Federalism in Russia Partnership Program

The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the United States Information Agency's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for an assistance award program. Public or private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in IRS regulation 501(c)(3) may apply to develop training programs which foster permanent professional and political partnerships between Russian regional governments, institutions, political leaders and their American counterparts. The program is designed to increase the commercial, economic, educational, and political ties between Russia and the United States at the regional level. Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended, Pub. L. 87-256, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.'' The funding authority for the program cited above is provided through the Freedom Support Act. Projects must conform with Agency requirements and guidelines outlined in the Application Package. USIA programs and projects are subject to the availability of funds. Announcement Name and Number: All communications with USIA concerning this announcement should refer to the above title and reference number E/PN-94-22.