Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0007400
The FY2021 English Language Fellow and Specialist Program is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) grant opportunity managed by the Office of English Language Programs. Its central purpose is to strengthen English language teaching capacity worldwide while also advancing public diplomacy goals by building mutual understanding between people in the United States and people in other countries. The program does this by supporting structured academic exchanges that place U.S. English language educators in overseas institutions, either in person or through virtual formats, depending on conditions and project needs.
At the core of the opportunity are two related exchange pathways. The English Language Fellows are typically placed for around ten months, functioning as longer-term educators and capacity builders at host institutions abroad. The English Language Specialists serve on shorter assignments of two weeks or more, generally focused on targeted, high-impact interventions such as teacher training workshops, curriculum development, assessment support, program design, or other specialized technical assistance. Both tracks can also be implemented virtually, with corresponding adjustments to duration and participant benefits. In each case, projects are driven by U.S. embassy-designated needs and priorities in the host country, ensuring that placements respond to real on-the-ground requests from partner institutions and local education systems.
The program is designed to deliver benefits in both directions. Overseas, host-country teachers, students, and education leaders gain access to U.S. expertise in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or closely related fields, including contemporary pedagogy, methods for improving learning outcomes, and approaches to teacher professional development. The opportunity also explicitly links English teaching to broader civic and cultural understanding, aiming to increase familiarity with U.S. culture and values and concepts such as representative government, free enterprise, and the rule of law. By improving English communication skills, the program also supports participants in engaging more effectively in the global economy and gaining better access to accurate information and U.S. perspectives on a wide range of topics.
On the U.S. side, the program emphasizes professional growth and reintegration. Fellows and Specialists are expected not only to contribute abroad, but also to sharpen their own skills through international experience. After returning home, participants are expected to share what they learned with their communities and professional networks, extending the impact beyond the immediate placement and contributing to ongoing professional exchange and knowledge transfer in the U.S. education community.
Projects supported through this opportunity may involve partnerships with a broad range of host-country entities, including ministries of education, universities, teacher-training institutions, NGOs, binational centers, and other English language teaching organizations. This flexibility allows programming to be adapted to different education contexts, from formal school systems to higher education and community-based language initiatives, while still aligning with embassy-identified objectives and ECA exchange priorities.
From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement, which typically means the Department of State anticipates substantial involvement in guiding or coordinating aspects of program implementation. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.421. The award ceiling is $17,000,000, and the agency anticipated making one award, indicating a single implementer would likely run the program at scale on behalf of the Department of State. Eligibility is broad and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement. The opportunity was posted on November 4, 2020, with an original application deadline of January 8, 2021.
Overall, the grant supports a global, embassy-driven exchange platform that deploys U.S. TESOL professionals for long- and short-term assignments to improve English teaching and learning overseas while advancing mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties through educational engagement, whether conducted in person or virtually.Apply for SFOP0007400
- 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 "FY2021 English Language Fellow and Specialist Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.421.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 04, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 08, 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 $17,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 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:
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I
Previous opportunity: NRCS easement programs restoration and stewardship assistance.
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 SFOP0007400
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0007400) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Local Governance Strengthening Activity Apply for RFI 72011521RFA00001 Funding Number: RFI 72011521RFA00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| FY 2021 Cultural Orientation Technical Assistance Program Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for SFOP0007409 Funding Number: SFOP0007409 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| U.S. Embassy LIMA PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS LIMA FY21 01 Funding Number: PAS LIMA FY21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Peru Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| 2021 National Geological & Geophysical Data Preservation Program Apply for G21AS00007 Funding Number: G21AS00007 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Bamako Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement Apply for AF BAMAKO FY21 01 Funding Number: AF BAMAKO FY21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mali Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Combatting Child Labor in Cobalt Supply Chains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Apply for NOI ILAB 20 10 Funding Number: NOI ILAB 20 10 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,500,000 |
| Inclusive Socio-Economic Development in Marrakech-Safi, Morocco Apply for 7200AA20APS00006 ADDENDUM ISEDMS MOROCCO Funding Number: 7200AA20APS00006 ADDENDUM ISEDMS MOROCCO Agency: Agency for International Development, Morocco USAID-Rabat Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement Apply for SFOP0007420 Funding Number: SFOP0007420 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: $3,000,000 |
| Applied Research and Evaluation Innovation Fund: Round 1 Apply for SFOP0007422 Funding Number: SFOP0007422 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: $450,000 |
| Annual Program Statement for Statements of Interest for Human Rights, Accountability, and Access to Information in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Apply for SFOP0007424 Funding Number: SFOP0007424 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: $3,000,000 |
| Reducing Violence Against Religious Minority Communities in Brazil Apply for SFOP0007426 Funding Number: SFOP0007426 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 |
| FY 2021 TechWomen Program Apply for SFOP0007428 Funding Number: SFOP0007428 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: $3,080,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo – Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement Apply for S DR860 APS 2021 01 Funding Number: S DR860 APS 2021 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY 2021 Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey Concept Notes Apply for SFOP0007437 Funding Number: SFOP0007437 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Across State Lines: Interstate Compact Apply for 21CS15 Funding Number: 21CS15 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: $180,000 |
| Development Cooperation Partnership (DCP), formerly known as Emerging Donors Challenge Program (EDCP), Round 8 Apply for Funding Number: Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Local Works Zimbabwe Youth Program Collaborative Action Network Apply for 72061321RFA00002 Funding Number: 72061321RFA00002 Agency: Agency for International Development, Zimbabwe USAID-Harare Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| DRL FY2020: Guaranteeing Constitutional Rights in Tunisia Apply for SFOP0007439 Funding Number: SFOP0007439 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: $1,250,000 |
| Promoting Democracy and Human Rights in Cuba Apply for SFOP0007435 Funding Number: SFOP0007435 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 |
| DRL FY2020: Promoting the Rights and Reintegration of Young Moroccans During and After Detention Apply for SFOP0007443 Funding Number: SFOP0007443 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: $750,000 |
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 "SFOP0007400", 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.