Philanthropic Initiatives

Category: Philanthropy

  • Students from Kiribati in classroom, testing before study abroad
    Empowering People. Inspiring Impact.

    Philanthropy II


    Transforming Lives Through Education

    Through the generosity of donors, American Councils expands opportunity, strengthens communities, and advances international education when it matters most. Your gift supports scholarships and fellowships, alumni-led projects, emergency assistance, and mission-critical work that keeps our programs strong and responsive.

    Sophia, RLASP Alumna, Headshot

    Without the scholarships, it simply would have been impossible for me to study abroad…I applied for RLASP believing it to be a pipe dream – and because of the American Councils donors, it became so much more than that. Thank you!
     

    Sophia
    RLASP Program; Almaty, Kazakhstan, 2025; Dan E. Davidson Fellowship & Opportunity Scholarship Recipient
    Did you Know?
    A 2025 survey by Terra Dotta reported that three in four U.S. college students hope or plan to study abroad, but 80% said insufficient funds would prevent them from doing so.

    To date, American Councils has built a community of more than 100,000 alumni, serving now as national leaders, ministers, members of parliament, ambassadors, and CEOs. 

    $X awarded scholarships, fellowships and financial assistance since X

    X% programs supported by donor contributions
     

    Our Initiatives

    Opportunity Scholarship headshot of student


    Opportunity Scholarship

    Provides merit- and need-based support so students can pursue transformative language study and research abroad.

     

    Group of young women from all over the world, smiling

    Fund for the Future

    Offers flexible, mission-critical support that strengthens American Councils' mission and expands scholarships and innovations where needs are greatest.


     

    Latvian university library with students

    American Councils’ Friends of EHU

    Sustains the European Humanities University and its students by supporting academic freedom and access to a world-class education in exile.
     

    ERLP Student in Central Asia

    Dan E. Davidson Fellowship

    Supports scholars advancing critical language study, field research, and area studies in strategically important regions.

     

    NSLI-Y Students studying together

    Participant Emergency Fund

    Provides timely assistance when unforeseen challenges threaten a participant’s ability to complete a life-changing program.
     

    CLS Student in Brazil with group

    David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Award

    Funds alumni-led projects that reflect American Councils’ values and extend impact in communities at home and abroad.
     

    Emergency support in Ukraine


    Emergency Support for Ukraine Initiative

    Supports American Councils and alumni-led efforts delivering humanitarian and emergency assistance to Ukrainians and displaced communities.
     

    Get Involved

    American Councils’ community includes over 100,000 alumni and programs in 130 countries.
    Join our mission to make international education accessible to all.

    President Lisa Choate with Prime Minister Albin Kurti

    Our partnerships empower cultural and educational advancements, language acquisition, foster dialogue, and promote peace in countries vital to our national security and economy. Learn more about our philanthropic initiatives and scholarships, or how you can volunteer or provide in-kind donations or services to support students, emerging leaders, and public servants from 80 countries.

    ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

    To date, we have built a community of more than 100,000 alumni, including national leaders, ministers, members of parliament, ambassadors, and CEOs. These funds and fellowships support American Councils’ mission to foster excellence in international education and provide vitally important opportunities for the next generation of global leaders.

    Donate today to help us expand access to international education and create a more productive and informed world.

    MAKE A CONTRIBUTION

    For decades, more than 40,000 exceptional exchange students from over 50 countries have shared meals, holidays, and laughter with American host families. Sponsored on U.S. government scholarships, exchange students supported by American Councils spend an academic year at local high schools, eagerly sharing their cultures, contributing to their new communities, and joining school activities.

    Whether you live in a major city or small community, you can offer our bright and ambitious international students an authentic and positive American experience.

    LEARN ABOUT HOSTING

    We are proud to consider more than 100,000 alumni of all experiences and industries as part of our global network.  No matter what type of program you participate in, we hope you’ll share an update (or nominate a peer) to be featured on our website or other channels or inform us how we can better lend support in the future. You are proof that international education yields incredible results, so let’s stay in touch! 

    SEND US A NOTE

    American Councils seeks U.S.-based volunteers to evaluate scholarship applications of high school students from 29 countries, including the United States.

    Volunteer evaluators support youth exchange programs, which empower the next generation of global citizens and establish long-lasting ties between the United States and other countries. To volunteer, you must participate in a training workshop. Subsequently, hours are flexible.

    BECOME A VOLUNTEER

     


    American COUNCILS' insider tourS
     

    Insider Tour to Uzbekistan 2026: Travel with purpose on a curated small-group tour that connects you to our mission, the communities we serve, and the impact your support makes possible.


    Get involved
     
    • Volunteer at our headquarters in Washington, DC
    • Host an international student or scholar in your home
    • Work with us in the U.S. or abroad
    • Donate to support international exchange
    • Share your international education story!

    Ways to Give
     
    1. Online (follow link from campaigns listed above)
    2. By mail or phone (202.833.7522)
    3. In securities
    4. Through a legacy gift
       

    Checks made payable to “American Councils” may be sent to:

    Attn: Michael Curtis
    1828 L Street NW, Suite 1200
    Washington, DC 20036

     

    Our Major Donors

  • For more than 30 years, American Councils for International Education has supported the European Humanities University (EHU), from its founding in Minsk through
  • American Councils’ Opportunity Scholarship is a merit-based award designed to encourage transformative international experiences for American students seeking
  • In recognition of Dr. David P. Patton’s leadership at American Councils and his profound impact on international education and public diplomacy, American
  • The Judith Ehm Foundation Fellowship was established in honor of Judith Ehm, a trailblazing Korean American entrepreneur and businesswoman. The Judith Ehm
  • American Councils stands with Ukraine and its people during these difficult times and is committed to supporting the participants of our programs, their
  • For some students, even the cost of obtaining an international passport or a program-required medical test is prohibitively expensive. While on program, other
  • Your donation to the Fund for the Future directly supports American Councils and the pursuit of its mission. The Fund for the Future is a long-term campaign
  • The legacy of Dr. Dan E. Davidson, American Councils president emeritus, continues through this fund. Designated for scholars and academics, this fellowship