Who We Are

The National Council for International Visitors (NCIV), founded in 1961, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote excellence in citizen diplomacy. NCIV serves as the professional association for the international exchange community, which includes a national network of community-based member organizations, national program agencies, associate member organizations, and individuals. NCIV's member organizations, all of which are independent nonprofit groups, design and implement custom-tailored professional programs, provide cultural activities, and offer home hospitality for foreign leaders, specialists, and international scholars. They serve participants in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program and other exchanges, building person-to-person relationships "one handshake at a time."

NCIV provides the integral "behind-the-scenes," national support necessary for its network of citizen diplomats to bridge cultures and build mutually beneficial relationships through international exchanges. The U.S. Department of State, Office of International Visitors, is the primary partner of the National Council for International Visitors in strengthening the NCIV network's capacity.

Our services include:

• Access to grants from the U.S. Department of State and other funding sources;
• Awards that recognize Congressional advocacy;
• Leadership development opportunities;
• Member exchange programs to share best practices;
• Member-only Directors & Officers Liability Insurance program underwritten by the Great American Insurance Company;
• Publications, including a monthly newsletter and a national membership directory;
• Representation to the U.S. Department of State; and
• Regional and national meetings, as well as other training programs;