Official funding announcement — preliminary draft
Funder: Katherine Wright Grantor
Opportunity number: DFOP0019970
Official listed status: posted
Closing information: 2026-11-23 (official deadline clock time and time zone must be checked in NOFO)
Award disclosure: Official federal synopsis lists an award ceiling of 2,813,620; applicant-level applicability requires full-NOFO review.
Applicant categories in federal synopsis: Private institutions of higher education; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Federal synopsis
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 …
Draft intake record. Eligibility, program terms, current amendments and applicant ceiling must be independently verified before publishing.