Application Process for Grants

Annual grants will typically be in the range from $10,000 to $50,000; multi-year proposals to a maximum of two years will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

In general, grants will only be given in the US to accredited colleges and universities and federally tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organizations and institutions. Grants for scholarships will be given only to institutions, not individuals, though the Foundation may provide guidelines on the suggested qualifications of recipients. Recognized universities abroad are also eligible for grants for projects that directly benefit US undergraduate study abroad students or programs. As you plan your proposal, we encourage you to think about how this funding might advance your strategic planning for international education.

The formal proposal should consist of the following:

Description of the project and relationship of the project to the mission and interests of the IFSA Foundation. You may wish to provide a cover letter and an executive summary. The proposal may be in narrative form but must include the following elements:

• Cover page --- Applicant Information

• Needs Statement --- Why are you intending to do this project? How does it benefit U.S. study abroad undergraduates? How does it fit within the overall mission of your institution? How does the project benefit the field of international education and study abroad? Your application will be strengthened if you include a letter of support from your upper level administration, such as provost, chief academic officer or president.

• Process Narrative --- How will the program be carried out to meet the goals and objectives of the project? Is this a new, experimental project or part of the on-going activity of the institution? Do you plan to share the impact that the funding has had on your institution with the broader education abroad community, and if so, how?

• Personnel --- Who will be responsible for overseeing the program? Who will be carrying out the program and participating in the project?

• Financial Management --- Who maintains financial control? If this project is successful, will it lead to continuation after the first year? If yes, how will future projects of this type be supported financially?

• Audience --- Who will benefit both directly and indirectly from the project?

• Evaluation --- How will you ascertain the effectiveness of this project? How will you maintain quality control over the project?

•Budget for the project --- Enclose as complete a budget as possible. Indicate line item amounts for each applicable expenditure. For proposals other than for scholarships: materials costs, production costs, salaries, meetings, travel, distribution costs, mailings, website development, etc. Also, please list any anticipated revenue from the project. For scholarship grants indicate how much will go to each student and for what purpose: tuition, orientation, academic and student, services travel, field trips, commutation (for internship situations) housing, books, meals, etc.

Please note that The Foundation does not provide payment for indirect costs and that scholarship monies are in general available only for semester or full year study abroad.

Keep in mind that the maximum amount for grants is $50,000 per year. If you are applying for a multi-year grant (maximum of two years) be careful to indicate how much will be needed for each year; funding for subsequent years is not automatic but will be contingent on documented appropriate use of the prior year's funding.

Please indicate at the bottom of your Budget to whom and to what office (please provide full address) your check should be issued.

You may be asked to provide proof of tax-exempt status and a recent audited financial statement. Please do not submit until requested to do so.

Final Proposals should be sent using our online form or electronically to: apply@theifsafoundation.org

Processing of Grants

The IFSA Foundation's grant awarding cycle functions on a semi-annual basis. Grant proposals are due by March 15 and October 1 of each year; awards will be announced by May 15 and December 15.

Please note:
We will NOT be offering grants this coming spring.

We appreciate the interest that has been shown in the IFSA Foundation and encourage you to apply for grants for the next cycle with the deadline date of October 1, 2008.

All proposals will be screened and ranked by a national Review Committee consisting of five persons prominent in the field of international education and study abroad with a long standing commitment to professionalism in the field of study abroad at the college and university level. Final determination of awards rests with the IFSA Foundation's Board of Directors.