# Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - International Visitor Leadership Program (19.402)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/19-402-professional-and-cultural-exchange-programs-international/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - International Visitor Leadership Program is run by Department of State. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $308 million in 27 grants, about $11.4 million per award.

## Objectives

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.. The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) brings influential foreign leaders in government, business, tech and innovation, academia, arts and culture, , and other critical fields to the United States for short-term visits to build strategic relationships, showcase American professional leadership, and advance U.S. national security priorities.
Staff at U.S. embassies worldwide nominate participants; there is no application process. Of the 700+ USG exchange alumni who have become heads of state or government, over 500 participated in the IVLP. To implement the IVLP, ECA works with a network of non-profit organizations, including approximately 70 community-based organizations across the country. Nearly 100 percent of funding for the IVLP remains in the United States, particularly benefitting local travel and hospitality industries in cities and towns across the country.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $90.4 million | 11 |
| 2022 | $67.6 million | 12 |
| 2023 | $45.4 million | 12 |
| 2024 | $43.6 million | 11 |
| 2025 | $60.7 million | 11 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Meridian International Center | District of Columbia | $104 million |
| Global Ties U.S. | District of Columbia | $55.0 million |
| World Learning Inc. | Vermont | $41.2 million |
| Institute of International Education Inc | New York | $27.0 million |
| MS Consortion for International Development | Mississippi | $22.3 million |
| American Councils for International Education: Actr/Accels, Inc. | District of Columbia | $17.9 million |
| Family Health International | North Carolina | $15.0 million |
| Cultural Vistas, Inc. | District of Columbia | $14.2 million |
| U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation | Virginia | $10.3 million |
| Travelers Aid International Inc | District of Columbia | $1.7 million |
| Comision Intercambio Educ Entre Peru Eua |  | $14,080 |