Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0005700
The FY 2020 Fulbright Student Program grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0005700) is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) competition to select a single organization to help run and support the Fulbright Student Program through a cooperative agreement. Rather than funding individual student projects directly, this award is aimed at identifying a partner organization that can carry out major administrative and operational responsibilities for the program on behalf of ECA. The Fulbright Student Program is one part of the broader worldwide Fulbright Program family, which also includes the Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist Programs, Fulbright Teacher Exchanges, and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program.
The opportunity reflects how the Fulbright Student Program is managed in practice: it is a shared enterprise involving the Department of State in Washington, D.C., 49 bilateral Fulbright commissions, roughly 100 U.S. embassies overseas, and U.S.-based cooperating agencies. While many entities contribute to on-the-ground implementation and local coordination, overall policies and participant selection guidelines are set by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB), a presidentially appointed body. The award recipient would therefore be expected to work within established Fulbright policies and selection frameworks, and to coordinate closely with ECA and the overseas Fulbright infrastructure.
Under this cooperative agreement, the selected organization would take on core program administration functions for two related cycles of work. For the FY 2020 cohort, responsibilities include placing participants, monitoring them throughout their grants, organizing enrichment activities (such as orientations, professional development, and cohort-building programming), disbursing funds, and maintaining accurate program records. At the same time, the organization would also be responsible for promotion, recruitment, and selection support for the next pipeline of participants: the FY 2021 cohort of both U.S. students going abroad and foreign students coming to the United States. In other words, the role combines ongoing cohort management for current grantees with future-cycle outreach and selection operations, ensuring continuity from recruitment through grant completion.
Administratively, the award is categorized as discretionary and uses a cooperative agreement instrument, which typically signals substantial federal involvement during implementation (for example, ongoing coordination, oversight, and collaboration with ECA rather than a fully hands-off grant). The work would be supervised by ECA’s Office of Academic Exchange Programs. The listing falls under CFDA 19.400 (Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs), with a funding activity category labeled as “Other” as specified in the solicitation.
Eligibility is broad but targeted to organizations capable of managing a complex international exchange program at scale. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). The notice also indicates “Others” may be eligible as described in the full eligibility clarification within the solicitation, which is common for large program administration awards where demonstrated capacity and infrastructure are central considerations.
Key dates and funding parameters emphasize the size and competitiveness of the award. The opportunity was created on April 1, 2019, with an original application deadline of June 14, 2019. The award ceiling is listed at $19,000,000, and the Department expected to make one award. Taken together, this points to a single, large-scale implementing partner being selected to administer major aspects of the Fulbright Student Program for the specified cohorts, working in close coordination with ECA, Fulbright commissions, and U.S. embassies worldwide.Apply for SFOP0005700
- The Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2020 Fulbright Student Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.400.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 01, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 14, 2019. (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 $19,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 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 (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FY 2020 Fulbright Student Program (SFOP0005700)
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This is the FY 2020 Fulbright Student Program grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0005700) run by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The competition is intended to select a single organization to help run and support the Fulbright Student Program through a cooperative agreement.
2) Does this opportunity fund individual students or individual student projects?
No. Based on the information provided, this award is not designed to fund individual student projects directly. Instead, it funds one implementing partner organization to carry out major administrative and operational responsibilities for the Fulbright Student Program on behalf of ECA.
3) What type of award instrument is being used?
The award uses a cooperative agreement instrument and is categorized as discretionary. A cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial federal involvement during implementation, including ongoing coordination, oversight, and collaboration with ECA.
4) Who is the federal sponsor?
The sponsor is the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
5) Which office oversees the work?
The work would be supervised by ECA's Office of Academic Exchange Programs.
6) What is the program context within Fulbright?
The Fulbright Student Program is part of the larger worldwide Fulbright Program family, which also includes the Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist Programs, Fulbright Teacher Exchanges, and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program.
7) How is the Fulbright Student Program managed overall?
The program is described as a shared enterprise involving the Department of State in Washington, D.C., 49 bilateral Fulbright commissions, roughly 100 U.S. embassies overseas, and U.S.-based cooperating agencies. Many entities contribute to local implementation and coordination, while overall policies and participant selection guidelines are set by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB).
8) Who sets Fulbright policies and participant selection guidelines?
Overall policies and participant selection guidelines are set by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB), which is a presidentially appointed body.
9) How many awards does ECA expect to make?
The Department expected to make one award.
10) What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is listed at $19,000,000.
11) What does the selected organization actually do under this award?
Under this cooperative agreement, the selected organization would take on core program administration functions. For the FY 2020 cohort, responsibilities include placing participants, monitoring them throughout their grants, organizing enrichment activities (such as orientations, professional development, and cohort-building programming), disbursing funds, and maintaining accurate program records.
12) Does the work cover more than one program cycle?
Yes. The selected organization would handle two related cycles of work: (1) ongoing cohort management for the FY 2020 cohort and (2) promotion, recruitment, and selection support for the next pipeline of participants for the FY 2021 cohort (both U.S. students going abroad and foreign students coming to the United States).
13) What are "enrichment activities" in this solicitation?
Enrichment activities are described as items such as orientations, professional development, and cohort-building programming.
14) What does "placing participants" mean in the context of this opportunity?
Based on the information provided, placement is part of administering the FY 2020 cohort and is listed alongside monitoring participants, running enrichment activities, disbursing funds, and maintaining records. The specific mechanics of placement are not detailed in the summary provided.
15) Is the selected organization expected to coordinate with overseas partners?
Yes. The award recipient would be expected to coordinate closely with ECA and the overseas Fulbright infrastructure, which includes bilateral Fulbright commissions and U.S. embassies overseas.
16) Who are the key stakeholders the recipient must work with?
Key stakeholders include ECA in Washington, D.C., the overseas Fulbright infrastructure (49 bilateral commissions and approximately 100 U.S. embassies), and U.S.-based cooperating agencies. The recipient is also expected to work within policies and selection frameworks established by the FFSB.
17) What CFDA listing is associated with this opportunity?
This listing falls under CFDA 19.400 (Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs).
18) What is the funding activity category?
The funding activity category is labeled as "Other" as specified in the solicitation.
19) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). The notice also indicates that "Others" may be eligible as described in the full eligibility clarification within the solicitation.
20) Why does the solicitation mention "Others" for eligibility?
The summary indicates that "Others" may be eligible as described in the full eligibility clarification within the solicitation, which is described as common for large program administration awards where demonstrated capacity and infrastructure are central considerations.
21) When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on April 1, 2019.
22) What was the original application deadline?
The original application deadline was June 14, 2019.
23) What does it mean that the program is a "shared enterprise"?
In this context, it means program implementation and coordination involve multiple entities: the Department of State, bilateral Fulbright commissions, U.S. embassies overseas, and U.S.-based cooperating agencies. The selected partner organization would operate within that ecosystem, coordinating with ECA and the overseas network.
24) What is the main purpose of selecting a single organization?
Based on the information provided, the main purpose is to identify one large-scale implementing partner capable of administering major aspects of the Fulbright Student Program, ensuring continuity from recruitment and selection support through grant management and completion for specified cohorts.
25) What does "substantial federal involvement" imply for the recipient?
In the summary provided, substantial federal involvement is described as ongoing coordination, oversight, and collaboration with ECA during implementation, rather than a fully hands-off grant relationship.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Community Collaborations to Strengthen and Preserve Families
Previous opportunity: FY 2019 Statistical Support Program
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 SFOP0005700
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0005700) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2019 Arts Envoy Program Apply for SFOP0005701 Funding Number: SFOP0005701 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,545,000 |
| Afghan Young Leaders Exchange Program (AYLEP) Apply for SCAKAB 19 AW 008 SCA 04012019 Funding Number: SCAKAB 19 AW 008 SCA 04012019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| FY 2019 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program Placement Components Apply for SFOP0005704 Funding Number: SFOP0005704 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $9,300,581 |
| Promoting Innovative Entrepreneurship (PIE) Apply for SFOP0005685 Funding Number: SFOP0005685 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Solicitation of Proposals for Economic Development Feasibility Study Funding from the Native American Business Development Institute Apply for BIA NABDI 2019 0001 Funding Number: BIA NABDI 2019 0001 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DRL Media Literacy in the Baltics Apply for SFOP0005695 Funding Number: SFOP0005695 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| NCPE Interns at Arlington National Cemetery Apply for P19AS00083 Funding Number: P19AS00083 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2019 TIP Office Notification of Funding Opportunity - Statement of Interest Apply for SFOP0005674 Funding Number: SFOP0005674 Agency: Department of State, Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Combating Wildlife Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa Apply for SFOP0005708 Funding Number: SFOP0005708 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $875,000 |
| Strengthening Implementation of Anticorruption Standards Globally Apply for SFOP0005710 Funding Number: SFOP0005710 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Democracy Commission Spring Round Apply for STATE BISHKEK PAS 19 0001 Funding Number: STATE BISHKEK PAS 19 0001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| DRL Labor Programs to Combat Slavery in West Africa Apply for SFOP0005711 Funding Number: SFOP0005711 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| FY2019 Youth Ambassadors Program Apply for SFOP0005713 Funding Number: SFOP0005713 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,400,000 |
| 19.PMWRA.Mali.PSSM.NOFO Apply for SFOP0005718 Funding Number: SFOP0005718 Agency: Department of State, PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| 19.PMWRA.SouthSudan.HMA.NOFO Apply for SFOP0005721 Funding Number: SFOP0005721 Agency: Department of State, PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Pipestone National Monument Cultural Demonstrator Program Apply for NPS NOIP19AC00053 Funding Number: NPS NOIP19AC00053 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Interns to Monitor Water Quality - INDU Apply for NPS NOIP19AC00093 Funding Number: NPS NOIP19AC00093 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| Cultural Preservation of Historic Sites and Monuments (Built Heritage) Apply for SCAKAB 19 AW 009 SCA 04042019 Funding Number: SCAKAB 19 AW 009 SCA 04042019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Democracy Commission Small Grants Apply for SRB10019FO0003 Funding Number: SRB10019FO0003 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Serbia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $24,000 |
| Community Engagement Office – Catalysts for Peace Apply for SCAISB 19 AW 014 04052019 Funding Number: SCAISB 19 AW 014 04052019 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
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 "SFOP0005700", 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.