Global New Orleans

What Global New Orleans does

Global New Orleans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1944 and headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, that operates people-to-people diplomacy and international exchange programs. The organization functions as the principal local coordinator for U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchanges, administering the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI), and Professional Fellows Program for Europe and Eurasia. Its core product is a curated exchange platform that pairs international emerging leaders with New Orleans host institutions, cultural organizations, and community members through professional fellowships, short-term delegations, and youth programming.

The organization's service portfolio spans inbound exchange programs, the Global Leadership Academy for K-12 and university students, the Global Concierge fee-for-service experience program (Signature Experience, Explorer Exchange, Culture Journey, Design Your Experience), and the Global Explorer Travel Club for outbound community travel (Egypt 2025 inaugural). Underlying operations are event-driven and community-led, with 260+ community members across 107 partner organizations supporting hosting, briefings, and cultural programming. In 2025, the organization managed 22 exchange programs serving 216 international participants from 89 countries, hosted 13 professional fellows, and reached 200+ students. There is no proprietary software platform; delivery is relationship-driven through a staff of 8 (Executive Director, Director of Programs, Programs Coordinator, Americorps VISTA, IVLP Intern) and a Board of Directors.

The business model combines government grant funding ($234,861 in 2025 program funding from U.S. Department of State sources), a three-tier membership program ($75 Basic, $125 Standard, $250 Premium annual fees), tax-deductible donations (one-time and recurring), and fee-for-service concierge revenue. Documented 2025 impact includes a 5:1 return on program funding, with $234,861 in funding converted into $1,111,596 in direct local economic impact supporting New Orleans businesses, service providers, and cultural institutions.

Name

Global New Orleans

Legal name

Global New Orleans

Website

https://globalneworleans.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Global New Orleans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates U.S. Department of State-sponsored international exchange programs (IVLP, YLAI, YSEALI, YTILI) connecting global emerging leaders with New Orleans institutions, host organizations, and community members through fellowships, delegations, and youth programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Exchange Programs

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Educational Services (611), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Study Abroad Provider Networks, Consortia & Membership Organizations (EDAIAAAK)

Keywords

• International exchange programs
• Professional fellowship programs
• Cultural diplomacy services
• Youth leadership development
• People-to-people diplomacy

Headquarters

HQ city

New Orleans

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership program with three tiers: Basic ($75) for nonprofits, educators, first responders, and young professionals; Standard ($125); and Premium ($250). Benefits include hosting international visitors, exclusive member events, travel concierge services, and website recognition.
2. Donations: Tax-deductible donations supporting youth leadership programs, professional fellowships, and international exchanges across Louisiana. Donation options include one-time, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual recurring donations with fee coverage option.
3. Global Concierge Services: Fee-for-service concierge experiences for delegations and groups including Signature Experience (2-week premium curated programs), Explorer Exchange (1-week academic travel), Culture Journey (weekend cultural experiences), and Design Your Experience ($150 consultation). Hotel and transport expenses vary by group size.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Global New Orleans facilitates international exchange, professional fellowship, and cultural diplomacy programs that connect global leaders, professionals, and youth with New Orleans institutions, experts, and communities. Its offerings include U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange programs (IVLP), multi-week professional fellowships (YLAI, YSEALI, YTILI), the Global Leadership Academy for K-12 and university students, fee-based Global Concierge curated experiences for visiting delegations, a tiered community membership program, and outbound travel through the Global Explorer Travel Club.

Product overview

Global New Orleans operates as a people-to-people diplomacy organization offering a portfolio of exchange, fellowship, travel, and youth development programs. The core offerings include Global Concierge (premium curated experiences with Signature, Explorer Exchange, and Culture Journey tiers), Exchange Programs/IVLP (U.S. Department of State-sponsored professional exchanges), Professional Fellowship Programs (multi-week placements through YLAI, YSEALI, and YTILI), Global Leadership Academy (K-12 student programming), Global Explorer Travel Club (outbound learning journeys), Member Events (networking gatherings), Dinner Diplomacy (host meals), and a Membership Program with three tiers. These programs collectively connect New Orleans to international visitors and vice versa, generating measurable local economic impact ($1,111,596 from $234,861 in program funding in 2025).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Global Leadership Academy: Youth program inviting New Orleans students into the wider world through hands-on, community-centered learning. Students step into global conversations and discover how their voices and ideas connect to what's happening beyond their own neighborhood.
• Global Explorer Travel Club
• Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship
• Professional Fellowship Programs
• Global Concierge
• Exchange Programs
• Dinner Diplomacy

Products and services

• Global Concierge Relationship-driven, fee-for-service premium experience program for professional, academic, and special-interest groups seeking insider access to people shaping New Orleans. Three packaged offerings: The Signature Experience (2-week curated program), The Explorer Exchange (1-week immersive for students), and The Culture Journey (weekend cultural experiences), plus a $150 Design Your Experience consultation.
• Exchange Programs (IVLP) Short-term professional exchange programs bringing international emerging leaders to New Orleans for expert briefings, site visits, and peer-to-peer exchanges in fields such as education, culture, economic development, and community leadership. Programs are supported by the U.S. Department of State and span regions including the Americas, Europe, Africa, Near East and North Africa, and Latin America.
• Professional Fellowship Programs Multi-week immersive fellowship programs placing international emerging leaders with New Orleans-based host organizations for collaborative work and knowledge exchange. Programs include the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI), and Professional Fellows Program for Europe and Eurasia, all sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
• Global Leadership Academy A youth leadership program inviting New Orleans K-12 and university students into global conversations through hands-on, community-centered learning, simulations, and direct exchange with international fellows and local professionals. Builds leadership skills and global awareness; partners with 7 K-12 schools and 7 universities, engaging 200+ students in 2025.
• Global Explorer Travel Club Learning-driven, place-based international travel experiences for community members seeking cultural connection, connecting travelers with local leaders, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs abroad. Includes annual outbound expeditions such as the 2025 Egypt journey.
• Member Events Year-round community gatherings including Toast Diplomacy, Fellowship Meetups, Happy Hours, Coffee & Conversations, and Signature Moments that bring together international visitors, members, and local professionals for networking and global connection.
• Dinner Diplomacy A hosting program where members host shared meals that bring international visitors and local leaders together for conversation and cultural connection. In 2025, hosted 12 dinners with 41 international guests.
• Membership Program Three-tier annual membership program offering opportunities to host international visitors, attend exclusive member events, access travel concierge services, and receive website recognition. Tiers: Basic ($75) for nonprofits, educators, first responders, and young professionals; Standard ($125); and Premium ($250).

Quantifiable outcome

• 5:1 return on investment: $234,861 in program funding generated $1,111,596 in direct local economic impact
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and community.

• Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association (GSREIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGSREIA serves as a host organization for professional fellows in the renewable energy sector. Hosted Filip Koprcina, founder of Energy Shift (Croatia), who gained insights on accelerating clean energy in the Gulf region and community-based energy ownership models.
• GroundsKrewecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Orleans nonprofit focused on sustainable event design and waste reduction, particularly for Mardi Gras. Hosted YLAI fellow Kimmi Ha from Vietnam working on sustainable Mardi Gras throws and creative reuse strategies.
• Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic host organization for international fellows. Hosted Aleksandar Stevanovic from Serbia, medical doctor and teaching assistant, for public health fellowship focused on respecting unique identities and community-based health approaches.
• Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and PolicycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic host organization for fellows working on water resources, ecosystem restoration, and regenerative systems. Hosted Arthur Cesa Venturella from Brazil to uplevel work in regenerative systems.
• Youth Empowerment Project (YEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit host organization for youth programming fellows. Hosted Rosito Pansa from Suriname working on innovative community engagement strategies with YEP.
• Heroes of NOLAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth-focused nonprofit host organization. Hosted Jo-Ann Monsels from Suriname working on ways to engage with youth and parents through the Kinderuniversiteit Suriname initiative.
• Dancing GroundscommunityStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization visible on website partner section, contributing to the community ecosystem supporting international exchange activities.
• CRCL (CRCL - Citizens for a Greener New Orleans)communityStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization visible on website partner section, environmental advocacy group contributing to exchange program ecosystem.
• GNO Inc (Greater New Orleans Inc)communityStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development organization partner visible on website partner section, supporting regional economic impact from exchange programs.
• Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC)communityStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural institution partner visible on website, providing historical and cultural programming for international visitors.
• MACCNO (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians)communityStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization visible on website partner section, contributing to cultural exchange programming.
• New Orleans Jazz Museum (NOJM)communityStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural institution partner visible on website, providing music and cultural programming for international delegations.
• Operation SparkcommunityStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology education nonprofit partner visible on website, supporting workforce development aspects of exchange programs.
• PortNOLAcommunityStrategic or Co-development PartnerPort partner organization visible on website, contributing to economic development aspects of exchange programming.
• The Beach at UNOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of New Orleans innovation hub partner, serving as host organization for fellows and supporting startup ecosystem exchanges.
• Tulane UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor academic partner visible on website partner section, hosting multiple fellows across various schools and institutes.
• TNO (The New Orleans Opportunity)communityStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization visible on website partner section, contributing to economic opportunity initiatives.
• Nieux.CocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Orleans nonprofit partner hosting YLAI fellow Alice Monteiro from Brazil, collaborating on AI solutions platform for nonprofit sector.
• Addis NOLAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEthiopian restaurant and cultural venue hosting YLAI fellow Chef Tafari from Saint Lucia to learn about scaling and community engagement.
• Crazy Plant BaecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHydroponic farm hosting YLAI fellow Desirai Johnson-Phillip from Trinidad to scale their hydroponic farming operations.
• Soleau GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMentor organization for YLAI fellow Zachary Moore from Barbados, helping grow Cariagritech Ventures Inc through Louisiana connections.
• New Orleans Office of Cultural EconomycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity government office hosting Chilean musical artist Joaquín Andrés Macaya Contreras to learn about large-scale events and music industry.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Global Philadelphia: City-focused nonprofit promoting international exchange and global engagement in the Philadelphia region. Operates a similar model of community-hosted international delegations, member events, and global leadership programming as Global New Orleans.
• Global Atlanta: City-level nonprofit and media platform focused on international engagement, exchange, and global business for the Atlanta region. Closely comparable city-scope civic diplomacy model to Global New Orleans.
• Cultural Vistas: Nonprofit that administers U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange programs (including alumni of IVLP, YLAI, and similar fellowships) and places international professionals with U.S. host organizations — a direct functional peer for Global New Orleans' fellowship and IVLP work.
• Sister Cities International: A nonprofit membership network coordinating people-to-people diplomacy and exchange between U.S. and international cities. Highly comparable to Global New Orleans' mission of citizen diplomacy, hosting international delegations, and facilitating cross-cultural community exchange.
• World Affairs Council of America: National federation of independent councils that host international visitors, run speaker programs, and run youth/global leadership programming in local communities — closely mirroring Global New Orleans' member events, lecture programming, and youth academy model.

Broad incumbents

• NAFSA: Association of International Educators: Largest U.S. nonprofit association for international education and exchange professionals. Not a direct program-delivery peer, but operates in the same civic/diplomatic exchange ecosystem and serves as an umbrella network for organizations like Global New Orleans.
• CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): Large nonprofit operating study abroad, work exchange, and professional fellowship programs globally. Comparable in mission and program categories (professional fellowships, cultural exchange), but with much larger scale and global delivery network.
• Institute of International Education (IIE): Major nonprofit administering the U.S. Department of State's flagship exchange programs (Fulbright, IVLP) at national scale. Overlaps with Global New Orleans on IVLP administration and professional fellowships, but operates at vastly greater scale and broader geographic footprint.
• American Councils for International Education: Nonprofit administering multiple U.S. government-funded exchange and professional fellowship programs. Overlaps directly with Global New Orleans' YLAI/YTILI-style programming but operates across far more host cities and program lines.

Emerging players

• Legacy International: Smaller nonprofit running U.S. State Department-funded professional exchange and youth leadership programs (e.g., YSEALI, Mandela Washington Fellowship). Highly comparable in program mix and audience, though operating across multiple host communities rather than one city.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xfacebook.com/globalneworleans
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/global-new-orleans

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Global New Orleans