other · DOS-ECA

FY 2027 International Visitor Leadership Program’s National Program Agencies

Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs · DFOP0018829

Closed

Award Range

$1.2M – $8.9M

Total Program Funding

$16.2M

Expected Awards

Deadline

August 24, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

State Department's ECA office is funding 5 cooperative agreements ($1.2M-$8.9M each, $16.2M total) for organizations to serve as National Program Agencies (NPAs) for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). NPAs are the implementing backbone of America's oldest exchange program (since 1940) — they design and execute professional programs for international leaders visiting the U.S. Each NPA handles logistics, programming, and community connections for visiting dignitaries, government officials, and emerging leaders.

Who Should Apply

Large nonprofits or universities with extensive experience running international professional exchange programs, specifically IVLP or similar State Department programs. Must have nationwide networks of community hosts, policy experts, and professional contacts.

Who Should NOT Apply

Organizations without State Department exchange program experience, small local nonprofits, for-profit companies, or anyone without national-scale program logistics capacity.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Must be a nonprofit or educational institution
•Must have capacity to design and implement IVLP professional exchange programs
•Must maintain nationwide networks of host communities and experts
•Must manage complex logistics for international visitors
•Must support U.S. national security priorities through programming
•No cost-sharing required

💡 GrantQuick Tip

IVLP has been running since 1940 — there are well-established NPAs who have done this for decades. The 5 awards suggest they're maintaining the existing NPA structure rather than bringing in new organizations. If you're not already an IVLP NPA or a close partner of one, this is nearly impossible to break into. The realistic path: approach existing NPAs about subcontracting specific programmatic areas where you have unique expertise (tech sector connections, rural community access, etc.).

Competitiveness: Very high — 5 awards for a program with decades-old incumbent relationships. Effectively closed to new entrants.

What This Grant Funds

The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Office of International Visitors (ECA/PE/V) announces an open competition for approximately five cooperative agreements to support the staff expenses and overhead costs of the FY 2027 International Visitor Leadership Program’s (IVLP) National Program Agencies (NPAs). Launched in 1940, the IVLP is the Department of State’s foundational professional exchange program. The IVLP advances America First national security priorities and builds long-term relationships between Americans and international leaders in government, business, academia, and other fields. Recipients design and implement customized short-term visits to the United States for current and emerging leaders from around the world. These visits support U.S. foreign policy goals and reflect the participants’ professional interests. Eligible recipients will have expertise in foreign policy, experience in professional exchange programming, and the ability to provide tailored projects for participants from all countries.

Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.