§ Federal grant opportunity · DFOP0019966
2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program – Selection
Bureau of Human Resources is accepting applications for 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program – Selection. The deadline is November 23, 2026 and the published award range is $0 – $86K.
Key facts
- Funder
- Bureau of Human Resources
- Application deadline
- November 23, 2026
- Award range
- $0 – $86K
- Eligibility
- private institutions of higher education, public and state institutions of higher education, nonprofits non higher education with 501c3, for profit organizations other than small businesses, nonprofits non higher education without 501c3
- Geography
- United States
- Focus areas
- Employment Labor And Training
- Opportunity number
- DFOP0019966
Program overview
Funding Opportunity Description The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Human Resources, Office of Outreach, Fellowships, and Internships (HR/OFI) announces an open competition for a qualified organization to manage the candidate screening, panel review, and selection process for the 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program under a Cooperative Agreement. This specialized selection project serves as a crucial gateway to identify top-tier, merit-based graduate talent across the nation for entry into the Foreign Service. Project Goal and Objectives The project aims to establish a rigorous, objective, and standardized multi-phase selection infrastructure that identifies candidates with the technical expertise and leadership required to advance U.S. foreign policy and international development priorities. Key objectives include: Panel Formation & Honoraria Management: Onboard qualified selection panelists (tenured Foreign Service Officers, backstop coordinators, and Senior Foreign Service Nationals) by January 2027 and administer panelist honoraria ($500/day for eligible non-USG panelists). Panel Training & Scoring Execution: Coordinate mandatory panelist training with HR/OFI and the Board of Examiners (BEX) in December 2026/January 2027, and facilitate secure electronic scoring to determine semi-finalists. Finalist Assessment & Selection: Execute the final selection stage in February 2027 by conducting structured interviews, administering essay assessments, and calculating composite scores to select up to 10 Payne Fellows and alternates. Onboarding Transition: Secure acceptance agreements, notify non-selected applicants within two working days, and transfer cohort records to HR/OFI to initiate medical and Top Secret security clearances by late February 2027.
How to apply
- Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
- Read the full funding opportunity announcement from Bureau of Human Resources.
- Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
- Submit before November 23, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.
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