Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0006674
The FY 2020 United States South Pacific (USSP) Scholarship Program and the FY 2020 United States Timor-Leste (USTL) Scholarship Program funding opportunity is a U.S. Department of State initiative, run through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Office of Academic Exchange Programs, to select one or more U.S. organizations to administer scholarship-based academic exchanges in the United States. The award is offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the recipient will carry out day-to-day program operations while working closely with ECA and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sections in the region. The core purpose is to support degree-seeking study in the United States for a small cohort of participants, strengthening educational ties and building long-term people-to-people relationships through structured academic exchange and alumni engagement.
Under this competition (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0006674; CFDA 19.011), applicants may propose to administer one or both scholarship programs. The projected participant numbers are modest: about three participants from eligible sovereign island nations of the South Pacific (the specific list is referenced in the opportunity overview) and/or about three participants from Timor-Leste. Participants are to be placed at appropriate U.S. colleges or universities for academic degree programs leading to either a bachelors or a masters degree. In practice, that means the implementing organization is expected to build and manage the full pathway from recruitment through university placement, onboarding, student support during studies, and continued engagement after the students return home.
The selected award recipient(s) would be responsible for comprehensive program administration. This includes designing and executing publicity and recruitment strategies in coordination with U.S. embassies; collecting and reviewing applications and academic credentials; convening review panels; and supporting a transparent, merit-based competitive selection process that results in nominations for the scholarship. Once participants are selected, the administrator must place students at U.S. institutions that match their academic background and degree goals, coordinate admissions-related steps, and facilitate student travel to the United States. The administrator must also provide structured orientation and ongoing enrichment activities, which typically cover academic expectations, cultural adjustment, and program rules, along with professional and cultural programming that deepens the exchange experience.
A major part of the work is student services and stewardship throughout the scholarship period. The opportunity calls for monitoring and support services for participants while they are in the United States, which generally involves regular check-ins, troubleshooting academic or personal issues, ensuring compliance with program and visa-related requirements as applicable, and coordinating with host institutions. The program also requires pre-return activities to help participants prepare for reintegration and to encourage them to apply their U.S. education in ways that benefit their home communities. Beyond the study period, the administrator is expected to conduct ongoing evaluation and maintain follow-up with alumni, supporting longer-term outcomes and sustained networks.
Eligibility is aimed at U.S. organizations capable of managing international academic exchange programming. Eligible applicants include U.S. public and private non-profit organizations that meet the requirements of 26 CFR 1.501(c)(3), as well as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education. The listing also notes additional eligible categories under an "Others" classification, with details to be clarified in the full announcement. The federal agency is the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.
The funding parameters indicate an award ceiling of $700,000 and an expectation of up to two awards, suggesting ECA may fund separate implementers for the two programs or split responsibilities depending on the proposals received. The cooperative agreement duration can be up to five years, with an anticipated start around August 1, 2020 and an end date of July 31, 2025, which implies support across multiple academic cycles and emphasizes sustained program management, evaluation, and alumni tracking rather than a one-time scholarship administration effort. The opportunity was posted April 9, 2020, with an original application closing date of June 8, 2020.Apply for SFOP0006674
- 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 2020 United States South Pacific Scholarship Program and FY 2020 United States Timor-Leste Scholarship Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.011.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 09, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 08, 2020. (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 $700,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 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:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This opportunity funds the administration of scholarship-based academic exchanges in the United States under two related programs: the FY 2020 United States South Pacific (USSP) Scholarship Program and the FY 2020 United States Timor-Leste (USTL) Scholarship Program. It is a U.S. Department of State initiative managed through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Office of Academic Exchange Programs.
2) What is the main purpose of the USSP and USTL Scholarship Programs?
The core purpose is to support degree-seeking study in the United States for a small cohort of participants, strengthen educational ties, and build long-term people-to-people relationships through structured academic exchange and alumni engagement.
3) Who is the federal sponsor/issuing agency?
The federal agency is the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
4) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?
The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is SFOP0006674, and the CFDA number is 19.011.
5) What type of award is being offered?
The award is a cooperative agreement. The recipient is expected to carry out day-to-day program operations while working closely with ECA and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sections in the region.
6) Is this mandatory or discretionary funding?
The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.
7) Can an applicant propose to run one program or both programs?
Yes. Under this competition, applicants may propose to administer one or both scholarship programs (USSP and/or USTL).
8) How many scholarships/participants are expected?
The projected numbers are modest: about three participants from eligible sovereign island nations of the South Pacific (as referenced in the opportunity overview) and/or about three participants from Timor-Leste.
9) What levels of study are supported (degree type)?
Participants are to be placed at U.S. colleges or universities in academic degree programs leading to either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree.
10) Where will participants study?
Participants will study in the United States at appropriate U.S. colleges or universities selected to match the participants' academic background and degree goals.
11) What does the selected implementing organization actually do?
The selected organization is expected to manage the full pathway of the scholarship exchange, including recruitment, application intake, merit-based selection support, university placement, onboarding, student support during studies, pre-return preparation, evaluation, and alumni follow-up/engagement.
12) What recruitment and selection responsibilities are included?
Responsibilities include designing and executing publicity and recruitment strategies in coordination with U.S. embassies; collecting and reviewing applications and academic credentials; convening review panels; and supporting a transparent, merit-based competitive selection process that results in nominations for the scholarship.
13) What university placement responsibilities are included?
The administrator must place selected participants at U.S. institutions that fit their academic background and degree goals, coordinate admissions-related steps, and facilitate student travel to the United States.
14) What orientation and enrichment activities are required?
The administrator must provide structured orientation and ongoing enrichment. The opportunity indicates these activities typically cover academic expectations, cultural adjustment, and program rules, as well as professional and cultural programming that deepens the exchange experience.
15) What participant monitoring and support services are expected during the program?
The opportunity calls for monitoring and support services while participants are in the United States. This generally includes regular check-ins, troubleshooting academic or personal issues, supporting compliance with program and visa-related requirements as applicable, and coordinating with host institutions.
16) Are pre-return activities required?
Yes. The program requires pre-return activities to prepare participants for reintegration and to encourage them to apply their U.S. education in ways that benefit their home communities.
17) What are the expectations for evaluation and alumni engagement?
The administrator is expected to conduct ongoing evaluation and maintain follow-up with alumni, supporting longer-term outcomes and sustained networks beyond the study period.
18) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is aimed at U.S. organizations capable of managing international academic exchange programming. Eligible applicants include:
- U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the requirements of 26 CFR 1.501(c)(3)
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
The listing also notes additional eligible categories under an "Others" classification, with details to be clarified in the full announcement.
19) What is the award ceiling?
The award ceiling is $700,000.
20) How many awards are expected?
The opportunity indicates an expectation of up to two awards. This suggests ECA may fund separate implementers for the two programs or split responsibilities depending on proposals received.
21) What is the period of performance?
The cooperative agreement duration can be up to five years, with an anticipated start date around August 1, 2020 and an end date of July 31, 2025.
22) When was the opportunity posted and when was the application due?
The opportunity was posted on April 9, 2020. The original application closing date was June 8, 2020.
23) What geographic areas do the two scholarship programs cover?
USSP covers eligible sovereign island nations of the South Pacific (with the specific list referenced in the opportunity overview). USTL covers Timor-Leste.
24) What does "working closely with ECA and U.S. embassies" mean in practice for the awardee?
Because this is a cooperative agreement, the awardee is expected to run day-to-day operations while coordinating key functions with ECA and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sections in the region, including recruitment/publicity and other program implementation elements described in the opportunity.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Notice of Intent to Issue Federal Agency Call (FAC) No. DE-FOA-0002329 entitled “Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) 2020”
Previous opportunity: DoD Prostate Cancer, Translational Science Award
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 SFOP0006674
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0006674) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| English Language Teaching and Learning Grant Program Apply for PAS PRISTINA FY20 04 Funding Number: PAS PRISTINA FY20 04 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kosovo Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Ethnographic Overview and Assessment of Pinnacles National Park Apply for P20AS00059 Funding Number: P20AS00059 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $255,299 |
| FY 2020 Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (TIES) Apply for SFOP0006691 Funding Number: SFOP0006691 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: $2,250,000 |
| FY 2020 Community Engagement Exchange Program Apply for SFOP0006676 Funding Number: SFOP0006676 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: $5,000,000 |
| FY 2021 Teachers of Critical Languages Program Apply for SFOP0006787 Funding Number: SFOP0006787 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: $1,375,000 |
| FY 2021 Survey of International Educational Exchange Activity in the United States Apply for SFOP0006693 Funding Number: SFOP0006693 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: $500,000 |
| Engaging Religious Communites for Peace Apply for SCAISB 20 AW 010 04132020 Funding Number: SCAISB 20 AW 010 04132020 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 1 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 01 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 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 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 10 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 10 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 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 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 2 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 02 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 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 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 7 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 07 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 GPD 042 07 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 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 4 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 04 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 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 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 5 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 05 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 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 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 6 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 06 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 GPD 042 06 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 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 8 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 08 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 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 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 3 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 03 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 GPD 042 03 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 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) - Region 9 Apply for DHS 20 GPD 042 09 03 Funding Number: DHS 20 GPD 042 09 03 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 |
| U.S. Mission to NATO Public Affairs Annual Program Statement Apply for DOS USNATO PAA 2020 001 Funding Number: DOS USNATO PAA 2020 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to NATO Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Consulate General Peshawar - Annual Program Statement Apply for SCAISB 20 AW 011 04142020 Funding Number: SCAISB 20 AW 011 04142020 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) Apply for DHS 20 DAD 024 00 02 Funding Number: DHS 20 DAD 024 00 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: $200,000,000 |
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 "SFOP0006674", 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.