(s) that outlines how the applicant intends to measure the indicators listed above. This will be separate from the PMP and should include but not be limited to:

• An overview of resources available to the applicant that outline the team structure and responsibilities surrounding performance monitoring.

• The mechanism(s) through which surveys and other data collection tools (if applicable) will be administered, including which platform will be used, and when and how surveys will be advertised to participants – detailing strategies to ensure adequate survey response rates (https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a), and to reduce selection and non-response bias.

• A brief explanation of data analysis and reporting procedures.

• An overview of a proposed learning plan and feedback loops to ensure that the Grant Officer (GO)/Grant Officer Representative (GOR) are informed on performance monitoring issues at regular intervals.

Nonmandatory Use of the Qualtrics MODE Survey Builder Data Collection System ECA has created a guided tool (the MODE Survey Builder) within the Qualtrics survey platform for ECA implementing partners to generate surveys to facilitate the seamless collection and reporting of MODE Framework data. The MODE Survey Builder offers implementing partners a guided workflow that will generate a ready-to-send MODE survey, allows the addition of custom survey questions, and offers a standard report template for a quick overview of survey results that can be submitted in MyGrants (see section below) to fulfill RPM Reporting Requirements.

Use of the Qualtrics survey platform can be utilized at no cost to implementing partners. Additional information about the MODE Survey Builder can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 and here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM. You can propose use of an alternate survey tool or use the MODE Survey Builder, but if you are utilizing the MODE Survey Builder, you must indicate such in your proposal.

MyGrants RPM Reporting Requirements MyGrants is a database solution that serves as the official system of record for all U.S. Department of State and ECA awards. The Results Performance Monitoring (RPM) module within MyGrants is an extension module that enables users to report performance monitoring data in the same system where they currently manage federal assistance actions. As part of ECA’s efforts to streamline data collection and https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM management, the recipient(s) of this award will be required to input performance reporting data outlined in this solicitation into the MyGrants RPM. The data stored in the MyGrants RPM will provide ECA with a bureau-wide, uniform M&E reporting tool that is already linked with other elements of the awards familiar to existing awardees.

7. Allowable Costs.

Allowable costs for the inbound program include:

• Program materials (including description of how they will be used).

• Orientations (pre-arrival, post-arrival, mid-program, re-entry) for participants and host families.

• Reasonable accommodations.

• Host family screening for participants (criminal background checks, interviews, home visits).

• Participant and host family monitoring (counseling, troubleshooting, moving participants as needed).

• Insurance costs, if not using ECA’s ASPE benefits plan.

• Salaries and benefits, travel, communications, equipment, and supplies.

• Support and monitoring of local staff, including support for home/community visits to 20% of participants.

• National or regional local coordinator trainings.

• Stipends and honoraria for non-salaried staff and volunteers.

• $100 average per participant emergency expense fund to be retained by the recipient for small emergency expenses (e.g., eyeglasses, dental problems not covered by health benefits, medical co-payments).

• $200 fixed-rate monthly allowance for 6 months.

• $300 average per participant incidentals allowance to be spent by host family for school-related expenses (e.g., yearbook, locker fees, school transportation fees, gym clothing or essential school clothing) for which receipts must be provided.

• Mandatory school fees not covered by incidental allowance

• $400 average per participant activities fund (all field trips, enhancement and leadership development activities, community service projects, etc. must be included in this amount; additional funding requests will not be accepted.)

Allowable Costs for the outbound YES Abroad program (if proposed):

• Mandatory school fees (including books, activity fees, or registration costs; in exceptional instances, school transportation and tuition may be allowable costs).

• Insurance costs, if not using ECA’s ASPE benefits plan.

• Salaries and benefits, domestic travel, communications, equipment, and supplies.

• $200 per month stipend for six months ($1,200 in total per student).

• Up to $600 per month host family stipend for six months ($3,600 in total per student).

• $2,400 average per student for language training for each outbound participant (based on an average cost of $30 per hour for 80 hours of language training per participant).

• $100 per student for orientation costs.

• $100 average per participant emergency expense fund to be retained by the recipient for small emergency expenses (e.g., eyeglasses, dental problems not covered by health benefits, medical co-payments).

• $400 average per participant activities fund (All field trips, enhancement and leadership development activities, and community service projects, must be included in this amount; additional funding requests will not be accepted.)

The budget should clearly distinguish participant costs from non-participant costs.

If you propose a YES Abroad program, clearly delineate its costs.

8. Cost Share.

ECA encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit.

The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's contribution may be reduced in like proportion.

9. Program Information and History.

The YES program, established in 2003, aims to strengthen relationships and foster collaboration between Americans and people from countries of strategic importance. The YES inbound program brings international high school students from strategically important countries to the United States each year, where they live with American host families and attend schools across the country. The reciprocal YES Abroad program, launched in 2009, sends American high school students to select YES countries to attend school and live with host families. Nearly 15,500 foreign students have participated in the YES program, and nearly 800 American students have participated in the YES Abroad program.

10. Freedom and Democracy Guidelines.

Public Law 104-319 provides that "in carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy," the Bureau "shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such countries." Public Law 106 - 113 requires that the governments of the countries described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process.

Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.

11. Virtual Exchange Component.

When changing political, health, environmental, or other similar circumstances require a suspension or halt of in-person activities and where ECA determines that a virtual alternative is appropriate and viable, award recipients should demonstrate the ability and capacity to transition from in-person to virtual exchanges.

Proposals should demonstrate the organization’s capacity to provide innovative options for virtual activities to substitute for in-person engagement for program participants. Organizations should consider how they will implement virtual exchange activities, given the potential limits to internet access from participants in some locations and while continuing to advance foreign policy objectives and achieve lasting benefits for U.S. citizens and international participants.

In addition to planning for virtual exchange activities if in-person programming is prohibited, ECA welcomes innovative ideas on how organizations can leverage virtual programming technologies during or in addition to in-person programming.

ECA encourages organizations submitting proposals in response to this solicitation to suggest one or more virtual exchange components to complement the in-person exchange. The virtual exchange components could come before, during and/or after the physical exchange. The objective for the virtual exchange components is to augment the impact of the in-person exchange described in this solicitation. ECA encourages organizations to propose virtual exchange ideas that take advantage of ECA’s existing web and social networking platforms. Virtual exchange components would be coordinated with and approved by the ECA program office and U.S.

missions abroad on a project-by-project basis.

12. Communications Guidance for ECA Recipients.

All ECA Recipients must adhere to the requirements in ECA’s Communications Guidance on the creation of program branding and attribution, websites, social media, and press.

13. Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial.

ECA is excited to play a key role in making the Semiquincentennial – commonly known as “Freedom 250” – a truly global celebration. As the period of performance for this award is scheduled to cover part or all of calendar year (CY) 2026, the applicant may wish to consider ways the program can celebrate Freedom 250. Any Freedom 250 focused activities or plans will be subject to ECA approval and direction, and changes may be requested by ECA. Use of any ECA-provided Freedom 250 brand elements will be subject to advance ECA approval and require adherence to Department of State and ECA guidelines for such branding.

14. Substantial Involvement.

In a cooperative agreement, the Department is substantially involved in program activities above and beyond routine monitoring, as follows:

• Approval of event and orientation agendas.

• Approval of any request for early return and consultation for any challenging cases with participants.

• Approval of recruiting guidelines and program operational guidelines.

• Approval of public communications and materials about the program.

• Approval of American Excellence enhancement activities.

D. Application Contents and Format

Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals.

https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/ https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/

Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package, including the PSI, which contains guidelines for proposal preparation.

1. Budget Format.

Applicants must submit a budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and a budget narrative. See the PSI section III for more information on the budget requirements.

2. Content of Application.

Please see the PSI for information about the application and formatting guidelines.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package.

The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov or from the ECA website at https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/.

2. Department of State Contacts For questions about this announcement, contact: Katja David-Fox, Program Officer, U.S. Department of State, Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C/PY, David- FoxKO@state.gov and Marisa Mac Isaac, Program Officer, U.S. Department of State, Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C/PY, MacIsaacM@state.gov.

All correspondence with ECA concerning this solicitation should reference the title and funding opportunity number listed at the top of this solicitation. Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals.

Once the deadline has passed, ECA staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.

The terms and conditions published in this solicitation are binding and may not be modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information provided by ECA that contradicts published language will not be binding.

3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management

(SAM.gov).

https://www.grants.gov/

Required Registrations All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this

NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

All federal award recipients must maintain a current registration in the SAM database. Recipients must maintain accurate and up-to-date information in www.SAM.gov until all program and financial activity and reporting are completed on any issued award. Recipients must review and update the information at least annually after the initial registration and more frequently if required information changes or another award is granted. There is no cost associated with registering or updating SAM.gov accounts.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption http://www.sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

4. Required Registration with MyGrants.

All ECA award recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories must be registered with the U.S. Department of State’s MyGrants system by accessing https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com and clicking the “create an account” link.

MyGrants is the U.S. Department of State’s grants management system and is supported by the Department’s Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS).

Recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories that have previously used MyGrants as a U.S. Department of State award recipient do not need to register again. If the organization is not able to access the system, please contact the ILMS Help Desk for help in gaining access.

Support for Recipient Organizations and recipient contacts and signatories is available 24 hours, 7 days a week (except federal holidays), and can be reached at 1- 888-313-ILMS (4567) or through the ILMS Self Service Portal at https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/.

5. Submission Instructions.

Method of Submission Applications may only be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov). Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov in the “Search Grants” portion of the system.

Grants.gov Registration, Application Submission, and Receipt Procedures Eligible organizations should follow the instructions available in the ‘Get Started’ portion of the site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov Applicants should read instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/ https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Applicants should check with appropriate staff within their organizations immediately after reviewing this NOFO to confirm or determine their registration status with Grants.gov.

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

How to Submit an Application to ECA via Grants.gov For access to complete instruction on how to apply for Notice of Funding Opportunities on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

Grants.gov Support and Submission Issues Direct all questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission issues to:

Grants.gov Customer Support Contact Center Phone: 800 -518-4726 Business Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; closed on federal holidays.

Email: support@grants.gov

6. Submission Dates and Times.

Application Deadline Date.

May 26, 2026, 11:59pm Eastern (Washington DC time)

Applicants have until 11:59 p.m., Washington, DC time of the closing date to ensure that their entire application has been uploaded to the Grants.gov site. There are no exceptions to the above deadline. Applications uploaded to the site after the application deadline date and time will be automatically rejected by the Grants.gov system and will be found technically ineligible.

Therefore, we strongly recommend that you begin the submission process through Grants.gov well in advance of the application deadline.

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant Grants.gov Authorized Organization https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration mailto:support@grants.gov

Representative (AOR) will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When ECA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgement of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Please also be mindful of any Grants.gov generated error messages that may appear during the application process as they may result in some documents not transmitting correctly.

Applicants using slow internet should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

The Grants.gov website includes extensive information on all phases/aspects of the Grants.gov process, including an extensive section on frequently asked questions, located under the “Applicant FAQs” section of the website. ECA strongly recommends that all potential applicants review thoroughly the Grants.gov website, well in advance of submitting a proposal through the Grants.gov system. ECA will not notify you upon receipt of electronic applications.

PLEASE NOTE: ECA bears no responsibility for applicant timeliness of submission or data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes for proposals submitted via Grants.gov. Prior to submitting applications through Grants.gov, please ensure you meet all Grants.gov system and software requirements, including Adobe software compatibility. You can verify if your version of the Adobe software is compatible with Grants.gov, by visiting https://grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility

It is the responsibility of all applicants submitting proposals via the Grants.gov web portal (https://www.grants.gov) to ensure that proposals have been received by Grants.gov in their entirety, and ECA bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

7. Funding Restrictions for this Announcement.

a. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency

(UNRWA)

None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

b. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration

Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border.

None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal or representation in the United States.

Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.

c. Palestinian Authority, West Bank, and Gaza Programming.

All awards made under this competition must be executed according to all relevant U.S. laws and policies regarding assistance to the Palestinian Authority, and to the West Bank and Gaza. Organizations must consult with relevant Public Affairs Offices before entering into any formal arrangements or agreements with Palestinian organizations or institutions.

Note: To assure that planning for the inclusion of the Palestinian Authority complies with requirements, please contact Katja David-Fox, David- FoxKO@state.gov for additional information.

d. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti- Discrimination Laws

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be…