The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the FY 2025 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Enhancement Program. This program is designed to foster enhanced civic and cultural understanding among German youth participants in the United States. This NOFO seeks to support workshops that will provide German high school and young professional participants with deeper insights into American civil society, political life, and history. The grant aims to encourage a strong American-German relationship based on democratic values, while also providing unique educational experiences.

The CBYX Enhancement Program targets German youth participating in the existing CBYX program, which offers an academic year of cultural exchange between the U.S. and Germany. The program allows these young participants to live and study in their host country, thus promoting understanding of different societal systems. Specifically, this enhancement opportunity aims to create workshops focused on civic education, including direct engagement with Congress, for the German participants, akin to activities already available for American participants in Germany, such as meetings with members of the Bundestag.

Eligible applicants for this funding are U.S.-based non-profit organizations that qualify under the Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3). Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges, as this requirement aligns with the anticipated minimum funding of $150,000. Organizations may apply to conduct workshops covering all 300 German participants or may choose to focus on either the 235 high school participants or the 65 young professional participants. ECA anticipates awarding approximately $600,000 for workshops involving high school participants and $150,000 for young professionals, which may be combined into a single award of up to $750,000.

The program is structured to offer a cooperative agreement for one base year, with the possibility of a non-competitive continuation (NCC) for an additional year. The availability of continued funding will depend on the progress of the program, availability of funds, and whether the U.S. Department of State deems it beneficial to proceed. The total funding for the two years is anticipated to be $1,500,000, with each award ranging from $150,000 to $750,000. The anticipated start date for this program is January 15, 2025, with an expected completion date of August 31, 2028.

The CBYX Enhancement Program encourages a comprehensive understanding of U.S. democracy and civil engagement, specifically through in-person experiences in Washington, D.C. Workshops should include substantive engagement with U.S. Congress members and focus on how civic society functions throughout American history to the present. The ECA aims to strengthen the participants' role as young ambassadors and enhance linkages between the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, building a foundation for future diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Proposals must adhere to the requirements stated in the NOFO and other supplementary instructions, including compliance with proposal submission elements like executive summaries, budget narratives, and SF-424 forms. Additionally, organizations must be registered with SAM.gov and MyGrants to qualify for this opportunity. Cost-sharing is not required, but applicants are encouraged to contribute additional funding where feasible to support the program. Applications are due by December 4, 2024, and must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov.

The review process for proposals will include an evaluation of the quality and originality of the program idea, the capacity of the organization to achieve program objectives, a plan for long-term impact and follow-up activities, and support for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Successful proposals will also need to demonstrate effective project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) strategies to ensure the achievement of program goals, as well as the ability to pivot to virtual exchange formats if necessary.

In summary, the FY 2025 CBYX Enhancement Program provides a unique opportunity for U.S.-based non-profit organizations to foster intercultural exchange and understanding. By participating in this grant, organizations will contribute to the development of a new generation of German and American youth, strengthening bilateral ties and promoting democratic values through practical, immersive learning experiences.