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.
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
Selection Criteria
Projects will be evaluated based on:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions Application Informational PowerPoint One-Pager Translated Materials
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 MeridianU.S. Department of State IVLP Impact Awards | |
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Regions: | Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Near East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, Western Hemisphere |
Program Areas: | Global Leadership |