Program Descriptions
Program Number
19.402
Title
International Visitors Program
Federal Agency
BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Authorization
Public Law 87-256, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2451, et seq.
Status
Active
Objectives
To improve and strengthen the international relations of the United States by promoting mutual understanding among the peoples of the world through professional and educational exchanges.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funding for nonprofit organizations to support their work in planning, organizing and directing programs of travel, observation, consultation, study and practical experience for foreign visitors from countries throughout the world selected and assigned by the Department. Programs are intended to bring U.S. embassy selected international visitors into contact with influential Americans and representative organizations and institutions across the United States, with the intention of increasing communication and mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Recipients are responsible for insuring that programs are balanced, nonpolitical, non-partisan, and representative of the diversity of American political, social, and cultural life. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs seeks balance and diversity in terms of itinerary, geography and community-size; the range of opinions to which visitors are exposed; the professional backgrounds of those commenting on the issues; the ethnic, socio-economic and age diversity of the American people; and other factors which may be of particular relevance to the particular subject or particular visitor(s) for whom programming is being arranged.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration, organizations must: (1) Be incorporated in the U.S.; (2) have not-for- profit status as determined by the IRS; and (3) a proven record of at least 4 years of successful work in international educational and cultural exchange, including responsible fiscal management.
Beneficiary Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration, organizations must: 1) Be incorporated in the U.S.; 2) have not-for- profit status as determined by the IRS; and 3) a proven record of at least 4 years of successful work in international educational and cultural exchange, including responsible fiscal management.
Credentials/Documentation
To be eligible for consideration, organizations must: (1) Be incorporated in the U.S.; (2) have not-for- profit status as determined by the IRS; and (3) a proven record of at least 4 years of successful work in international educational and cultural exchange, including responsible fiscal management.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Announcements are made in the Federal Register for organizations meeting eligibility requirements. Announcements are made throughout the fiscal year and are posted to Department of State's website: http://e.usia.gov/education
Award Procedure
Final selection of grantees is made by the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs on recommendation of an Advisory Committee made up of senior Department staff experienced in international exchanges.
Deadlines
As set out in Federal Register announcements.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 6 weeks to 2 months from deadline.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Cost sharing-requirements set out Federal Register announcement.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
As set out in Federal Register announcements.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Financial and Program Reports are required.
Audits
Audits will be made on an organization-wide basis (rather than grant-by-grant) under GAO guidelines, Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities and Functions.
Records
None.
Financial Information
Account Identification
19-0201-0-1-154.
Obligations
FY 07 $11,360,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$137,000 to $4,690,000. Average: $1420,000.
Program Accomplishments
None.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Federal Register Announcements; requests for proposals listed on website: http://www.exchanges.state.gov/education
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of International Visitors, Community Relations Branch, Room 255, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Contact: Nan P. Bell or William Wellman. Telephone: (202) 452-8624. Email: bellnpj@state.gov or wellmanwm@state.gov.
Web Site Address
http://www.exchanges.state.gov.education
Related Programs
None.
Examples of Funded Projects
Vary.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Quality of program idea; Program planning; Ability to achieve project objectives; Multiplier effect/impact; Support of diversity; International capacity; Institution's record/ability; Cost-effectiveness; and Cost-Sharing.
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