FY 2026 American Film Showcase

The American Film Showcase (AFS), administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State, is a cultural and commercial diplomacy program designed to elevate American creativity and foster international partnerships through media and storytelling. The FY26 AFS opportunity seeks to fund a single award recipient through a cooperative agreement of approximately $1,540,000. This program highlights U.S. leadership in the film, television, gaming, and media arts industries as key drivers of global economic influence and soft power. Through curated engagements such as masterclasses, screenings, residencies, and workshops, AFS facilitates direct cultural and professional exchanges between U.S. creators and international audiences, strengthening the global presence of American media industries. U.S. embassies are deeply integrated into the implementation process by submitting country-specific proposals and nominating participants. This allows for customized programming that aligns with regional interests while simultaneously promoting U.S. foreign policy priorities. Engagements under AFS are typically structured around tailored thematic programs, conducted over 7–10 days, in approximately 35–45 countries. These programs feature around 60–70 American experts and attract international creative professionals for professional development in the United States. The program fosters long-term professional and commercial opportunities by connecting U.S. creatives with global peers. The FY26 award also includes an expansion component titled “Made in America: Creative Capital.” This initiative incorporates a strong commercial diplomacy emphasis by offering business residencies, co-production labs, export-ready labs, creative showcases, international fellowships, and market access workshops. Designed to equip 40–50 American creatives with tools for global market success, this initiative positions the U.S. as a top destination for creative investment. These activities not only contribute to cultural engagement but also stimulate innovation, job creation, and economic growth through the creative sector. Applications are open to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, including academic institutions, that have at least four years of experience in managing international exchange programs. Proposals must comply with all outlined submission components, including an SF-424, executive summary, full proposal narrative, budget forms (SF-424A), and a detailed budget narrative. Applicants must also be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Cost sharing is not required but is encouraged and must be adequately documented if included. The application deadline is June 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The expected award notification is September 1, 2026. The period of performance will span 24 to 28 months. Proposals will be reviewed for technical eligibility and then evaluated competitively based on several criteria: program design and feasibility, institutional capacity, potential for long-term impact, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Only one proposal per organization will be considered, and current ECA awardees must address overlapping awards in their application. The official contact for this opportunity is Catherine Collins, reachable at [email protected] or (202) 632-9301. Applicants must submit proposals through Grants.gov and are advised to allow time for potential technical issues during submission. Based on the NOFO, the AFS opportunity is intended to recur, pending satisfactory performance and future funding availability, with the possibility of renewals for two additional years before a competitive re-compete.

Follow MODE monitoring and evaluation framework carefully; proposals that fail technical compliance will be disqualified; demonstrate prior experience in international exchange delivery.