Opportunity Information: Apply for ECA PE C PY 09 03
Apply for ECA PE C PY 09 03
- The Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Global Connections and Exchange Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 00.000 Not Elsewhere Classified.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 8, 2009 and posted on Apr 8, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 1, 2009. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $550,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Please see full announcement.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) Program is a U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) grant competition run through the Youth Programs Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges. The main purpose of the program is to build sustained, school-to-school partnerships between U.S. schools and overseas schools, using structured online collaboration to strengthen learning, research skills, and cross-border communication among youth and educators. The core idea is that students and teachers in different countries work together on thematic projects over time, creating real relationships and shared academic work rather than one-time exchanges.
This opportunity is structured as two separate program tracks, and ECA plans to fund one award for each track (two total awards). Program One focuses specifically on Kyrgyzstan. Program Two is a broader multi-country program that can include countries in the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Within those regions, ECA signals that proposals centered on certain "countries of interest" will be viewed as more competitive under the review criterion tied to the quality of the program idea. The countries highlighted as especially relevant are Kazakhstan, Maldives, South Africa, Tanzania, Algeria, and Yemen. At the same time, the announcement clearly excludes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, and the West Bank because GCE activities in those locations were already being funded at the time; proposals focused on those places are not eligible for this particular competition.
Under either track, the organization that receives the grant (and any implementing partners it works with) is expected to identify and recruit appropriate overseas schools, then match them with U.S. partner schools and help those partnerships function effectively. A key deliverable is the development and management of thematic online projects that keep the schools engaged in ongoing, collaborative educational activities. While the online component is central, the program also leaves room for limited in-person exchange if conditions allow: a small number of U.S. and/or foreign participants may travel to partner schools for at least three weeks to deepen mutual understanding and reinforce the relationships built online. The program is not meant to be run independently; all activities are expected to be coordinated in regular, consistent consultation with ECA's Youth Programs Division and with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the U.S. Embassy in each participating country, which signals a strong expectation of close alignment with U.S. public diplomacy goals and in-country embassy priorities.
From an eligibility and administrative standpoint, the competition is open to public and private nonprofit organizations that meet IRS 501(c)(3) requirements, as well as public, state-controlled, and private institutions of higher education, plus other applicants as described in the full announcement. The funding instrument is a discretionary grant, and cost sharing or matching is required, meaning applicants should plan to contribute non-federal resources (cash and/or allowable in-kind support) consistent with the terms laid out in the full solicitation. The estimated total funding is $550,000 across the competition, with an award ceiling of $300,000, and ECA anticipates making two awards in total, one per program track.
Key posted details include the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C/PY-09-03, with an original and current closing date of June 1, 2009 (and an archive date of June 2, 2009). For applicants who could not access the full announcement at the time, the listed point of contact was Hans Posey, Program Specialist, reachable at poseyhe@state.gov.
Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) Program - FAQs
What is the Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) Program?
The Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) Program is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) grant competition run through the Youth Programs Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges. Its purpose is to build sustained school-to-school partnerships between U.S. schools and overseas schools through structured online collaboration.
What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?
The main goal is to create ongoing, school-to-school partnerships where students and teachers work together on thematic projects over time. The program emphasizes sustained relationships and shared academic work that strengthen learning, research skills, and cross-border communication among youth and educators.
Is the program focused on online activities or in-person exchanges?
The online component is central. The program is built around structured online collaboration and thematic online projects. However, the opportunity allows for limited in-person exchange if conditions allow, involving a small number of participants traveling to partner schools for at least three weeks.
How is this opportunity structured?
This opportunity is structured as two separate program tracks. ECA plans to fund one award for each track, for a total of two awards.
What is Program One?
Program One focuses specifically on Kyrgyzstan.
What is Program Two?
Program Two is a broader multi-country program that can include countries in the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Are there particular countries that are considered more competitive under Program Two?
Yes. Within the eligible regions for Program Two, ECA indicates that proposals centered on certain "countries of interest" will be viewed as more competitive under the review criterion related to the quality of the program idea. The highlighted countries are Kazakhstan, Maldives, South Africa, Tanzania, Algeria, and Yemen.
Are any countries excluded from eligibility for this competition?
Yes. The announcement explicitly excludes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, and the West Bank because GCE activities in those locations were already being funded at the time. Proposals focused on those locations are not eligible for this competition.
What is the expected role of the organization that receives the grant?
The recipient organization (and any implementing partners) is expected to identify and recruit appropriate overseas schools, match them with U.S. partner schools, and support those partnerships so they function effectively over time.
What kinds of activities or deliverables does the program emphasize?
A key deliverable is the development and management of thematic online projects that keep the schools engaged in ongoing collaborative educational activities. The program is designed to foster continuous collaboration rather than one-time exchanges.
Does the program require coordination with the U.S. government overseas?
Yes. Activities are expected to be coordinated in regular, consistent consultation with ECA's Youth Programs Division and with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the U.S. Embassy in each participating country. This signals an expectation of close alignment with U.S. public diplomacy goals and in-country embassy priorities.
Who is eligible to apply?
The competition is open to public and private nonprofit organizations that meet IRS 501(c)(3) requirements, as well as public, state-controlled, and private institutions of higher education, plus other applicants as described in the full announcement.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a discretionary grant.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required. Applicants should plan to contribute non-federal resources (cash and/or allowable in-kind support) consistent with the terms described in the full solicitation.
How much funding is available under this opportunity?
The estimated total funding across the competition is $550,000.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is $300,000.
How many awards does ECA expect to make?
ECA anticipates making two awards in total: one award for Program One and one award for Program Two.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant competition?
The Funding Opportunity Number is ECA/PE/C/PY-09-03.
What was the closing date for applications?
The original and current closing date listed for the opportunity is June 1, 2009.
Is there an archive date listed for the opportunity?
Yes. The archive date listed is June 2, 2009.
Who was the point of contact for applicants that could not access the full announcement?
The listed point of contact was Hans Posey, Program Specialist, reachable at poseyhe@state.gov.
Does the opportunity specify how long in-person exchanges must last if included?
Yes. If in-person exchanges are included and conditions allow, the opportunity notes that a small number of U.S. and/or foreign participants may travel to partner schools for at least three weeks.
Is the program intended to be a one-time interaction between schools?
No. The program is designed to support sustained partnerships and ongoing collaboration through thematic projects over time, rather than one-time exchanges.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Youth Leadership Program with Central America
Previous opportunity: International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research (U19)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for ECA PE C PY 09 03
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (ECA PE C PY 09 03) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Youth Leadership Program with Central America Apply for ECA PE C PY 09 40 Funding Number: ECA PE C PY 09 40 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $994,000 |
| Young Turkey/Young America A New Relationship for a New Age Apply for ECA PE C EUR SCA 09 45 Funding Number: ECA PE C EUR SCA 09 45 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Youth Leadership Programs Sub Saharan Africa Apply for ECA PE C PY 09 42 Funding Number: ECA PE C PY 09 42 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $375,000 |
| Documentary Filmmaking and Iraq Museum Residencies Apply for ECA PE C CU 09 49 Funding Number: ECA PE C CU 09 49 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Technical Assistance Grants to Communities Apply for DTPH56 09 SN 0003 Funding Number: DTPH56 09 SN 0003 Agency: Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| PRM NGO Projects in Sudan Benefiting Southern Sudanese Refugees, Refugee Returnees and Receiving Communities Apply for PRM AFR 09 CA AF 04132009 SUDAN Funding Number: PRM AFR 09 CA AF 04132009 SUDAN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Evidence Based Strategic Planning in Southern California Apply for 09C81 Funding Number: 09C81 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pilot Project Securing the Cities Initiative Apply for DHS 09 DNDO 106 001 Funding Number: DHS 09 DNDO 106 001 Agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $12,000,000 |
| Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network 2009 Grants Program Apply for NPS CBGN2009 Funding Number: NPS CBGN2009 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Kosovo Assembly Strengthening Program (KASP) Apply for 167 09 012 Funding Number: 167 09 012 Agency: Hungary USAID Budapest Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,500,000 |
| State Fire Training Systems Grants Apply for DHS 09 USFA 043 2079 Funding Number: DHS 09 USFA 043 2079 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $28,000 |
| East Asian Security Studies Program, Whittier College Apply for HQ0034 09 1 3005 Funding Number: HQ0034 09 1 3005 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $771,429 |
| Degrees at a Distance Program (DDP) Apply for DHS 09 USFA 103 2080 Funding Number: DHS 09 USFA 103 2080 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Assistance to Firefighters Grants Apply for DHS 09 GPD 044 001 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 044 001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,750,000 |
| National Association of State Fire Marshals RFSI Cooperative Agreement Apply for DHS 09 USFA 099 2088 Funding Number: DHS 09 USFA 099 2088 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| National Fire Protection Association HFSC Grant Apply for DHS 09 USFA 099 2087 Funding Number: DHS 09 USFA 099 2087 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Congressionally Mandated One time Grants Program for Academic Programs Competition A Apply for ECA A 09 ONE TIME COMP A Funding Number: ECA A 09 ONE TIME COMP A Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Congressionally Mandated One time Grants Program Competition B Professional, Cultural, and Youth One time Grants Program Apply for ECA PE C 09 ONE TIME COMP B Funding Number: ECA PE C 09 ONE TIME COMP B Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| International Visitor Leadership Program Assistance Awards Apply for ECA PE V 10 01 Funding Number: ECA PE V 10 01 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,326,936 |
| U.S French Teachers in Training Program Apply for ECA A S X 09 02 Funding Number: ECA A S X 09 02 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $375,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "ECA PE C PY 09 03", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.