Everything you need to be a Fulbright Chapter or Interest Group can be found here!
The Fulbright Association is dedicated to the impact and growth of its chapters. We want to give all our chapters and interest groups the tools and resources to grow, develop, and continue its mission of promoting international education, engaging alumni, and playing a role in cultural diplomacy.
Calendar & Deadlines
“When is everything due?”
Stay on top of everything your chapter needs to plan, report, and participate throughout the year. This calendar includes key deadlines, upcoming events, and opportunities for engagement, all in one place for easy reference.
Register for Upcoming Webinars
The Chapter & Interest Group Grant
July 8, 2026 | 1:00 PM ET | via Zoom
This session will introduce the updated grant guidelines, strategic priorities, application process, and resources available to help chapters and interest groups develop competitive proposals. We will discuss how chapters can design programs that strengthen the Fulbright alumni network, build partnerships, engage emerging leaders, create professional development opportunities, and increase the visibility and impact of the Fulbright Program within their local communities.
Participants will also review sample grant applications, explore examples of successful programs, and learn how to align local activities with the goals of the grant program while maintaining flexibility to address community interests and needs.
Whether you are applying for funding for the first time or looking to strengthen an existing chapter program, this session will provide practical guidance and an opportunity to ask questions before submitting your application.
Communications That Actually Increase Engagement
August 19, 2026 | 4:00 PM ET | via Zoom
Even the best events can fall short if people never hear about them. Join us for this practical webinar focused on helping chapters increase attendance and engagement through effective, low-effort communications.
We’ll cover proven strategies for promoting your events before, during, and after they take place, including how to develop a simple communications timeline, write emails that encourage registrations, create engaging social media posts, leverage partnerships to expand your reach, and make the most of the resources available through the Fulbright Association.
Whether you’re planning a networking reception, panel discussion, service project, or cultural event, you’ll leave with practical ideas and ready-to-use approaches that can help you reach more alumni, attract new participants, and build stronger engagement within your local community.
This webinar is designed for chapter presidents, communications officers, programming chairs, and any board member involved in promoting chapter activities.
Planning and Operations Checklist
This checklist is designed to support Fulbright Association chapters in planning, organizing, and sustaining their activities throughout the year. It outlines key responsibilities, suggested timelines, and recommended roles to help chapter leaders stay on track while balancing the realities of volunteer leadership.
The dates included are approximate and reflect when these activities typically occur year to year. Specific deadlines may shift slightly, so chapters should use this as a planning guide rather than a fixed schedule. Similarly, while responsible roles are suggested for clarity and accountability, chapters are encouraged to adapt responsibilities based on their board structure and capacity.
The President is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all core tasks are completed, even when responsibilities are delegated across the board. This document is intended to be a flexible, practical tool—one that helps chapters plan ahead, communicate effectively, and build sustainable leadership and programming over time.
Applications and Reporting
“What do I need to submit?”
Accurate and timely reporting helps us track chapter activity, celebrate your accomplishments, and share your events with the wider Fulbright community. Use the resources below to submit annual reports, event proposals, event reports, photos, and calendar entries. Please follow deadlines to ensure your events and achievements are recognized.
Submit an Application
Applications are now open for activities taking place September – December 2026.
Before beginning your application, please be prepared to provide:
- A description of your proposed event or activity
- The event date and location
- A detailed budget and funding request
- Information about any cost-sharing or local support
- An explanation of how the activity aligns with the grant priorities
- Anticipated audience and outcomes
Grant Guidelines
This grant is designed to support programs that advance the Fulbright Association’s strategic priorities while strengthening local Fulbright communities.
Competitive proposals are designed around outcomes rather than event types. While networking receptions, cultural programs, workshops, and educational events remain valuable, the strongest applications demonstrate how an activity will create lasting impact through partnerships, alumni engagement, professional development, emerging leader engagement, or community outreach.
Priority will be given to activities that:
- Partnership Development and Community Connections
- Strengthening and Expanding the Fulbright Alumni Network
- Career Development, Mentorship, and Professional Engagement
- Emerging Global Leaders
- Community Impact and Public Awareness
The full guidelines provide detailed information on strategic priorities, allowable expenses, evaluation criteria, and examples of competitive proposals.
Chapter and Interest Group Grant Webinar
Designing a Competitive Proposal
Not sure what type of event to organize? Start with your goal.
The strongest grant proposals are designed around outcomes rather than event types. Select a goal below to explore example activities, potential partners, and sample applications.
We Want to Build Local Partnerships
Best Event Types: Educational, Professional Development, Community Engagement
Potential Partners: Universities, Employers, Museums & Libraries, Community Organizations
We Want to Engage More Alumni
Best Event Types: Networking, Cultural, Community Engagement
Potential Audiences: Inactive Alumni, Recent Grantees, Local Members, Prospective Members
We Want to Support Emerging Leaders
Best Event Types: Educational, Professional Development, Networking
Potential Partners, Universities, International Offices, Honors Programs, Student Organizations
We Want to Create Professional Development Opportunities
Best Event Types: Professional Development, Networking
Potential Partners: Employers, Chambers of Commerce, Professional Associations, Universities
We Want to Increase Community Impact & Awareness
Best Event Types: Community Engagement, Educational, Cultural
Potential Partners: Nonprofits, Libraries, Schools, Community Organizations
Submit an Event Report
Submit a report after each event to share outcomes, attendance, and highlights. Event reports help us document impact, provide recognition, and inform future programming. Please submit within 2 weeks of your event where possible.
Deadline for Spring 2026 Events: August 14, 2026
Event Report Worksheet - Coming Soon!
Submit Your Annual Report
We are now accepting submissions for your annual report for review. This report helps the Fulbright Association track chapter activities, engagement, governance, and advocacy, and is required to receive the bi-annual chapter membership rebate.
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Annual Report Webinar
This webinar walks through the reporting process, answers questions, and provides guidance on completing the Annual Report.
Annual Report Worksheet
This document is designed to help your board collaborate as if different members of your leadership team need to work on their respective sections.
This worksheet does not need to be submitted and does not have to be completed in its entirety. Use it as a working document to gather information, draft responses, and collaborate across your team.
All chapters are required to file the IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) each year by May 15.
The filing is free, takes about 10 minutes, and is completed online. You’ll just need your EIN, basic chapter information, and confirmation of your annual revenue.
Important: Missing this filing for 3 consecutive years results in automatic loss of your chapter’s tax-exempt status.
After filing, please send screenshot or copy of your submission confirmation to chapters@fulbright.org.
If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out!
Communication & Branding
“How do we best present ourselves?”
Your chapter’s digital presence and communications are essential for connecting with members, promoting events, and maintaining a consistent Fulbright identity. Use the resources below to access branding guidance, social media tools, website tutorials, Fulbrighter App instructions, and other communications resources to support your chapter’s success.
Branding Guide
Complete guide to the Fulbright Association brand, including logo usage, color palette, typography, and visual style guidelines. Ensures all chapter materials reflect the official brand.
Montserrat Font
The official font for chapter materials. Download and install for use in presentations, documents, and graphics.
Chapter Logo Pack
High-resolution logos for use on event materials, social media, newsletters, and chapter communications.
Social Media Toolkit
Templates and tips for creating posts, graphics, and campaigns that reflect the Fulbright brand and maximize engagement.
Coming soon!
Social Media Best Practices
Recommendations for post frequency, hashtags, and member engagement strategies.
Coming soon!
Chapter Website Guide
Step-by-step instructions for managing your chapter website, updating content, and adding events.
New guide coming soon!
Website Administrator Tips
Practical tips for maintaining your site, troubleshooting common issues, and keeping content up to date.
New guide coming soon!
Fulbrighter App Admin Tutorial
Detailed instructions for managing chapter members, posting events, and navigating the admin side of the Fulbrighter App.
Tips for Maximizing App Engagement
Recommendations for promoting events and keeping your chapter active on the app.
Coming soon!
Email & Newsletter Templates
Ready-to-use templates for chapter announcements, newsletters, and event promotions.
Coming soon!
Promotional Toolkit
Templates and guidance for flyers, emails, and other promotional materials.
Coming soon!
Chapter Management
“How are we structured?”
Strong governance ensures that your chapter operates smoothly, complies with the Fulbright Association’s standards, and provides a clear framework for leadership transitions. This section includes election guidance, bylaws, templates, and checklists to help you manage elections, officer roles, and chapter compliance with confidence.
2026 Elections Timeline
This document outlines the official procedure and timeline for conducting chapter board elections in May 2026 and onboarding newly elected leaders.
Elections Webinar
In this webinar, we walk through the 2026 elections process for chapters and interest groups. We explain the timeline from March through June, including election forecasting, nominations, voting, and leadership transitions.
Elections Forecast Form
Please review the list of board members whose leadership terms expire in 2026 (see the March 2 email). Indicate which individuals are running for reelection, which are not, and identify any additional open positions to be included in your May elections.
Important: This form should be completed once per chapter and must include all election-related information for your chapter.
Individual board members should not submit this form separately. The Chapter President or another designated chapter leader should coordinate internally and submit one consolidated response on behalf of the chapter.
Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026.
Chapter Bylaws
The official bylaws approved in 2021. These provide the rules for chapter operations, officer responsibilities, membership procedures, and decision-making processes. Familiarize yourself with these to ensure your chapter remains in good standing.
Officer Roles & Responsibilities
Clear descriptions of each officer role, including expectations, time commitments, and suggested best practices.
Chapter Transition Checklist
Use this template to ensure smooth hand-offs between outgoing and incoming officers, including key documents, passwords, contacts, and ongoing projects.
The resources below are designed to help chapters stay organized, run effective meetings, and reduce the time required for reporting.
While chapters are welcome to use their own systems, these templates reflect best practices gathered from high-performing chapters and are intended to simplify routine administrative work.
Board Meeting Agenda & Notes Template
Organization and Record-keeping Guidance
This document outlines a simple approach to staying organized throughout the year by consistently tracking chapter activities, decisions, and materials.
While Annual Report questions may change, the core information remains the same. Following these guidelines will help your chapter stay on track and make leadership transitions and requirements like the Annual Report a simple process.
Chapter Activity Capture Worksheet
Use this short form after each board meeting to record key information (such as events, advocacy, and partnerships) that may not be easily extracted from meeting notes but is needed for annual reporting.
Event & Programming Planning
“How do we plan this?”
Effective event planning is key to engaging your chapter and community. This section provides resources, guides, and worksheets to help you plan successful events, from brainstorming and logistics to promotion and execution.
Event Planning Tips & Best Practices
A one-page guide with actionable tips and examples from past successful chapter events.
Coming soon!
Event and Programming Ideas
A curated list of creative event formats, themes, and programming ideas from successful Fulbright chapters. Use this resource to inspire your own events and engage your community.
Coming soon!
Event Planning Guide
Comprehensive guide covering all stages of event planning — from brainstorming ideas and securing venues to creating schedules and managing logistics.
Coming soon!
Event Planning Worksheet
A structured template to outline your event goals, budget, audience, and logistics before finalizing plans. Helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
Coming soon!
Promotional Toolkit
Includes templates and tips for social media, emails, flyers, and other marketing materials to maximize event attendance and engagement.
Coming soon!
Budget Template
Worksheet for tracking projected and actual event costs, including sponsorships, fees, and in-kind contributions.
Coming soon!
Venue and Vendor Checklist
A detailed checklist for booking locations, catering, A/V needs, and other vendor considerations.
Coming soon!
Volunteer Coordination Worksheet
Pre-formatted template to plan your event timeline, speaker sessions, breaks, and other logistics.
Coming soon!
Local Advocacy
“How do I advocate for the Fulbright Program in my local community?”
The Fulbright Association’s advocacy efforts are built on one simple principle: local voices matter. Members of Congress are most influenced by the constituents they represent, making our chapters one of the most important parts of our national advocacy strategy.
Whether you’re new to advocacy or have years of experience meeting with elected officials, the resources below will help your chapter plan, organize, and conduct effective advocacy throughout the year.
Advocacy Training Webinar
This training is designed to help Fulbright chapters and members confidently engage in local advocacy efforts that support the program and elevate alumni voices in their communities. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to strengthen your approach, this session will walk through what local advocacy looks like in practice, how to communicate effectively with congressional offices, and how to use the Local Advocacy Toolkit alongside your chapter’s specific assignments.
Local Advocacy Toolkit
Everything your chapter needs to plan and conduct effective advocacy is available in the Fulbright Association Advocacy Toolkit. The toolkit brings together all of our templates, guides, talking points, training materials, and leave-behind resources in one place so your chapter can confidently prepare for every stage of the advocacy process.
Tip: Bookmark the toolkit and refer to it throughout the year, as resources are updated regularly to reflect current priorities.
Step 1: Identify Your Targets
Before reaching out, determine which Members of Congress your chapter has been assigned to engage.
Chapter-by-Chapter Assignment Lists
View your chapter’s assigned congressional offices and priority Members. These assignments help ensure chapters coordinate rather than duplicate outreach efforts.
Step 2: Build Your Outreach Plan
Now it’s time to begin making contact.
Outreach Scripts & Templates
Ready-to-use emails, phone scripts, and meeting request templates for contacting congressional offices.
Guide to Key Congressional Offices
This guide explains the key committees that oversee international exchange, education, foreign affairs, appropriations, and related issues, why they matter to the Fulbright Program, and how to tailor your message when meeting with Members who serve on them.
Step 3: Prepare for Your Meeting
How to Hold Effective In-District Meetings
Step-by-step guidance covering:
- Preparing your delegation
- Assigning speaking roles
- Conducting productive meetings
- Following up afterward
- Building long-term relationships with congressional offices
Talking Points & Fact Sheet
Key messages, current funding information, and concise facts about the Fulbright Program and international exchange.
Tough Questions Guide
Suggested responses to common questions or concerns that may arise during congressional meetings.
Step 4: Leave a Lasting Impression
Provide congressional offices with professional materials they can reference after your meeting.
Congressional Leave-Behind Folder
Includes:
- State-by-state impact data
- Fulbright stories from your state (where available)
- Fulbright Program FAQs
- Fulbright alumni contributions across key sectors
- Our current federal funding request
- About the Fulbright Association
Step 5: Report Your Advocacy Activities
Your advocacy efforts help shape our national strategy, but only if we know about them. After contacting a congressional office or completing an advocacy meeting, please report your activity so we can track engagement, coordinate follow-up, and measure the collective impact of our chapter network.
Reporting also helps us:
- Identify opportunities for national staff to provide additional support or follow-up
- Avoid duplicate outreach to congressional offices
- Track relationships with Members of Congress and their staff
- Measure the impact of our advocacy efforts across the country
- Share successes with our community and partners
Starting a Chapter
“Where do I start?”
Thinking about launching a new Fulbright chapter or interest group? Use these resources to learn what’s required, explore a step-by-step startup process, and submit your interest. We’ll guide you from idea to official recognition.
Submit Your Interest
Start the process by letting us know you’re interested in forming a new chapter. This form captures your basic details and proposed leadership team.
New Chapter Checklist
A concise checklist of key tasks from initial idea to official recognition. Includes suggested timelines, milestones, and tips to ensure a smooth launch.
Governance Basics for New Groups
An introduction to bylaws, board roles, and governance expectations for newly forming chapters and interest groups.
New guide coming soon!
Requirements & Eligibility
To start a new Fulbright chapter or interest group, you must meet the following criteria:
- Leadership Team: Identify at least 4 dedicated founding members who will serve as the initial leadership team.
- Geographic or Thematic Scope: Chapters must be tied to a specific location.
- Alignment with Fulbright Mission: All activities should support the Fulbright Association’s goals of promoting international education, alumni engagement, and cultural diplomacy.
- Governance Readiness: Founding members should be prepared to follow chapter bylaws and participate in leadership training as needed.
- Communication & Engagement: Ability to maintain regular communication with members and the Fulbright Association, including participation in national programs and reporting requirements.
Groups that meet these criteria will be eligible to submit anapplication form and begin the official startup process.
Support
“How can I get help?”
You’re not on your own. The Fulbright Association offers ongoing training, live support, and direct assistance to help chapter leaders navigate planning, governance, communications, and reporting throughout the year.
Chapter Training Library
Suggest a Resource or Training Topic
Help us improve this resource bank by suggesting additional tools, templates, or training topics that would support your chapter’s work.
If you have multiple ideas, we welcome them — just submit a separate response for each suggestion.
Contact the Chapters Team
Have a question or need guidance? Reach out to the chapters team for general support, troubleshooting, or direction to the right resource.
Chapter Leader Office Hours
Monthly live sessions hosted by the national office to walk through common chapter topics, answer questions, and provide updates. Open to all chapter and interest group leaders.
Book a One-on-One Meeting
Schedule a one-on-one meeting for individualized support on chapter planning, governance, communications, or navigating Fulbright Association processes.
Zoom Requests
Need a virtual meeting space for your chapter? We can provide Zoom meeting and webinar hosting for official chapter activities.
Once your request has been reviewed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your meeting information and any additional instructions needed to host your event.