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NOTE: Applications for Project Smile are now accepted on a rolling basis! Please see the application and instructions below for details.

Project Smile, a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, provides grants to alumni of selected ECA-sponsored programs to implement community service activities that will benefit an underprivileged group in their local community such as children at an orphanage, the disabled or the elderly.
Grants are a maximum of $300 and allow alumni to do the following:

Eligible Projects:

Cultural/Recreational

  • Organize a trip to a historical location for children from underprivileged schools
  • Plan an American holiday celebration for the elderly
  • Deliver a presentation on American cultural traditions and share your experiences in the U.S.
  • Organize a national crafts workshop for children with disabilities
  • Organize a day fun and games at an orphanage or children’s hospital
  • Organize a one-day soccer camp for teens at a rehabilitation center

Educational

  • Organize a cultural diversity workshop for school children
  • Develop a one-day training on healthy lifestyles for teenagers
  • Organize a series of leadership and team-building activities for children with disabilities
  • Develop a public awareness campaign on a social issues (i.e. Anti-drug campaign)
  • Organize a hands-on life skills workshop for the visually impaired

Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate sustainability and have the potential for lasting impact.

Currently, alumni of the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program (MUSKIE) and the Global Undergaduate Exchanged Program ( Global UGRAD) are eligible to apply.

 

Project Smile Application Instructions and Form