Special International Exchange Grant Programs (19.451)
Special International Exchange Grant Programs (Assistance Listing 19.451) is run by the Department of State. It awarded $21.6 million in 13 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $1.7 million per award on average. No funding opportunity is open on Grants.gov right now.
The typical award was $500,000. Half of the 13 awards fell between $359,926 and $3.9 million, and they ranged from $10,000 to $4.4 million.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$21.6 million
- Grant awards13
- Typical award$500,000
- Awarded in FY 2025$4.1 million
- Size rank1,286 of 1,823
- Type of assistanceCooperative agreements, project grants
Key findings
- Annual funding fell from $5.4 million in fiscal 2021 to $4.1 million in fiscal 2025.
- It is the 1286th largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- The 9 largest recipients received 101% of the money.
- Awards went to recipients in 8 states and territories.
What the program funds
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.
Open opportunities
No opportunity under this program is open or forecast on Grants.gov right now. Programs often post once a year, so the funding history below shows what to expect.
Rules from the program listing
Who can apply
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.
What the money can and cannot pay for
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.
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Award range and average, in the agency's words
$10,000 to $4,400,000.
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Special International Exchange Grant Programs (19.451) awarded $21.6 million across 13 grant awards, an average of $1.7 million per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright University Vietnam USA, Inc. | Massachusetts | 5 | $18.9 million |
| Storycenter | California | 1 | $999,911 |
| Council on International Educational Exchange, Inc | Maine | 1 | $500,000 |
| American Councils for International Education: Actr/Accels, Inc. | District of Columbia | 1 | $500,000 |
| Greenheart International | Illinois | 1 | $465,000 |
| Texas International Education Consortium | Texas | 1 | $359,926 |
| World Press Institute | Minnesota | 1 | $100,000 |
| New England Foundation for the Arts, Incorporated | Massachusetts | 1 | $18,000 |
| Intealth | Pennsylvania | 1 | $10,000 |
Who usually wins
Almost all of the money went to nonprofits.
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonprofits | 13 | $21.8 million | 100% |
By state
1 state has a page for this program: those that received at least $1 million or 10 awards. It is Massachusetts.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 6 | $18.9 million |
| California | 1 | $999,911 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $500,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $500,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $465,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $359,926 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $100,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $10,000 |