Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - International Visitor Leadership Program

Objective

As authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange programs.. The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) brings influential foreign leaders in government, business, tech and innovation, academia, arts and culture, , and other critical fields to the United States for short-term visits to build strategic relationships, showcase American professional leadership, and advance U.S. national security priorities. Staff at U.S. embassies worldwide nominate participants; there is no application process. Of the 700+ USG exchange alumni who have become heads of state or government, over 500 participated in the IVLP. To implement the IVLP, ECA works with a network of non-profit organizations, including approximately 70 community-based organizations across the country. Nearly 100 percent of funding for the IVLP remains in the United States, particularly benefitting local travel and hospitality industries in cities and towns across the country.

Who Can Apply

• Nonprofit Organization

Pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended (Fulbright-Hays Act) the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State awards grants and cooperative agreements to educational and cultural public or private nonprofit foundations or institutions. Applications may be submitted by public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3). Organizations must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. Please refer to the Grants.gov or the U.S. Department of State's MyGrants (formerly SAMS Domestic) announcement for further eligibility criteria.

Who Benefits

• Private nonprofit institution/organization
• Public nonprofit institution/organization

Beneficiaries include recipient organizations, educational institutions, other non-government organizations (NGOs) that meet the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3), as well as sponsored participants, the American people and the people of participating countries who interact with the international participants.

Assistance Types

• Cooperative Agreement

Program Contact

mrozowskicm@state.gov
(202) 632-6162