The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF), a component of the U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program, is a small‑grants competition for U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. This funding opportunity aims to amplify the U.S. Government’s return on investment in exchange programs by encouraging alumni to actively address shared global challenges at home and abroad. Through competitively awarded grants of up to $10,000, Exchange Alumni will implement policy‑focused projects in the United States and around the world, strengthening the impact of U.S. government exchange programming while expanding their networks, showcasing their expertise, and contributing to the American economy. 

Award Activities

Teams of two or more U.S. Government exchange alumni will collaborate to design and implement a project that applies the knowledge and skills gained on their exchange program to contribute to long lasting solutions, strengthen local U.S. communities, and spread American excellence to communities around the world. 

Selected projects will be implemented over a six-month period. During the implementation period, teams will complete project management training coursework, designed to enhance project delivery and outcomes, and complete regular progress check-ins with IREX. Following the implementation period, teams will participate in the culminating Virtual Showcase to demonstrate the collective impact of all completed projects.

All project proposals must address a local or global challenge in one of the following areas: 

• Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and global connections through arts, sports, and culture
• Advancing free speech and expression through arts, media, and technology
• Fostering economic prosperity through English language, innovation, and partnerships
• Strengthening alumni networks and partnerships in support of a safer and stronger America

Application Instructions

CDAF applications must include the following components. 

• Completed Application Form
• Completed Work Plan
• Completed Budget
• Professional resumes of Exchange Alumni team members
• Letter of intent from partnering organization(s) (if applicable)

Applications missing any required components will be considered incomplete and therefore ineligible. All materials must be written in English.

All applications must be started and submitted by a U.S. citizen exchange alumnus, who will serve as Team Leader 1. Team Leader 1 is expected to collaborate on all project details with Team Leader 2, who may be either a U.S. or international citizen alumnus. All team members must be alumni in good standing of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs.

Selection Criteria

Eligible applications will be reviewed using the following selection criteria:

• Project methodology and feasibility of work plan
• Measurability of project goals, objectives, and activities
• Clear alignment of project activities with at least one of the four core thematic areas
• Applicants’ qualifications to implement the project
• Evidence of joint engagement by the team leaders in project design and implementation
• Reasonableness of project budget and value for cost
• Potential for impact beyond the project implementation
• If the project is conducted outside of the United States, its activities must demonstrate a clear link to the alumni’s exchange program experience and be carried out in a country where the team leads have substantial prior experience.

For the full list of eligibility criteria, please visit the CDAF webpage.

Interested in finding a project partner? Complete the CDAF Networking Form!