Special International Exchange Grant Programs

Special International Exchange Grant Programs, including Fulbright University Vietnam
CFDA 19.451 Active Cooperative Agreement
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$5.8M FY2026
$5.8M
FY24
$5.8M
FY25
$5.8M
FY26*
* estimated

Who has received this funding

Organizations awarded under CFDA 19.451 (USAspending.gov).

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 Ambassador Fund for Summer Work Travel Scholarship Program: $465K grant – implementation began in FY23 and ongoing.

BridgeUSA Physician Well-Being Initiative: $10K grant which facilitated a well-being seminar to the 20 physicians who attended in person based on the survey feedback, and that all attendees were engaged and benefited from the peer-to-peer interactions the seminar afforded. Virtual Well-being Module: Successfully recorded all of the seminars as planned and will make them available virtually to all 14,000 J-1 physicians on program via the module.

Program Objective

To provide special grants for international exchanges and other activities that support and address current and emerging issues of mutual interest to the United States and other countries, consistent with the program criteria established in the Department’s annual appropriation. 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. 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.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Not-for-Profit 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 project 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. OMB Guidance 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E Cost Principles applies to this program.

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/validated by an authorized Grants Officer, and sent via the U.S. Department of State's MyGrants (formerly SAMS Domestic) to the recipient’s responsible officer identified in the application.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 60 to 90 days
Program details & compliance

Description

The Special International Exchange Grant Programs may include Academic and Professional, Cultural, and Youth exchange activities, as well as international alumni programs. The activities 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 other countries. This program provides selected individuals with opportunities to participate in exchanges and other activities that develop international competencies and skills, which allow them to serve as leaders in their professions and communities. Funding is provided to eligible non-profit organizations, colleges and universities to support their work in designing and administering exchange programs as well as coordinating program logistics. Program models, themes and world regions may vary from year to year. Please refer to the Grants.gov or the U.S. Department of State’s MyGrants (formerly SAMS Domestic) announcements for further information.

Mission Categories

Primary: Higher Education

Other categories:
Economic Development

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 organizations 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. OMB Guidance 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E Cost Principles applies to this program.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

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

Contacts

Tim Marshall — Senior Program Officer
2027164804
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Academic Exchanges, East Asia and Pacific Branch, 2200 C Street, NW, SA-05, 4-L11, Washington, District of Columbia 20037, Washington, District of Columbia 20037, Washington, DC 20037
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-03-02. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-28 07:25:54.