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