FY 2024 Professional Fellows Congress

Background
The Global Leaders Division in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Office of Citizen Exchanges invites proposal submissions for the FY 2024 Professional Fellows Congress program to conduct one Professional Fellows Congress (Congress) capstone event for the FY 2024 Professional Fellows Program (PFP). The PFP is a two-way global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, and build lasting and sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States to address shared challenges under the themes of Governance and Society, Economic Empowerment, and Civic Engagement.

Grant Details
The Congress is tentatively scheduled to take place in spring 2026 in Washington, DC. The event should promote active engagement among Fellows from participating PFP countries; highlight professional achievements; support planning around follow-on projects; provide opportunities for the Fellows to reflect on how their U.S. experiences can translate into actionable projects in their home communities and workplaces; and expose Fellows to speakers and workshops that further professional competencies.

The proposal should clearly outline goals and objectives, propose possible workshop themes and forums, and discuss how the program will support the exchange of ideas between participants and invited guests. The Congress should be designed to incorporate adult learning styles and have a strong focus on leadership, community development, and civic engagement.

Eligibility Requirements
U.S. public and private academic and cultural institutions, exchange-of-persons, and other not-for-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit applications for this competition. Applicants must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application.

Period of Performance
A Cooperative agreement(s) will be awarded for a period of 18 months (base year) with NCCs for two additional 12-month periods (NCC years one and two). Anticipated Project Completion Date: March 30, 2029.

Grant Value
$925,000-base year funding amount; FY 2025 – $925,000-NCC year-one funding amount; FY 2026 – $925,000-NCC year-two funding amount, pending successful performance and the availability of funds. Approximate Total Funding: $2,775,000.

Place of Performance
The FY 2024 Congress is tentatively scheduled to take place in spring 2026 in Washington, DC.