Professional Exchanges_Annual Open Grant
The Department of State strives to create a more secure, democratic and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community.
Relevant Nonprofit Program Categories
Program Accomplishments
Not available at this time.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The Office of Citizen Exchanges develops international exchange grant projects with nonprofit American institutions including voluntary community organizations, professional associations, and universities.
The program involves thousands of American and foreign visitors who take part in exchanges at the grassroots level both in the U. S. and overseas.
Professional programs are based on competition, substantive rigor and cross-cultural sensitivity.
Primary objectives include development of institutional links which live beyond the duration of State Department funding support; creation of consortia, associations and information networks; transfer of useful information overseas; development of internships and extended learning programs; expansion of international awareness and programming among U. S. nonprofit institutions and the introduction of ideas which may contribute to the solution of long-term international problems among others.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
To public and private nonprofit organizations meeting the provisions described in IRS regulation 26CFR 1.501(c).
Beneficiary Eligibility
U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.
Credentials/Documentation
To public and private nonprofit organizations meeting the provisions described in IRS regulation 26CFR 1.501(c).
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Not applicable.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
This competition is advertised in the Federal Register annually. Interested applicants should read the complete Federal Register announcement before addressing inquiries to the Office of Citizen Exchanges.
Award Procedures
Following a thorough review and independent paneling of all technically eligible proposals, and based on recommendations by various State Department offices, funding decisions are made by the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Deadlines
Per announcement in Federal Register.
Authorization
Public Law 87-256, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Four months after closing date.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Extensions considered where appropriate.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
All proposals should maximize cost sharing through private sector support, as well as institutional direct funding contributions.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Varies.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Financial and program reports are required at the end of the grant period.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
As prescribed by grant terms.
Financial Information
Account Identification
19-0201-0-1-154.
Obigations
FY 07 $7,050,000; FY 08 est not available; FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Under $150,000, Organizations with less than 4 years' successful experience in managing international exchange programs are limited to grants of $60,000 or less.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Annual announcement published in the Federal Register.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of State, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, 301 4th Street, SW., Room 220, Washington, DC 20547. Telephone: (202) 619-5348. Fax: (202) 619-4350. NEW PHONE AND FAX NUMBERS: Telephone: (202) 453-8181. Fax: (202) 453-8168.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
To comply with goals and objectives outlined in Federal Register announcement and compatibility with office objectives stated previously.
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
The Social Innovators of 2014
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.
