FY 2026 International Visitor Leadership Program’s National Program Agencies

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.

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.

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.