To provide assistance awards by U.S.

diplomatic missions abroad made directly to eligible organizations in the United States using funds appropriated to and authorized by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for the purpose of supporting international exchanges that address issues of

credit: From Wikipedia

mutual interest to the United States and other countries, consistent with the program criteria established in the Department s annual appropriation.

As authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks to "increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations, and the contributions being made toward a peaceful and more fruitful life for people throughout the world; to promote international cooperation for educational and cultural advancement; and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.".

Fiscal Year 2009: In FY 2009, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs approved funding for approximately 40 awards made by overseas posts totaling approximately $10 million. Fiscal Year 2010: Approximately the same level of activity is projected in FY 2010 as in FY 2009. Fiscal Year 2011: Approximately the same level of activity is projected in FY 2011 as in FY 2009.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Awards made by Overseas Public Diplomacy Offices may support any activity authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act for which funding has been appropriated by Congress through the annual Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation administered by the Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The activities are designed to promote U. S. interests in designated countries around the world by developing mutual understanding of key issues and promoting long-lasting ties between the United States and other countries.

Awards are made to eligible profit or non-profit corporations, institutions or individuals.

Awards under this program are specific to those made to domestic (U.S.) institutions or individuals and supported by funds appropriated to and approved by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.