FY 2026 International Visitor Leadership Program’s National Program Agencies

Background
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 up to four cooperative agreements to support the staff expenses and overhead costs of the FY 2026 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 aimed at advancing U.S. national security priorities and building long-term relationships between Americans and international leaders in various fields. Recipients will design and implement customized short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging leaders from around the world, supporting U.S. foreign policy goals.

Grant Details
The grant involves supporting staff expenses and overhead costs for the IVLP's NPAs. Award recipients will develop professionally substantive and highly customized projects that offer participants a well-balanced, well-paced, and comprehensive experience in the United States.

Projects are defined as short-term visits (2-21 days) for emerging leaders based on U.S. foreign policy goals, with themes including agriculture, border security, economic development, cybersecurity, and more. Each project must include meetings with subject matter experts, site visits, cultural experiences, and opportunities for informal interactions among participants. Award recipients are responsible for planning all aspects of these projects including logistics, itineraries, participant engagement, and evaluation.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society organizations) and public/private educational institutions with at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov and a valid registration in SAM.gov. Proposals must comply with all requirements stated in the NOFO.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is anticipated to be 36 months from January 1, 2026.

Grant Value
The total available funding is $7,361,376 with individual awards ranging from approximately $613,448 to $1,155,332.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will primarily take place in Washington D.C., with additional project activities occurring in various communities across the United States.