science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOS-IND
2026 U.S. Speaker Program
U.S. Mission to India · OFOP0003124
Award Range
$230K – $250K
Total Program Funding
$250K
Expected Awards
1
Deadline
July 24, 2026
GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is funding one organization ($230K-$250K) to run the 2026 U.S. Speaker Program in India — bringing American subject matter experts to engage Indian audiences on priority issues. Topics include regional security, cybersecurity, emerging tech, energy security, and strategic competition. You're essentially running a speaker bureau: recruiting U.S. experts, organizing events, managing logistics, and connecting speakers with priority Indian audiences (think tanks, universities, media, government).
Who Should Apply
Nonprofits, think tanks, NGOs, educational institutions, or international organizations with presence in India and capacity to manage a multi-event speaker program across the country. Must have existing networks in Indian policy/academic communities.
Who Should NOT Apply
For-profit entities, organizations without India presence, U.S.-only organizations, individual speakers wanting sponsorship, or groups without event management and logistics capacity in India.
Key Requirements (Plain English)
- •Must be a nonprofit, educational institution, or international organization
- •Must operate in India with established networks
- •Must recruit and manage U.S. subject matter experts
- •Must organize speaking events across multiple Indian cities
- •Must focus on U.S. strategic priority topics (security, tech, energy)
- •No cost-sharing required
💡 GrantQuick Tip
The Embassy is looking for a reliable implementing partner who's done this before. If you've previously run State Department exchange programs, speaker series, or public diplomacy initiatives in India, you're competitive. The key differentiator is your existing network of Indian institutions that will HOST these speakers — universities, think tanks, industry groups, and media outlets. Show you can fill rooms with the right audiences, not just book venues.
Competitiveness: Moderate-high — 1 award, but limited to organizations with India operations and embassy relationships. Likely 5-10 credible applicants.
What This Grant Funds
Attachments
SF424
Attachment_1_-_SF424.pdf
SF424A
Attachment_2_-_SF424A.pdf
M&E PMP
Attachment_3_-_ME_Performance_Monitoring_Plan.xlsx
M&E PMP - Insturctions
Attachment_3.1_-_Instructions_-_ME_Performance_Monitoring_Plan.docx
Budget Template
Attachment_4_-_Budget_Template.xlsx
Applicant Organization Info
Attachment_5_-_Applicant_Organization_Info.docx
Suggested Application Format
Attachment_6_-_Suggested_Application_Format.docx
Who Can Apply
Eligible Applicant Types
Funding Details
- Minimum Award
- $230K
- Maximum Award
- $250K
- Total Program Funding
- $250K
- Expected Number of Awards
- 1
- Cost Sharing Required?
- No
- Funding Instrument
- cooperative_agreement
Key Dates
Agency Contact
Nd_GrantApplications@state.gov
Ready to apply?
View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov