Partners of the Americas

Tune in to a recent conversation featuring our CEO, John McPhail, on The DMV Business Show with host Otto Sevilla.

The episode covers John's own story — from his New Hampshire roots and Peace Corps service in El Salvador to decades of work in international development. But it also gets into the heart of Partners of the Americas: our founding vision inspired by President Kennedy, how we build lasting partnerships across governments, the private sector, and civil society throughout the Americas, and how we are navigating today's challenges in the nonprofit sector with resilience and fresh thinking.

A good listen for anyone drawn to stories of purpose, partnership, and community-driven change.

🎥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZAYImaEa5vk?si=XXE2hs_3Jo6RoFNU
🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/217-building-business-mindsets-in-nonprofit-leadership/id1520207861?i=1000768537191
🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bXktIRoLWPJAd3OVbAlcV?si=6GTsGwy6RcWy9xbW3jfNPQ


Otto Sevilla John McPhail

💡 Thinking about applying for Education and Culture Community Project Funding?

Join our Info Session to learn how to build a strong application and get your questions answered.

📅 English Session: May 15 at 1 PM ET - https://members.partners.net/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2057693
📅 Spanish Session: May 18 at 1 PM ET - https://members.partners.net/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2057694

We’ll cover:
✔️ Program priorities
✔️ Eligibility
✔️ Budget + cost share tips
✔️ What makes a competitive proposal

🔗 Learn More: https://partners.net/program/ec-community-project-funding/

💡 Interested in leading an international exchange? Start here.

Join our Group Exchange Facilitation Info Session to learn how to design a strong exchange and submit a competitive Expression of Interest.

📅 English: May 8 at 1 PM ET - https://members.partners.net/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2057697
📅 Spanish: May 11 at 1 PM ET - https://members.partners.net/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2057695

We’ll cover:
✔️ Exchange design and structure
✔️ Eligibility and requirements
✔️ Budget + cost share guidance
✔️ What makes a strong submission

🔗 Learn more: https://www.partners.net/program/ec-group-exchange-facilitation-funding/

🌎 Another Funding Opportunity Now Open!

Have an idea to strengthen education, literacy, and/or microenterprise in your community?

The Partners of the Americas Foundation Grants are now open for applications! These small grants support locally led projects that strengthen communities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

💰 Grants available:
Up to USD $5,000 (Pixote Literacy Fund)
Up to USD $1,000 (Laschober Fund)

📅 Deadline: June 15 at 12 PM ET
🗓️ Project period: August 2026 – January 2027
🗓️ Informational Sessions:
-English – Friday, May 8 at 3pm ET – https://members.partners.net/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2059932
-Spanish – Monday, May 11 at 3pm ET – https://members.partners.net/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2060062

✨ If you’re part of a Partners Chapter, PartnersCampus, or affiliate organization, this is your chance to turn your ideas into action.

🔗 Learn more here: https://www.partners.net/the-partners-foundation/

🚨 Now Open: Education and Culture Program - Community Project Funding!

Have an idea to strengthen your community and build partnerships across the Americas? This is your opportunity.

The Education and Culture Program is now accepting applications for community-led projects that:
✨ Expand economic success
✨ Strengthen education and workforce skills
✨ Advance innovation in STEM
✨ Support safer, more stable communities

💰 Up to USD $5,000 in funding available
🌎 Open to Partners Chapters, PartnersCampuses, and affiliate organiations
📅 Deadline: July 10 at 12 PM ET

Register for Informational Sessions:
-English - Friday, May 15 at 1pm ET - https://members.partners.net/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2057693
-Spanish - Monday, May 18 at 1pm ET - https://members.partners.net/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2057694

🔗 Learn more: https://www.partners.net/program/ec-group-exchange-facilitation-funding/

Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State

🚨 Now Open: Group Exchange Facilitation Funding

Design and lead an international exchange. Build connections that last.

The Education and Culture Program is now accepting Expressions of Interest for Chapters, PartnersCampuses, and organizations to facilitate U.S.–Latin America and Caribbean exchanges that:

✨ Build workforce skills and professional capacity
✨ Strengthen partnerships with U.S. institutions
✨ Advance innovation and economic opportunity
✨ Foster long-term collaboration across the Americas

📅 Deadline: June 15 at 12 PM ET
💰 Up to USD $10,000 in funding
🌎 Informational Sessions:

(English) Friday, May 8 from 1-1:30pm - Register: https://members.partners.net/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2057695

(Spanish) Monday, May 11 from 1-1:30pm ET - Register: https://members.partners.net/events/register.aspx?id=2057695&itemid=c886e71a-4c36-4184-8ffd-b72a30304af9

This is your opportunity to showcase your community, connect with global partners, and contribute to stronger, more prosperous communities across the region—while reinforcing ties with the United States.

🔗 Learn more + apply: https://www.partners.net/program/ec-group-exchange-facilitation-funding/

Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State

New partnerships. Shared innovation. Stronger futures for youth.

In partnership with ProSociedad in Jalisco, Mexico, the Education and Culture Program is supporting TechnoCreatives: Educators and Creatives for a Tech Skills Future for Youth.

This exchange brought eight professionals from Jalisco, Mexico, to Florida and Washington, D.C., to share with U.S. non-profit leaders, educators, artists, and workforce professionals to expand high-quality STEAM and technology opportunities for young people - strengthening skills, institutions, and long-term partnerships between the U.S. and Mexico.

Read more about the grantees here: https://www.partners.net/our_stories/congratulations-technocreatives-educators-and-creators-for-a-tech-skills-future-for-youth/

Congratulations, TechnoCreatives!



Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State

Thinking about hosting the What Works Conference 2027? 🌎✨

Join our informational session on April 8 at 2 PM ET to learn more about What Works and how to share your interest in hosting!

👉 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lJdSs41aRHydACcaUtW9xA

📅 Deadline: April 30
🤝 Open to Chapters, PartnersCampuses, affiliate organizations & partners
🔗More info: http://bit.ly/47NaM5F

We can't wait to connect, serve, and change lives with you!

🌎✨ LAST CALL: Apply by April 3 ✨🌎

There’s still time—but not much.
The Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange is a unique opportunity for high school students and educators to step into a real-world, global learning experience this summer.
📍 Guatemala
📅 June 10–18, 2026
👥 Small cohort (12–16 students + mentors)

💡 What makes this experience different?
This isn’t just travel—it’s a purpose-driven exchange designed to help participants grow as leaders, communicators, and global citizens.
✔️ Spanish Language Immersion
✔️ Leadership in Action
✔️ Cultural Exchange & Connection
✔️ Immersive Service Learning

🚨 Why apply now?
• Deadline: April 3
• Limited spots available
• Final application round now open
• Decisions released mid-April
If this is something you’ve been considering, this is the moment to take action.

👉 Ready to apply or learn more?
🔗 Student Application:
https://iglhrrlmdt.formstack.com/forms/student_application_guatemala_leadership_language_exchange_2026

🔗 Educator / Mentor Application:
https://iglhrrlmdt.formstack.com/forms/educator_application_guatemala_leadership_language_exchange_2026_copy

🌐 Program Details:
https://partners-guatemala-leadership-language-exchange-program.b12sites.com/index

This program is led by Partners of the Americas, bringing over 60 years of experience in international exchange and youth leadership development.

✨ If you’ve been looking for an experience that builds confidence, expands perspective, and makes a real impact—this is it.

⏰ Apply now before April 3.

Partners of the Americas is inviting Expressions of Interest to host the 2027 What Works Conference.

The What Works Conference brings together leaders, practitioners, and volunteers from across the Americas to share best practices in partnerships, volunteerism, and locally-led development.

We are seeking a host organization or collaborative team within the Partners Member Community that can work with us to co-design and deliver this dynamic annual event.

Joint proposals with universities, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and local governments are strongly encouraged.

Deadline: April 30, 2026

🔗 Learn more and submit your Expression of Interest: https://members.partners.net/page/future-conferences