U.S. Department of State IVLP Impact Awards
Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Awards Initiative (IIA). IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. IIA aims to engage alumni, strengthen global networks, and support lasting community impact.
About the IVLP Impact Awards
The U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center are pleased to announce that the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative is accepting applications for community impact projects from alumni who participated in an IVLP project with an opening date between January 1st, 2022 and February 28th, 2023.
IIA Projects could address a range of topics in the IVLP alumni's countries and communities, including but not limited to: advancing climate solutions; arts and culture; countering disinformation; countering violent extremism; cybersecurity; democratic governance; diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion; education; employment training; entrepreneurship; health; human rights and social issues; immigration; interfaith dialogue; library and informational management; media and journalism; peace and reconciliation; refugee and migrant support; science and technology; social media; sports and recreation; combating trafficking; volunteerism; women’s issues; youth development and leadership; and others.
Candidates must submit proposals as individuals. This is a competitive process. The U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center will review, evaluate, and select projects that meet the below requirements and criteria. Project proposals may request funding of up to $5,000 U.S. Dollars (USD). Project completion deadline is January 26, 2024. Applications are now closed.
Applicant and Project Eligibility Requirements
- IVLP Alumni from in-person or virtual projects with a start date between January 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- All Impact Award project activities must be completed by January 26, 2024
- Applicant is able to legally receive the funding as an individual (not an organization)
- Applicant will be the sole program beneficiary and not a service provider nor sub-recipient of the grant
- Successful SAM/OFAC screening
- Project is developed in consultation with local U.S. Embassy/Consulate
- Project continues and shares knowledge and/or connections from IVLP experience
- Applicant is willing and able to comply with IVLP Impact Award grant and federal regulations
- Previous recipients of the IVLP Impact Awards can apply with a new or expanded project if they meet the above eligibility requirements
Selection Criteria
Projects will be evaluated based on:
- Community Impact
- Defined Goals and Measurable Outcomes
- Project and Components are Reasonable, Allowable, Cost-Effective, and Realistic.
- Budget is Reasonable, Cost-Effective, and Realistic
- All Expenses Are Allowable
- Continued and Shared Knowledge and/or Connections from IVLP Experience
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
If you would like to learn more or have any questions you can email us at IVLPImpactAwards@meridian.org
For interested individuals who participated in IVLP, please visit the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Alumni website (https://alumni.state.gov/) for information on other opportunities available to you as exchange alumni, including the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: February 8, 2023
- Application Due: April 2, 2023
- Project Completion Deadline: January 26, 2024
- Final Report Submission Deadline: February 23, 2024
Application Resources
Frequently Asked Questions Application Informational PowerPoint One-Pager Translated Materials
Our IVLP Impact Awardees in the World
Our 2022 IVLP Impact Awardees
Staff
About IVLP
Each year nearly 5,000 exchange participants come to the U.S. on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). More than 200,000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.
Launched in 1940, the IVLP helps strengthen U.S. engagement with countries around the world and cultivate lasting relationships by connecting current and emerging foreign leaders with their American counterparts through short-term visits to the United States. The majority of IVLP exchanges include visits to four U.S. communities over three weeks, although projects vary based on themes, Embassy requests and other factors. Participants meet with professional counterparts, visit U.S. public and private sector organizations related to the project theme and participate in cultural and social activities.
Learn more about IVLP at MeridianSponsor
Project summary
| U.S. Department of State IVLP Impact Awards | |
|---|---|
| Regions: | Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Near East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, Western Hemisphere |
| Program Areas: | Global Leadership |