An analysis of the history of U.S.-Soviet exchanges suggests answers to questions that a number of private foundations have raised about the range and effectiveness of such programs. Government-sponsored exchange activity grew from the late 1950's through the 1970's. Since the beginning of the Reagan administration, government funding has decreased and the private sector has taken up some of the slack. Both public and private programs have shared many objectives, including scholarly exchange, growth of trade, and mutual understanding. The objectives of private programs have also included education about political issues, promoting citizen exchange, and collaborative ventures in areas the government does not fund. Even though many Americans have participated in exchanges, they have received little publicity. Overall, U.S.-Soviet exchanges have been beneficial to the United States and have provided Soviet citizens with the chance to see positive aspects of American life. Areas that foundations might address include assessing past programs, promoting exchanges to the public, funding programs for young leaders, increasing collaborative ventures, identifying future problems, and involving new organizations. Finally, media treatment of U.S.-USSR relations should be studied and business encouraged to support normalization of trade relations. (IS)