Deadline: 11-Aug-2025
The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Sports Diplomacy Division in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has announced an open competition for the International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI). U.S. public and private nonprofit organizations that meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) are invited to submit proposals for managing sports exchange projects that align with the Administration’s cultural and sporting priorities.
ISPI is a program designed to promote coaching and administrative skills, strengthen ties with U.S. sports organizations, and help youth development professionals build effective sports-based programs in their own countries. U.S. embassies and consulates will continue to select the specific theme and sport for each exchange to ensure alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals.
Each exchange will also support broader initiatives such as America250, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) will consider only one proposal per applicant organization.
Sports diplomacy fosters cross-cultural understanding and opens doors for dialogue and cooperation among people and nations. Sports-based exchanges can build trust, support social stability, and empower individuals to reach their full potential. ISPI uses the universal appeal of sports to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives and highlight American values both on and off the field.
The goals of ISPI include advancing U.S. foreign policy, deepening understanding of American culture and society, promoting mutual understanding between U.S. and international participants, and nurturing leadership and community-building skills among young people.
The total grant amount available is $1,400,000, and project durations may range from 12 to 36 months. Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations, such as think tanks and NGOs, as well as nonprofit public and private educational institutions.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
