U.S. Department of State: FY 2021 Leaders Lead On-Demand Program

The Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the FY 2021 Leaders Lead On-Demand Program (formerly Professional Fellows On-Demand). On-Demand is a program that takes ideas generated by U.S. Embassies and Consulates in the field and develops them into uniquely tailored programs built on the model of two-way exchange programs which may include a significant professional fellowship placement for foreign participants. This exchange program supports U.S. foreign policy goals by enabling the U.S. Department of State to respond in a timely manner to emerging foreign policy priorities. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide a series of two-way exchange projects ranging in size and scope, each involving current or potential government, business, and civil society leaders. It is anticipated that this cooperative agreement will support four to six distinct exchange projects for approximately 50 participants, including 40 foreign participants and 10 Americans. A central component of each project will include a group of foreign participants who will travel to the United States for an intensive, tailored program. The U.S.-based exchange should include an individually-tailored working placement, referred to as the “fellowship placement.” The U.S.-based exchange will be followed or preceded by reciprocal overseas programs for American participants. Both foreign and American participants should have experience or expertise in the field of the exchange project and American participants should have an established connection or linkage with the foreign participants. The award recipient will work closely with ECA, U.S. Embassies and in-country or regionally-based partner organizations, as appropriate, to recruit, screen, and select the participants and develop program activities that best address the specific project goal. The final list of participants should be approved by ECA prior to offers being extended. American participants will be selected in close consultation with ECA. Additional project components, such as regional gatherings of participants overseas, small grants competitions, local trainings, or other follow-on components should be developed, as appropriate, based on the scope and goals of the specific exchange. Please see the full announcement for additional details.

A central component of each project will include a group of foreign participants who will travel to the United States for an intensive, tailored program. The U.S.-based exchange should include an individually-tailored working placement, referred to as the “fellowship placement.” The U.S.-based exchange will be followed or preceded by reciprocal overseas programs for American participants. Both foreign and American participants should have experience or expertise in the field of the exchange project and American participants should have an established connection or linkage with the foreign participants. The award recipient will work closely with ECA, U.S. Embassies and in-country or regionally-based partner organizations, as appropriate, to recruit, screen, and select the participants and develop pro