The Office of Sports Diplomacy of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the Sports Visitor Program.
Donor Name: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/26/2026
Size of the Grant: More than $1 million
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
This international exchange program uses sports to advance the Administration’s foreign policy priorities, promote American leadership, and support the U.S. sports economy. The Sports Visitor Program includes countries from all six regions of the world, as determined in consultation with the Department’s regional bureaus. The program is authorized under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act), which aims to increase mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the people of the United States and other nations.
Sports Diplomacy programs harness the global passion for sports to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities, promote American leadership, and foster investment in the U.S. sports economy. The Sports Visitor Program leverages international sports exchanges to reinforce U.S. leadership, innovation, and excellence on the world stage. Through thematic sports-based exchanges, Sports Visitor programs provide American and international youth (ages 15-23) and adult coaches/chaperones the opportunity to develop leadership skills, build lasting bilateral relationships, and examine the positive impact of U.S. legislation on sports and society.
Key program components include:
- Organizing thematic exchanges to meet program goals;
- Integrating with existing youth sports camps and/or creating customized camps to maximize interaction between American and international participants;
- Balancing on-the-field sports training with off-the-field workshops, community service, and cultural activities;
- Launching special initiatives to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and major sporting events hosted in the United States; and
- Providing comprehensive orientations, strong media and communication strategies, and ongoing alumni engagement and follow-on activities.
Goals
The Sports Visitor Program is designed to achieve the following goals:
- Advance U.S. foreign policy goals;
- Showcase U.S. sporting excellence and innovation;
- Prepare youth leaders to become role models and contributing members of their communities;
- Facilitate meaningful and consistent sports experiences between American and international youth; and
- Foster investment in the U.S. sports economy.
Objectives
The objectives of the Sports Visitor Program are for participants to:
- Increase and deepen understanding of U.S. society, culture, and history to dispel stereotypes;
- Recognize the role of sports in promoting fair play and open competition;
- Associate the United States’ landmark legislation (e.g., Title IX, Americans with Disabilities Act) with excellence, opportunity, and innovation in sports;
- Develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, confidence, and conflict resolution skills; and
- Build lasting relationships with American and international peers.
Funding Information
- Total Available Funding: Approximately $4,000,000
- $4,000,000, pending availability of funds
Grant Period
12 to 18 months.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- U.S. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non governmental organizations
- U.S. Not-for-profit public and private educational institutions.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
