Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0007943
The FY 2021 Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) grant opportunity that supports a two-way professional exchange program connecting mid-level, emerging leaders from overseas with counterparts and host organizations in the United States. Run through ECA's Office of Citizen Exchanges, Global Leaders Division (formerly the Professional Fellows Division), the program is meant to strengthen mutual understanding between the United States and participating countries while also building practical leadership and professional skills that fellows can apply in their home communities. A major emphasis is placed on forming durable, sustainable partnerships between U.S. institutions and professionals abroad, so the exchange is designed to produce ongoing collaboration rather than a one-time visit.
This competition covers multiple world regions: Africa (AF), East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR), the Middle East and North Africa (NEA), South and Central Asia (SCA), and the Western Hemisphere (WHA). The core experience for non-U.S. participants is a structured, substantive fellowship lasting about five to six weeks in the United States. Within that period, the defining feature is a four-week, individually tailored professional placement in a U.S. host organization, meaning fellows are matched into work environments aligned with their professional background and program goals. That placement model signals that the program is not purely academic or conference-based; it is centered on hands-on exposure to U.S. professional practices, mentorship, and network-building in real organizational settings.
The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically means the Department of State expects to have substantial involvement in the program's implementation (for example, coordination on program design elements, monitoring, and compliance), beyond what is common in a standard grant. The opportunity is listed as discretionary funding under CFDA number 19.415, and the funding activity category is labeled "Other," with clarification referenced in the full announcement.
Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (including nonprofits other than higher education institutions). The notice also indicates there are additional eligibility details in the full announcement. The agency anticipated making up to 14 awards, with an award ceiling of $750,000 per award. The opportunity was created on April 8, 2021, and the original application closing date was June 7, 2021, under funding opportunity number SFOP0007943.
Overall, the FY 2021 PFP grant supports organizations capable of recruiting and preparing international participants, arranging individualized U.S. professional placements, and delivering a coherent exchange experience that advances leadership development and long-term cross-border professional relationships. The centerpiece is the multi-week U.S. fellowship, especially the four-week tailored placement, which is intended to translate the exchange into practical skills, deeper institutional ties, and sustained collaboration after fellows return home.Apply for SFOP0007943
- 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 2021 Professional Fellows Program" 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 Apr 08, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 07, 2021. (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 $750,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 14 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:
FY 2021 Professional Fellows Program (PFP) - FAQs
What is the FY 2021 Professional Fellows Program (PFP)?
The FY 2021 Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) grant opportunity that supports a two-way professional exchange program. It connects mid-level, emerging leaders from overseas with counterparts and host organizations in the United States.
What are the main goals of the PFP?
The program is intended to strengthen mutual understanding between the United States and participating countries while building practical leadership and professional skills that fellows can apply in their home communities. A major emphasis is placed on creating durable, sustainable partnerships that lead to ongoing collaboration rather than a one-time visit.
Which office within ECA runs this program?
The program is run through ECA's Office of Citizen Exchanges, Global Leaders Division (formerly the Professional Fellows Division).
Who are the intended participants in the exchange?
The core non-U.S. participants are described as mid-level, emerging leaders from overseas who engage with U.S. counterparts and host organizations.
Is this program academic or classroom-based?
The defining feature is hands-on professional experience. The fellowship centers on a professional placement in a U.S. host organization, reflecting an emphasis on practical exposure to U.S. professional practices, mentorship, and network-building rather than a purely academic or conference-based model.
How long is the U.S.-based fellowship experience for non-U.S. participants?
The structured fellowship in the United States lasts about five to six weeks.
What is the centerpiece of the fellowship?
The centerpiece is a four-week, individually tailored professional placement within a U.S. host organization, aligned to the fellow's professional background and program goals.
What does "individually tailored professional placement" mean in this program?
It means fellows are matched into U.S. work environments that align with their professional background and the program's objectives, allowing for substantive, hands-on engagement in real organizational settings.
What outcomes is the program designed to produce?
The exchange is designed to translate the U.S. fellowship experience into practical skills, stronger institutional ties, and sustained collaboration after fellows return home, with an emphasis on long-term cross-border professional relationships.
Which world regions are included in this competition?
This competition covers multiple regions: Africa (AF), East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR), the Middle East and North Africa (NEA), South and Central Asia (SCA), and the Western Hemisphere (WHA).
What type of funding instrument is used for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that this opportunity uses a cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement typically indicates the Department of State expects to have substantial involvement in implementation. Examples referenced include coordination on program design elements, monitoring, and compliance, beyond what is common in a standard grant.
Is this funding discretionary, and what is the CFDA number?
Yes. The opportunity is listed as discretionary funding under CFDA number 19.415.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The funding activity category is labeled "Other," with additional clarification referenced in the full announcement.
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (including nonprofits other than higher education institutions). The notice also indicates there are additional eligibility details in the full announcement.
How many awards did the agency anticipate making?
The agency anticipated making up to 14 awards.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is $750,000 per award.
What is the funding opportunity number for this competition?
The funding opportunity number is SFOP0007943.
When was this opportunity created, and what was the original closing date?
The opportunity was created on April 8, 2021, and the original application closing date was June 7, 2021.
What kinds of organizations is this grant meant to support?
The grant supports organizations capable of recruiting and preparing international participants, arranging individualized U.S. professional placements, and delivering a coherent exchange experience focused on leadership development and long-term professional partnerships.
What makes partnership-building a major emphasis of this program?
The program is designed to form durable, sustainable partnerships between U.S. institutions and professionals abroad, with the exchange structured to encourage ongoing collaboration after the fellowship rather than ending with the U.S. visit.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Training and Technical Assistance Initiative Solicitation
Previous opportunity: 2021 Port Infrastructure Development Grants
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 SFOP0007943
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0007943) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2021 Professional Fellows Congress Apply for SFOP0007945 Funding Number: SFOP0007945 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: $925,000 |
| Women in Correctional Leadership Apply for 21PR06 Funding Number: 21PR06 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| Ambassador’s Special Self -Help Programme Apply for SSH MBA FY20 01 Funding Number: SSH MBA FY20 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Eswatini Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $9,000 |
| Arts and Activism Apply for SCAKAB 21 CA 004 SCA 04052021 Funding Number: SCAKAB 21 CA 004 SCA 04052021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Afghanistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| FY 2021 English Access Microscholarship Program Apply for SFOP0007960 Funding Number: SFOP0007960 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: $26,000,000 |
| Facilitating Behavior Change Instructor Led Training (ILT) curriculum to a Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) Apply for 21CS25 Funding Number: 21CS25 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| DRL Strengthening Democracy and Human Rights in Thailand Apply for SFOP0007971 Funding Number: SFOP0007971 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: $1,000,000 |
| New Anti-Corruption Support Activity Apply for 72012121RFI00001 Funding Number: 72012121RFI00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Ukraine USAID-Kiev Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Defending Against Cyber-Enabled Intellectual Property (IP) Theft Apply for SFOP0007962 Funding Number: SFOP0007962 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: $1,000,000 |
| 2021 Media Professionalization Assistance Program Apply for 2021 FY20MEDIA PASPODGORICA Funding Number: 2021 FY20MEDIA PASPODGORICA Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Montenegro Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $70,000 |
| DRL Combating Corruption in the Northern Triangle Apply for SFOP0007841 Funding Number: SFOP0007841 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: $740,740 |
| DRL Syrian Women’s Participation in Transitional Justice Processes Apply for SFOP0007883 Funding Number: SFOP0007883 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: $987,654 |
| Defending Against Cyber-Enabled Intellectual Property (IP) Theft Apply for SFOP0008025 Funding Number: SFOP0008025 Agency: Department of State, Office of the Secretary Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - American Rescue Plan Act (EMPG-ARPA) - Region 2 Apply for DHS 21 GPD 042 02 02 Funding Number: DHS 21 GPD 042 02 02 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - American Rescue Plan Act (EMPG-ARPA) - Region 1 Apply for DHS 21 GPD 042 01 02 Funding Number: DHS 21 GPD 042 01 02 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - American Rescue Plan Act (EMPG-ARPA) - Region 5 Apply for DHS 21 GPD 042 05 02 Funding Number: DHS 21 GPD 042 05 02 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - American Rescue Plan Act (EMPG-ARPA) - Region 10 Apply for DHS 21 GPD 042 10 02 Funding Number: DHS 21 GPD 042 10 02 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - American Rescue Plan Act (EMPG-ARPA) - Region 9 Apply for DHS 21 GPD 042 09 02 Funding Number: DHS 21 GPD 042 09 02 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - American Rescue Plan Act (EMPG-ARPA) - Region 8 Apply for DHS 21 GPD 042 08 02 Funding Number: DHS 21 GPD 042 08 02 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - American Rescue Plan Act (EMPG-ARPA) - Region 4 Apply for DHS 21 GPD 042 04 02 Funding Number: DHS 21 GPD 042 04 02 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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 "SFOP0007943", 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.