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education · ED

Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE):Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange (MECE) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.021C

Department of Education · ED-GRANTS-061526-001

Closed

Total Program Funding

$10.2M

Expected Awards

4

Deadline

July 15, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

Department of Education's Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Program (Fulbright-Hays) funds 4 international research/training projects for U.S. educational institutions focused on area studies and foreign language development.

Who Should Apply

U.S. universities with established area studies and foreign language programs seeking international research and training projects.

Who Should NOT Apply

Institutions without area studies programs, non-educational entities.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

  • Must support international educational exchange
  • 4 awards
  • Must focus on area studies/foreign languages
  • No cost-sharing required

💡 GrantQuick Tip

Fulbright-Hays projects are competitive and prestigious. Show strong international partnerships and track record in area studies.

Competitiveness: High — 4 awards for specialized area studies programs.

What This Grant Funds

Program Description: In coordination with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State (State), the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange (MECE) program. 


The purpose of the program is to promote, improve, and develop the study of modern foreign language training and area studies in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities by supporting visits and study in foreign countries by teachers and prospective teachers. The program provides opportunities for teachers and prospective teachers to improve their skill in languages, their knowledge of the culture of the people of other countries, and finances visits by teachers from those other countries to the United States for the purpose of participating in foreign language training and area studies in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities. 


Assistance Listing Number: 84.021C


Applicants are required to follow the 2025 Common Instructions and Information for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234) and available at ED 2025 Common Instructions.

Attachments

Who Can Apply

Consistent with Sec. 104(e)(1) of the Fulbright-Hays Act, eligible applicants are public or private nonprofit foundations, educational or other institutions.Note: “Public or private nonprofit foundations, educational or other institutions” include the following: • Public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education (IHEs);• State departments of education (including State Education Agencies and State Higher Education Agencies);• Public or private nonprofit educational organizations; and• Consortia of such public or private nonprofit IHEs, State departments of education, and public or private nonprofit educational organizations.Note: An applicant that is a nonprofit organization may, under 34 CFR 75.51, demonstrate its nonprofit status by providing:1. Proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;2. A statement from a state taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual;3. A certified copy of the applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or4. Any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.

Eligible Applicant Types

Other (see NOFO for details)

Funding Details

Total Program Funding
$10.2M
Expected Number of Awards
4
Cost Sharing Required?
No
Funding Instrument
grant

Key Dates

Posted: June 15, 2026
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026 (0 days remaining)

Applications Available: June 15, 2026. Application Deadline: July 15, 2026. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: September 14, 2026ED will be able to review grant applications more efficiently if we know the approximate number of applicants that intend to apply. Therefore, we strongly encourage each potential applicant to notify us of their intent to submit an application. To do so, please email the program contact person listed above with the subject line “Intent to Apply,” and include the applicant's name and a contact person's name and email address. Applicants that do not submit a notice of intent to apply may still apply for funding; applicants that do submit a notice of intent to apply are not bound to apply or bound by the information provided. For Further Information: Kurrinn Abrams, Telephone: 202-987-1920, Email: MECE@ed.gov.

Agency Contact

Kurrinn Abrams Telephone: 202-987-1920 Email: MECE@ed.gov

MECE@ed.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov