This federal assistance award supports meridian international center for the FY 2026 international visitor leadership program (ivlp). The award authorizes $249,750.

The Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs awarded a $1.258 million cooperative agreement to Meridian International Center on January 30, 2026, to implement the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) under CFDA 19.402. The award comprises an initial allocation of $249,750 and a subsequent cost amendment adding $199,500 in FY 2026 administrative funds.

The IVLP brings embassy-selected international visitors into contact with influential Americans and representative organizations and institutions across the United States to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities and foster lasting relationships between the people of the United States and other countries. Performance extends through January 1, 2029, with work performed in the United States.

Meridian International Center, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, serves as the prime recipient responsible for program execution and administration. The organization operates under the Fulbright-Hays Act framework, which authorizes the Bureau to fund nonprofit organizations implementing educational and cultural exchange programming. Recipients must maintain financial records and supporting documents for three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report.