Sister Cities International

Sister Cities International is a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, dedicated to promoting citizen diplomacy and international cultural exchange. As a grassroots network with over 400 sister city partnerships between U.S. and global cities, the organization focuses on building mutual understanding and collaboration across international communities. Through its work, Sister Cities International facilitates various exchange programs and initiatives that connect people from different countries through cultural, professional, and educational interactions. The organization is registered in SAM.gov and has been actively receiving federal grant awards, primarily from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Sister Cities International has consistently received federal grant awards under the Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - Citizen Exchanges (CFDA 19.415), focusing on diverse exchange initiatives that promote cross-cultural understanding. Recent grant awards, ranging from approximately $380,000 to $627,000 annually, have supported programs such as the American Film Showcase, American Music Abroad, Arts Envoy, Community Engagement Exchange, Community Solutions, Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, and Fortune Mentoring programs. These grants enable the organization to recruit, train, and deploy youth ambassadors, facilitate professional development exchanges, support cultural diplomacy efforts, and create opportunities for global engagement. The organization has worked directly with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Office of the Secretary of State, executing grant-funded projects that span international cultural exchanges, professional development, youth leadership initiatives, and community-based collaborative projects. The grant awards typically have performance periods ranging from 12-15 months, with the most recent award extending from September 2025 to January 2027.