Defending Fulbright: Our Path Forward Together

Dear Friends of Fulbright,

You may have seen recent news that the White House’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget blueprint proposes deep cuts—nearly $700 million—to U.S. educational and cultural exchange programs, including Fulbright. Alongside this, the longstanding Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) has been disbanded. These decisions threaten the partnerships, research collaborations, and people-to-people diplomacy that have defined Fulbright for nearly 80 years.

Yet even in the face of these challenges, our community remains undaunted. We believe that mutual understanding, shared learning, and global collaboration are more vital now than ever. Here’s how we’re turning uncertainty into action through our four pillars:

1. Learn:

   • Hosting Speaker Series events featuring alumni experts in the areas that impact the program and our alumni community.

2. Advocate:

   • A concise advocacy toolkit that shares Fulbright success stories and provides our community with the tools and knowledge needed to #StandForFulbright.

   • Build and strengthen our coalitions with our alumni and partner organizations so we are better prepared to brief legislators on the value of exchange.

3. Grow:

   • Host a Fulbright Youth Summit at Florida International University this October, uniting emerging student leaders from around the world for intercultural workshops, leadership training, and networking opportunities to inspire the next generation of global changemakers.

4. Engage:

   • Honoring longtime supporters and advocates through awards and recognition programming, such as the Fulbright Prize and our Lifetime Achievement Award, we celebrate the dedication of longtime members, advocates, sponsors, institutional partners, and international champions that embody the mission of the Fulbright Program.

As we chart a path forward, we’ll be weaving these initiatives into upcoming events—from our October 2025 Fulbright Association Conference to the Spring 2026 Fulbright Prize dinner in Washington, D.C.—to spotlight alumni achievements and rally support.

Together, we will continue to bridge cultures, foster lifelong learning, and champion the values that have made Fulbright a beacon of hope for generations. Thank you for standing with us—your voice, your donations, your stories, and your passion will carry us forward.

With optimism,