International Exchange Alumni Programs

As authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) designs and implements educational, professional, and cultural exchange and other programs that create and sustain the mutual understanding with other countries necessary to advancing United States foreign policy goals. ECA programs cultivate people-to-people ties among current and future global leaders that build enduring networks and personal relationships and promote U.S. national security and values. ECA programs foster engagement and encourage open 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, increasing the number of foreign individuals who have first-hand experience with Americans and with the values of freedom, representative government, rule of law, and economic choice, while building international knowledge and capacity among Americans. The purpose of International Exchange Alumni Programs is to advance U.S. foreign policy by building and maintaining relationships with current and future leaders, including Americans, who have participated in international exchanges. Alumni engagement is an integral component of the U.S. Department of State’s public diplomacy that generates maximum return on the U.S. government’s investment in exchange programs. Alumni programs aim to unite alumni communities around the globe and foster post-exchange opportunities through follow-on activities, virtual engagement, funding opportunities and resources, and regional programs.

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.

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.