Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs – Special Professional and Cultural Programs
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
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, including the exchange of scholars, researchers, professionals, students, and educators. ECA programs foster engagement and encourage dialogue with citizens around the world. Educational and cultural engagement is premised on the knowledge that mutual understanding, the development of future leaders, and the benefits of education programs influence societies and affect official decision-making almost everywhere in the world today. ECA programs inform, engage, and influence participants across strategic sectors of society – including youth, teachers, scholars, artists, technical experts, journalists, and other professionals – increasing the number of foreign individuals who have first-hand experience with Americans and with the values of freedom, representative government, rule of law, economic choice, and individual dignity, while building international knowledge among Americans. The purpose of the Special Professional and Cultural Programs is to carry out Congressionally-directed initiatives that support professional exchanges between the United States and select countries through grants to American non-profit, non-governmental institutions and organizations, including community organizations, professional associations, and universities.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- 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.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress, allocated and committed through internal Bureau procedures. Successful applicants will receive a Federal Assistance Award (FAA) from the Bureau’s Grants Office. The FAA and the original proposal with subsequent modifications (if applicable) shall be the only binding authorizing document between the recipient and the U.S. Government. The FAA will be signed by an authorized Grants Officer, and mailed to the recipient’s responsible officer identified in the application.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 60 to 90 days
Program details & compliance
Description
Funding is provided to eligible non-profit organizations, colleges and universities to support their work in designing and administering programs as well as coordinating program logistics. Funding to those organizations supports activities such as publicity and recruitment, screening of participant applications, communication with participants, domestic and international travel, payment of stipends and program benefits, and the provision of enrichment activities. Special Professional and Cultural Programs constitute exchange initiatives in which the U.S. Congress has particular interest. The programs are designed to promote U.S. interests in designated countries around the world by developing mutual understanding of key issues and promoting long-lasting ties between the United States and those countries. Programs are designed to promote good governance, civil society and civic responsibility, educational reform, conflict prevention and management, trade, leadership, heritage, and educational reform, as well as other topics through people-to-people exchanges. Please refer to Grants.gov or the U.S. Department of State’s MyGrants (formerly SAMS Domestic) for further information.
Mission Categories
Primary: Higher Education
Other categories:
Economic Development
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Funding is provided to eligible non-profit organizations, colleges and universities to support their work in designing and administering programs as well as coordinating program logistics. Funding to those organizations supports activities such as publicity and recruitment, screening of participant applications, communication with participants, domestic and international travel, payment of stipends and program benefits, and the provision of enrichment activities. Special Professional and Cultural Programs constitute exchange initiatives in which the U.S. Congress has particular interest. The programs are designed to promote U.S. interests in designated countries around the world by developing mutual understanding of key issues and promoting long-lasting ties between the United States and those countries. Programs are designed to promote good governance, civil society and civic responsibility, educational reform, conflict prevention and management, trade, leadership, cultural diversity and heritage, and educational reform, as well as other topics through people-to-people exchanges. Please refer to Grants.gov or the U.S. Department of State's MyGrants (formerly SAMS Domestic) for further information.
Required Documentation
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 Grants.gov or the U.S. Department of State's MyGrants (formerly SAMS Domestic) for further eligibility criteria. OMB Guidance 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E Cost Principles under Special Considerations for States, Local Governments, and Indian Tribes applies to this program.
Determined in NOFO.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements