FY 2025 U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program

The FY 2025 U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program is a cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), specifically under the Office of Alumni Affairs (ECA/P/A). This grant supports U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs by expanding professional development opportunities and promoting their continued engagement with the U.S. Department of State. The program's core initiatives include the implementation of career development seminars, a small grants competition, and a regional fellowship ambassador program. The purpose of this initiative is to deepen ECA's ties with exchange alumni by providing access to skill-building resources, networking platforms, and grant funding opportunities. Through these mechanisms, the program aims to strengthen the alumni network across the U.S., reinforce participants' connection to their communities and to the Department of State, and amplify the impact of their international exchange experiences. The program aligns with U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives, with themes potentially touching on illegal migration, drug prevention, constitutional values, and English language promotion. Applicants must be U.S.-based non-profit organizations or educational institutions with at least four years of experience in conducting international exchange programs to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000. Only one proposal per applicant will be considered. Applications must include a full proposal narrative, budget forms (SF-424 and SF-424A), a detailed line-item budget, and a budget narrative. Registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) are required for application submission through Grants.gov. The total anticipated award amount is approximately $1,300,000 for a single grantee over an 18-month period. Of this, at least $400,000 must be allocated to the small grants competition, at least $75,000 to in-person seminar production costs, and at least $80,000 to the regional fellowship program. Applicants are encouraged to include virtual programming components and cost-sharing, although these are not required. The program is designed to be renewed for two additional fiscal years based on performance and funding availability. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and must be submitted via Grants.gov. Questions may be directed to Nolen Johnson at johnsonnp1@state.gov or by phone at 202-765-5502. Program activities are expected to begin around January 1, 2026, with the agreement start date anticipated as September 1, 2025, and must conclude by March 31, 2027. Evaluation criteria include the quality and clarity of the proposal, institutional capacity, planning, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and cost-effectiveness. Proposals will undergo a multi-level review process, including assessment by ECA panels and relevant State Department offices.