The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF) Small Grants Program is now open for applications for its 2026 funding cycle, offering financial support to alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs who want to transform their international exchange experiences into impactful initiatives addressing local and global challenges.
Administered as part of the U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program, the CDAF Small Grants Program provides grants of up to $10,000 for collaborative projects led by exchange alumni teams. These projects are designed to strengthen communities, expand international partnerships, and amplify the long-term impact of U.S. Government exchange programs.
The program encourages alumni to use the knowledge, networks, and skills they developed during their exchange experiences to design projects that promote collaboration, innovation, and diplomacy. Through these initiatives, participants help strengthen international relationships while addressing pressing social, economic, cultural, and policy challenges.
Applications for the 2026 CDAF Small Grants Program opened on March 5, 2026, and the deadline for submission is May 5, 2026.
What Is the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund?
The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund was created to extend the impact of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs by empowering alumni to continue their engagement after completing their exchanges. Exchange programs funded by the U.S. government, such as leadership programs, cultural exchanges, and educational initiatives, create powerful networks of professionals and leaders across the world.
The CDAF program builds on these networks by supporting alumni-led projects that promote cooperation, diplomacy, and problem-solving across borders.
Through small grants and capacity-building opportunities, CDAF encourages alumni to implement projects that address real-world challenges while strengthening ties between communities in the United States and abroad.
These initiatives not only generate practical solutions but also highlight the value of international exchanges as a tool for fostering mutual understanding and global cooperation.
Funding Amount and Project Duration
The CDAF Small Grants Program offers funding for projects developed and implemented by teams of exchange alumni.
Key funding details include:
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Maximum grant amount: Up to $10,000 per project
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Project implementation period: Six months
Selected projects will be implemented between July and December 2026, following the announcement of successful applicants in June 2026.
During the project implementation period, participating teams will also benefit from structured support designed to help them manage and deliver their initiatives effectively.
Activities and Project Implementation
CDAF-funded projects are expected to apply the knowledge and skills gained through U.S. Government exchange programs to create meaningful and sustainable change.
Projects must be designed and implemented by teams of two or more exchange alumni, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among members of the global alumni network.
Selected teams will:
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Participate in project management training coursework
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Engage in regular progress check-ins with IREX
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Implement their proposed initiatives during a six-month project cycle
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Present their results during the Virtual CDAF Showcase following project completion
The final showcase, scheduled for January 2027, provides an opportunity for teams to present their project outcomes, share lessons learned, and highlight the collective impact of alumni initiatives worldwide.
Priority Project Themes
All project proposals submitted to the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund must address a challenge within one of the four thematic priority areas defined by the program.
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and Global Connections
Projects in this category explore the role of arts, sports, and cultural exchange in strengthening global connections and celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Advancing Free Speech and Expression
This theme supports initiatives that promote freedom of expression through creative and technological mediums such as arts, media, and digital platforms.
Projects may focus on strengthening media literacy, promoting creative expression, or protecting open dialogue.
Fostering Economic Prosperity
Proposals addressing this theme focus on promoting economic development and entrepreneurship. Projects may support:
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English language education
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Innovation initiatives
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Business partnerships
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Workforce development programs
These initiatives aim to contribute to sustainable economic growth and collaboration between communities.
Strengthening Alumni Networks
This theme focuses on strengthening relationships within the U.S. Government exchange alumni network and fostering collaboration that contributes to a safer, stronger, and more connected global community.
Projects may include networking initiatives, leadership development activities, or partnerships that enhance alumni engagement.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes several required components. Incomplete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered ineligible.
All materials must be written in English.
Required documents include:
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Completed application form
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Detailed work plan
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Project budget
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Professional resumes of team members
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Letter of intent from partner organizations (if applicable)
The work plan should clearly outline project objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and implementation strategies.
Applicants are also encouraged to demonstrate how their project builds upon the skills and experience gained during their exchange program.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Projects must address one of the four CDAF thematic priorities.
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Applications must be submitted by teams of at least two alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs.
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Each team must designate two team leaders.
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The primary team leader must be a U.S. citizen.
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The second team leader may be either a U.S. citizen or an international citizen.
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All team members must be alumni of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs.
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All participants must be 18 years of age or older.
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All team members must be alumni in good standing.
Employees of the U.S. Department of State, IREX, and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on several key factors that measure the potential impact and feasibility of proposed projects.
Reviewers will assess proposals according to:
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Project methodology and feasibility
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Clear alignment with program themes
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Measurable goals and outcomes
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Qualifications and expertise of the applicant team
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Evidence of collaborative leadership between team leaders
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Reasonableness of the project budget
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Potential for impact beyond the project’s duration
Projects conducted outside the United States must demonstrate a strong connection to the alumni’s exchange program and must be implemented in a country where the team leaders have substantial prior experience.
CDAF 2026 Timeline
The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund follows a structured timeline for the 2026 funding cycle.
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March 5, 2026: Application period opens
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May 5, 2026: Application deadline
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June 2026: Selected projects announced
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July – December 2026: Project implementation period
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January 2027: Virtual CDAF Showcase
Applicants should carefully plan their proposals to align with this schedule.
Information Sessions and Networking Opportunities
To support prospective applicants, the U.S. Exchange Alumni Program offers several informational events and networking sessions.
These sessions allow potential applicants to learn more about the program and identify possible collaborators for their project teams.
Upcoming sessions include:
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CDAF Team Networking Session: March 26, 2026
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CDAF Application Information Session: April 9, 2026
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CDAF Application Virtual Office Hours: April 28, 2026
These events provide guidance on project design, application requirements, and collaboration opportunities.
Why the CDAF Program Matters
The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund represents a powerful example of how international exchange programs can create lasting impact beyond the initial experience.
By empowering alumni to implement projects that address real-world challenges, CDAF strengthens diplomatic ties, promotes innovation, and encourages collaborative solutions across borders.
For alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to translate their exchange experiences into meaningful community impact and global engagement.
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