[Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State](https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/)

August 11, 2025 (Full proposal)

$1,400,000 total; one award; project period 12–36 months

Supports U.S. organizations to implement international sports exchange projects advancing U.S. foreign policy and youth leadership.

Only one proposal per organization will be considered; no cost sharing required.

--- ## Description The FY 2025 International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI) is a competitive grant program from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The initiative aims to support U.S. public and private non-profit organizations in managing international sports exchange projects. ISPI leverages the power of sport to advance U.S. foreign policy goals, promote cross-cultural understanding, and develop youth leadership and professional skills for coaches, sports administrators, and youth development professionals worldwide. Projects should focus on enhancing coaching and administrative skills, building connections with U.S. sports organizations, and enabling the creation of impactful sports-based initiatives in participants’ home countries. Themes and sports for each exchange are determined in consultation with U.S. embassies and consulates, and all programming is expected to promote major priorities such as America250, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The program anticipates supporting up to 14 exchanges over 12–36 months, engaging approximately 45 international and 95 American adult sports professionals from diverse regions. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: August 11, 2025, 11:59pm Eastern Time Only one proposal will be accepted per organization; if more than one is submitted, only the most recent will be reviewed. --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding available: $1,400,000 (pending availability of funds) - Number of awards: 1 - Award size: $1,400,000 (no range; single cooperative agreement) - Project period: 12 to 36 months - No cost sharing or matching required, but voluntary cost share is encouraged --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must be: - U.S. not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations (501(c)(3) status) - U.S. not-for-profit public and private educational institutions Additional requirements: - At least four years of experience conducting international exchanges for awards exceeding $130,000 - Active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - Only one application per organization will be considered See the [NOFO](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359956) for full eligibility details. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359956) by the deadline. - Required documents: - SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) - SF-424A (Budget Information) - Executive Summary - Proposal Narrative (including project design, management, evaluation, and follow-on activities) - Detailed line-item budget and budget narrative - Documentation of organizational capacity and experience - Resumes of key personnel (no more than two pages each) - All proposals must comply with requirements in the NOFO, Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI), and Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI). For full application instructions, refer to the [NOFO](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359956) and [ECA Grant Opportunities page](https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/). --- ## Additional Information - The recipient must manage and oversee all exchange activities, including recruiting participants, supporting subaward recipients, and ensuring program evaluation and reporting. - Performance monitoring using the ECA’s MODE Framework is required, with annual or more frequent reporting. - Subawards are permitted; the recipient must solicit and select subawardees in consultation with ECA after the award is issued. - All programming must be adaptable to virtual formats if required by external circumstances. - The award period may cover the America250 celebration in 2026; applicants are encouraged to consider relevant programming. - No funds may be used to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). --- ## External Links - [Full NOFO and Application Details on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359956) - [ECA Grant Opportunities Homepage](https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/) - [Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) Guidelines (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/POGI%20-FY25%20International%20Sports%20Programming%20Initiative.pdf) - [Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) Example (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Performance%20Monitoring%20Plan_MODE%202.3_02.03.2025.pdf) - [ECA MODE Framework Resources](https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Notes | |------------------|-----------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------| | Nicholas Hirsch | HirschNW@state.gov | 202-957-9237 | Sports Diplomacy Division, ECA | For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Center at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. ---

FY 2025 International Sports Programming Initiative

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