GrantQuick

science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOS-IND

2026 U.S. Speaker Program

U.S. Mission to India · OFOP0003124

Closed

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

The Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi announces an opportunity to implement the U.S. Speaker and Specialist Program in India. The program will advance U.S. strategic, economic, and security interests by connecting American experts with priority Indian audiences and highlighting U.S. leadership in areas critical to security, innovation, technological competitiveness, and economic growth. Through this program, U.S. subject matter experts will engage Indian audiences on priority issues, including regional security and deterrence; maritime security; cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure; emerging technologies; strategic competition; energy security; and innovation driven economic growth. Program activities will include eight to ten (8 to 10) in country speaker programs across India and ten (10) virtual engagements. Target audiences include established and emerging professionals from leading think tanks and research institutions; technology and innovation leaders; industry stakeholders and business leaders involved in trade, investment, and supply chains; and other professionals positioned to influence policy, technology, security, and economic decisions relevant to U.S. interests.

Attachments

Who Can Apply

1. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations . 2. Public and private educational institutions. 3. Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions.

Eligible Applicant Types

Other (see NOFO for details)

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

Posted: June 24, 2026
Application Deadline: July 24, 2026 (0 days remaining)

Agency Contact

Nd_GrantApplications@state.gov

Ready to apply?

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