The FY27 President’s Budget Request (PBR) was released last week, and it proposes a 68% cut to Department of State international exchange programs. This would decimate or zero out popular and proven exchange programs like the Fulbright Program, the Gilman Program, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the Stevens Initiative, the Young Leaders program suite, and more.  

If this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve been here before: last year, the FY26 PBR proposed a 93% cut to Department of State international exchange programs. But it’s crucial to remember that the PBR is not law; it’s only an initial proposal to start the budget process. The ultimate funding decision remains with Congress. 

This is where you come in. Last year, the exchange community stepped up and wrote more than 20,000 letters to Congress, telling them to reject this PBR and robustly fund exchanges. And that’s exactly what Congress did: rejected that 93% cut and funded exchanges at $667 million in FY26. 

Now we need your help again. We need you to write many more letters to Congress, telling them to reject the proposed 68% cut and fund Department of State international exchange programs at no less than $700.95 million. 

We have provided sample language to help craft your email. We encourage you to customize your message to include specific examples of how exchanges positively impact your organization, institution, company, school, family, and community. 

Thank you for continuing to stand up for international exchange programs. Every voice matters in our fight to ensure the continued success of these vital programs.