Funding opportunities - U.S. Department of State

State Department Exchange Programs

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs offers grants for programs that support exchanges and build relationships between U.S. nonprofit organizations and cultural groups abroad.

Orchestras with plans to travel internationally in the 2010-11 season should take note of an opportunity for indirect support from the State Department, and consider contacting a U.S. Embassy abroad to discuss a potential proposal.  The Performing Arts Initiative enables U.S. Embassies to present American performing art and artists as a means to engage foreign audiences and provide insight into American culture and values. U.S. Embassies submit the proposals, which are competitively reviewed. Projects are selected twice annually. 

The State Department has announced a new round of grants for the Performing Arts Initiative. Embassies must submit proposals by the following deadlines, so please plan well in advance of these deadlines so embassies can have ample time to apply on your behalf:

  • September 3, 2010 for projects taking place after November 5, 2010
  • November 12, 2010 for projects taking place after January 21, 2011
  • February 25, 2011 for projects taking place after April 25, 2011
  • May 27, 2011 for projects taking place after July 25, 2011

Interested orchestras are encouraged to contact embassies directly. For further background information, you can read the pdf call for proposals [link to PDF with details] that was sent to diplomatic and consular posts.

Via the Professional Exchanges Division, U.S. nonprofit organizations receive grants to implement exchange programs that support the professional development of foreign participants. Professional exchanges generally include internships or workshops in the United States and in the host country and are conducted over several years. Projects are solicited annually along the core themes of Business, Democracy & Governance, Faith & Community, Health, Media, and Women's Empowerment.

Within the Cultural Programs Division, orchestras and other U.S. non-profit arts and educational institutions can explore opportunities to foster artistic excellence while cultivating mutual understanding and collaboration with other countries. Among the range of eligible activities are performing arts and arts education, and a key component of any program is reciprocity, as exchanges are intended to foster a sense of common interests and common values.


Additional Funding Opportunities and Resources for International Cultural Exchange