The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) has launched the FLAD Reengagement Program 2027, a competitive grant initiative designed for U.S. students and young professionals who previously studied or worked in Portugal. The program provides funding between €3,000 and €5,000 to support projects that strengthen academic, cultural, and institutional ties between Portugal and the United States.

As academic mobility between the two countries continues to grow, this program offers a strategic opportunity for alumni to return to Portugal and implement meaningful, high-impact initiatives.

Program Overview

• Host Country: Portugal

• Funding Type: Partial funding (one-time grant)

• Grant Amount: €3,000–€5,000

• Degree Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s

• Eligible Applicants: U.S. citizens

• Application Deadline: Rolling basis

• Published on: 03 March 2026

The FLAD Reengagement Program supports innovative projects that promote Portugal–U.S. collaboration across academic, social, cultural, and economic sectors.

Program Objectives

The FLAD Reengagement Program aims to:

• Reconnect U.S. citizens with Portugal after previous academic or professional experience

• Support impactful projects in social, academic, and cultural fields

• Strengthen bilateral relations between Portugal and the United States

• Encourage engagement through the Study in Portugal Network (SiPN)

Selected participants may also organize workshops, mentorship sessions, and cultural exchange activities to engage current students in Portugal.

Eligible Projects

FLAD welcomes proposals that demonstrate clear alignment with the program’s mission. Eligible projects include:

• Academic research or thesis fieldwork conducted in Portugal

• Social innovation initiatives

• Service-learning projects with nonprofit organizations

• Internships, professional residencies, or training programs

• Cultural, artistic, or community engagement initiatives

• Projects connecting Portuguese-American communities

• Other innovative proposals that strengthen Portugal–U.S. relations

Projects must demonstrate feasibility, measurable impact, and relevance to bilateral cooperation.

Financial Benefits

Selected applicants will receive a one-time grant ranging from €3,000 to €5,000, depending on project scope and budget.

Key Funding Conditions

• Minimum stay of 30 days in Portugal

• The grant is an incentive, not a salary

• Funding can be combined with other financial sources

This flexible funding structure allows participants to leverage additional scholarships, institutional support, or personal resources.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be 35 years old or younger

• Have previously studied, researched, worked, or volunteered in Portugal

• Submit a clear, feasible, and impactful project proposal

• Demonstrate leadership and community involvement

• Obtain a letter of affiliation from a Portuguese host institution

Knowledge of Portuguese is not mandatory but may strengthen the application.

Application Process

The FLAD Reengagement Program operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning applications are accepted throughout the year.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Detailed project proposal (maximum 5 pages)

• Letter of affiliation from the Portuguese host institution

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Letter of motivation

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Relevance and creativity of the project

• Feasibility and implementation plan

• Potential impact on Portugal–U.S. relations

• Academic or professional merit

Decisions are typically communicated within 15 working days of submission.

Why Apply for the FLAD Reengagement Program?

The FLAD Reengagement Program 2027 offers more than financial assistance. It provides a structured pathway for young leaders to deepen transatlantic collaboration, contribute to Portuguese society, and expand their professional impact.

For U.S. alumni with prior experience in Portugal, this grant represents a strategic opportunity to:

• Rebuild academic and professional networks

• Implement meaningful community-based initiatives

• Strengthen bilateral cooperation

• Enhance international career development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding does the FLAD Reengagement Program provide?

Selected applicants receive a one-time grant between €3,000 and €5,000.

2. Is there a fixed deadline for applications?

No. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

3. Who is eligible to apply?

Only U.S. citizens aged 35 or younger who previously studied or worked in Portugal are eligible.

4. Is Portuguese language proficiency required?

Portuguese is not mandatory but may be considered an advantage.

5. Can the grant be combined with other funding sources?

Yes. Applicants may combine the FLAD grant with other financial support.

This grant program provides a valuable opportunity for U.S. students and young professionals seeking to return to Portugal and create lasting academic, cultural, or social impact.