Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF) Small Grants Program 2026

The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF) Small Grants Program is a competitive grants initiative designed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and countries around the world. Administered by IREX, CDAF supports community-focused projects that promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and positive exchange, focusing on civic engagement, media and arts, youth empowerment, leadership development, and community diplomacy.

Access to networks, potential training and follow-up support, and funding to implement community-driven international engagement projects.

Civil society organizations with a track record of community engagement, nonprofits, local associations, grassroots groups, educational institutions and research centers, community leaders and small local networks with strong project proposals.

Submit proposals through the formal call for proposals when announced; proposals are reviewed by a panel and selected grantees are notified after evaluation.