FY 2026 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellowship

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellowship is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, specifically the Office of Citizen Exchanges. This program is part of the Department’s broader effort to strengthen U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific region by cultivating a network of emerging leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states. The initiative reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing shared values such as liberty, opportunity, and self-reliance while promoting economic cooperation, innovation, and regional stability. The purpose of the program is to support the design and implementation of a comprehensive professional exchange that brings Southeast Asian leaders to the United States for intensive fellowships and leadership development. The program focuses on four strategic themes aligned with U.S. foreign policy priorities: economic prosperity, strategic energy and minerals, liberty and freedom, and peace and security. Through these thematic areas, participants gain exposure to American systems of governance, business practices, and innovation ecosystems, enabling them to apply these lessons in their home countries and strengthen bilateral relationships. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement, with approximately $4,467,000 available to support one award over a 24-month performance period. Funds are intended to cover a wide range of programmatic expenses, including international travel, participant stipends, professional placements, leadership training, alumni engagement, and administrative support. While cost sharing is encouraged, there is no minimum or maximum requirement. Allowable costs include travel, per diem, materials, consultants, and follow-on activities, with specific restrictions such as compliance with federal per diem rates and limitations on certain expenses like room rentals and working meals. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, including civil society organizations, think tanks, and public or private educational institutions. Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of experience in international exchange programming to receive full funding levels. Organizations are required to maintain active registration in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier. Only one application per organization is permitted, and proposals must include required forms such as the SF-424, budget documentation, and a detailed narrative. Applicants may collaborate with subaward partners to implement components of the program. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by April 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Proposals must adhere strictly to the guidelines outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity and the Proposal Submission Instructions. Evaluation criteria include the quality and relevance of the program design, the applicant’s institutional capacity, cost-effectiveness, and the strength of the monitoring and evaluation plan. Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to manage complex international exchanges and align program activities with U.S. foreign policy objectives. The program timeline includes an anticipated award date of September 15, 2026, followed by implementation activities spanning two years. Each year, cohorts of fellows participate in U.S.-based institutes lasting five to six weeks, culminating in a forum in Washington, D.C. Reciprocal exchanges bring U.S. professionals to Southeast Asia to extend collaboration. The program also includes alumni engagement, mentoring, and small grants to sustain long-term impact. Recurrence is implied as part of an ongoing federal initiative, though each funding cycle is issued through a new solicitation.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives; demonstrate institutional capacity and prior exchange experience; include robust monitoring and evaluation plan; maintain cost-effectiveness in budget design; strictly follow NOFO formatting and submission requirements