2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program Administration Grant

Key facts

Funder

Bureau of Human Resources

Application deadline

November 23, 2026

Award range

$0 – $2.8M

Eligibility

private institutions of higher education, for profit organizations other than small businesses, public and state institutions of higher education, nonprofits non higher education with 501c3, nonprofits non higher education without 501c3

Geography

United States

Focus areas

Employment Labor And Training

Opportunity number

DFOP0019970

Program overview

Background & Goal: The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Human Resources Outreach, Fellowships, and Internships Division (HR/OFI) announces an open competition for an eligible organization to manage programmatic, financial, and administrative operations for the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program. Established in 1992, the Pickering Fellowship attracts outstanding students—particularly those with financial need—for Foreign Service Officer careers. Administered via a Cooperative Agreement, this 32-month project (starting ~January 2027) aims to cultivate premier diplomatic talent, ensuring timely commissioning into generalist tracks pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2719 and 22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq. Problem Statement: Fellows face complex operational, financial, and logistical demands across graduate studies, domestic internships in Washington, D.C., and overseas assignments at U.S. Embassies. Dedicated administrative oversight is essential to execute tuition disbursements, secure housing, navigate security/medical clearances, and eliminate friction that could impede academic success or delay Foreign Service commissioning. Key Objectives & Outcomes: Financial & Academic Oversight: Establish a robust tracking system within 30 days of award to manage 100% on-time disbursements for tuition ($55k/yr cap), living stipends ($33k/yr cap), and summer allowances ($11k/summer cap) under 2 CFR 200 guidelines, ensuring Fellows maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA. Clearance & Onboarding Support: Guide 100% of the cohort through required examination attempts and medical, suitability, and Top Secret security clearance protocols prior to graduation. Internships & Professional Development: Coordinate travel, lodging, and stipends for summer internships; deliver 7–8 professional seminars; facilitate a 2-week session at NDU; and pair all Fellows with tenured Foreign Service mentors.

How to apply

1. Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
2. Read the full funding opportunity announcement from Bureau of Human Resources.
3. Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
4. Submit before November 23, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.

View the official funding announcement

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