Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0008550

The FY 2022 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program is a U.S. Department of State exchange and entrepreneurship initiative run through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Launched in 2015, it is positioned as the Department of State's flagship effort to support emerging business and social entrepreneurs across the Western Hemisphere. The program is designed as a two-way exchange that strengthens mutual understanding between the United States and participating countries while helping entrepreneurs build practical skills, expand networks, and increase their ability to drive economic and social development back home. Alongside the annual fellowship experience, YLAI also includes an open, active online YLAI Network and continued engagement through U.S. embassies, creating a longer-term platform for collaboration rather than a one-time training event.

At a high level, the grant supports the operation of a fellowship program that connects entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States into a sustained regional network. The fellowship emphasizes entrepreneurship as a tool for prosperity, inclusive development, and the strengthening of democratic values. The opportunity frames YLAI not only as a workforce or small business initiative, but as a public diplomacy and foreign policy program aligned with U.S. regional priorities, explicitly noting consistency with the interim National Security Strategy and the Joint Regional Strategy for the Western Hemisphere. In practical terms, the funded project is expected to identify, convene, and support innovative entrepreneurs, facilitate cross-border professional relationships, and maintain ongoing alumni engagement so that the benefits continue after the formal fellowship period ends.

This funding opportunity is offered as a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement, meaning the Department of State anticipates substantial involvement in program direction and oversight during implementation. The total award ceiling is $6,600,000, and the agency expects to make one award under this competition. The eligible applicant pool is limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. The assistance listing is associated with CFDA number 19.415. The opportunity was created on January 21, 2022, with an original application closing date of March 25, 2022, indicating the timeline for submission in that fiscal year cycle.

Overall, the grant is intended to fund a single nonprofit implementer to manage and deliver the YLAI Fellowship Program at scale, combining recruitment and selection, structured exchange programming, network-building, and sustained post-fellowship engagement. The central outcome is a durable, hemisphere-wide community of entrepreneurs who can collaborate across borders, strengthen local ecosystems, and contribute to economic growth and social impact, while also advancing U.S. goals related to regional partnerships and people-to-people ties.

  • The Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2022 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellowship Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.415.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Jan 21, 2022.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 25, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $6,600,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
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