FY 2026 International Visitor Leadership Program’s National Program Agencies
ID: 359957Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs (DOS-ECA)

Award Range

$613K - $1M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Other

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359957

Additional Information

https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State is inviting applications for the FY 2026 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), seeking up to four cooperative agreements to support National Program Agencies (NPAs). The program aims to facilitate customized short-term visits to the United States for approximately 4,000 international leaders annually, aligning with U.S. foreign policy interests and fostering professional exchanges across various sectors. Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions with significant experience in international exchanges, with funding amounts ranging from $613,448 to $1,155,332 for projects lasting up to 36 months. Interested parties must submit their applications by September 8, 2025, and can reach out to Patricia Johnson at JohnsonPA2@state.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    JohnsonPA2@state.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    FY26.pdf
    The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the FY 2026 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), seeking up to four cooperative agreements to fund National Program Agencies (NPAs). The program, aimed at fostering international leader exchanges, will support customized short-term visits to the U.S. for approximately 4,000 participants annually based on U.S. foreign policy interests. Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions with considerable experience in international exchanges. Applications are due by September 8, 2025. The awards, valued between $613,448 and $1,155,332, can span up to 36 months and may include non-competitive continuations. Successful projects must offer engaging exchanges that emphasize diverse viewpoints on themes like agriculture and cybersecurity, and establish ties between American and foreign leaders. Recipients will manage program logistics and engage with local communities while adhering to federal regulations and reporting requirements. The document emphasizes the importance of a well-planned proposal that demonstrates a clear understanding of the IVLP's goals and strong institutional capacity, backed by a detailed monitoring and evaluation strategy.
    Performance.bin
    The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) outlines standards for the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, which establishes key indicators and survey questions to assess the impact of ECA programs. Applicants are guided to fill out specific fields, select relevant MODE indicators, and potentially create custom objectives if necessary. The document provides a framework for assessing the effectiveness of cultural exchange programs by employing measurable performance indicators, each defined with guidelines for target setting, data sources, and required survey questions. Key components include demographic data collection and a focus on participant engagement with diverse cultures, understanding of democratic values, community impact, and skills development. The document emphasizes the importance of collecting accurate data post-program to evaluate participants’ experiences and outcomes, which include changes in opinions about the U.S. government and culture, as well as improvements in confidence and professional skills. Overall, the PMP serves as a critical tool for ensuring that applicants demonstrate an ability to systematically collect and report data, thereby enhancing program effectiveness in fostering international understanding and collaboration. This aligns with the government’s goal of leveraging federal grants to support transformative cultural exchange initiatives.
    Performance.pdf
    The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) outlines standards for the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, which establishes key indicators and survey questions to assess the impact of ECA programs. Applicants are guided to fill out specific fields, select relevant MODE indicators, and potentially create custom objectives if necessary. The document provides a framework for assessing the effectiveness of cultural exchange programs by employing measurable performance indicators, each defined with guidelines for target setting, data sources, and required survey questions. Key components include demographic data collection and a focus on participant engagement with diverse cultures, understanding of democratic values, community impact, and skills development. The document emphasizes the importance of collecting accurate data post-program to evaluate participants’ experiences and outcomes, which include changes in opinions about the U.S. government and culture, as well as improvements in confidence and professional skills. Overall, the PMP serves as a critical tool for ensuring that applicants demonstrate an ability to systematically collect and report data, thereby enhancing program effectiveness in fostering international understanding and collaboration. This aligns with the government’s goal of leveraging federal grants to support transformative cultural exchange initiatives.
    Similar Opportunities
    Annual Program Statement 2025
    U.S. Mission to South Africa
    The U.S. Mission to South Africa is inviting applications for its Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at supporting public diplomacy initiatives through funding for non-profit organizations. Eligible applicants, including NGOs and educational institutions, are encouraged to submit project ideas that align with U.S. strategic interests in South Africa, particularly in areas such as STEM education, democratic governance, and entrepreneurship. The total funding available for this program is $200,000, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, and applications will be accepted quarterly with deadlines on February 14, May 9, and July 11, 2025. Interested parties can reach out to the Public Diplomacy Grants Team at pretoriagrants@state.gov for further information and guidance on the application process.
    Venezuela Annual Program Statement
    U.S. Mission to Venezuela
    The U.S. Mission to Venezuela is forecasting a grant opportunity titled "Venezuela Annual Program Statement," aimed at strengthening cultural, educational, and media support programs that foster people-to-people ties between the United States and Venezuela. Eligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and governmental institutions, with a focus on proposals that promote democratic initiatives, economic empowerment, and cultural exchange, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The total funding available for this program is $500,000, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and proposals must be submitted by August 7, 2021, to the Venezuela Affairs Unit Public Affairs Section at VAUCultural@state.gov. Interested parties are encouraged to submit a concise Statement of Interest to initiate the application process.
    U.S. Embassy Luanda Public Diplomacy Section Request for a Full Proposal Application
    U.S. Mission to Angola
    The U.S. Mission to Angola is inviting proposals for funding through the U.S. Embassy Luanda Public Diplomacy Section, aimed at strengthening ties between the United States, Angola, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The program seeks to support initiatives that promote cultural exchange, education, and mutual understanding, with a focus on activities that highlight shared values and U.S. policy perspectives. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 and a total funding pool of $140,000 available for approximately five awards. Interested parties should submit their proposals by May 30, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Vanda M Lobato at LuandaPDGrants@state.gov or by phone at 222-641-000.
    Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program
    U.S. Mission to the European Union
    The U.S. Mission to the European Union is forecasting a funding opportunity through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program, aimed at fostering transatlantic cooperation and understanding between the U.S. and the EU. Eligible applicants include legally recognized non-profit organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions that comply with U.S. and EU requirements, with proposals focusing on strengthening economic ties, enhancing energy security, and promoting shared values. The total estimated funding for this program is $200,000, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $70,000, and applications are due by July 1, 2020. Interested parties can direct inquiries to useupa@state.gov for further information.
    U.S. Embassy The Hague PD Annual Program Statement
    U.S. Mission to the Netherlands
    The U.S. Mission to the Netherlands is inviting proposals for its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program, aimed at strengthening ties between the United States and the Netherlands through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, individuals, and educational institutions, with a focus on projects that incorporate a U.S. component and target non-Americans, particularly youth and underserved communities. The program has a total funding pool of approximately $150,000 for fiscal year 2025, with individual grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000, and applications are due by November 15, 2024. For further details, applicants can contact Serhan Ayed or Gregory Mabry at GrantsTheHague@state.gov or call +31-07031024421.
    Venezuela Annual Program Statement
    U.S. Mission to Venezuela
    The U.S. Mission to Venezuela is forecasting a grant opportunity titled "Venezuela Annual Program Statement," aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties between the United States and Venezuela through various cultural, educational, technological, and media support programs. Eligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and governmental institutions, while for-profit entities are excluded from participation. The program seeks to promote democratic initiatives and economic empowerment in Venezuela, with a total funding amount of $500,000 available for approximately 10 awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 each. Interested parties must submit a Statement of Interest by August 5, 2022, to VAUgrants@fan.gov for consideration.
    Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative - Mekong Leadership Program
    USAID-VIETNAM
    The United States Agency for International Development in Vietnam (USAID/Vietnam) is inviting applications for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative - Mekong Leadership Program (YSEALI-MLP), aimed at expanding leadership opportunities in the Mekong sub-region. This cooperative agreement seeks qualified entities to implement the program, which draws on successful models from the Young African Leaders Initiative, with a focus on enhancing educational and leadership development. Eligible applicants include non-profit and for-profit organizations, excluding public international and governmental entities, with a funding ceiling of $5,514,000 and a deadline for applications set for June 20, 2022, at 09:00 am Hanoi Time. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Huyen T Dang at hdang@usaid.gov or by phone at 00842439352240.
    Veterans Legacy Grants Program
    Veterans Legacy Grants Program
    The Veterans Legacy Grants Program, administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is offering grants to eligible private institutions of higher education for conducting cemetery research and creating educational materials related to Veterans interred in national, State, or Tribal cemeteries. The program aims to enhance public understanding of Veterans' histories and promote community engagement through educational tools, with grants ranging from $50,000 to a maximum of $400,000 per awardee. A total of $2.2 million is available for this initiative, with an expected ten awards to be made in fiscal year 2026. Interested applicants can reach out to John Williams, Sr. Grants Management Specialist, at vlgp@va.gov or by phone at 314-348-4073, with applications due by April 17, 2026, and project start dates anticipated for September 1, 2026.
    APS 2022 PDS Italy
    U.S. Mission to Italy
    The U.S. Mission to Italy is forecasting a funding opportunity under the 2022 Annual Program Statement (APS) aimed at supporting cultural and exchange programs that enhance the relationship between the United States and Italy. Eligible applicants include registered U.S. and Italian not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and governmental institutions, with a focus on proposals that incorporate significant American cultural elements and promote understanding of U.S. foreign policy. This initiative is part of the Public Diplomacy Grants Program, which emphasizes priorities such as economic recovery, climate action, democracy, shared values, security, and human rights. Interested parties should note that the funding amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a proposal submission deadline of March 31, 2022. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Alberto Benvenuti at RomePAgrants@state.gov or by phone at 00393420158732.
    Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2024
    U.S. Mission to Latvia
    The U.S. Mission to Latvia is announcing the 2024 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2024), inviting past participants of U.S. government-funded exchange programs to submit project proposals aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Latvia partnership. Proposals must be submitted by teams of at least two alumni and should focus on enhancing civil society, media literacy, countering disinformation, and promoting democratic values, with all activities taking place outside the United States. The funding amounts range from $5,000 to $35,000, with applications due by February 1, 2024, and projects expected to be completed by May 31, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Sintija Jurgelane at jurgelanes@state.gov.