The Embassy of the United States in Chisinau announces an open competition for past participants (“alumni”) of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the 2024 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2024).
We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements below. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2024 should submit proposals to zahariaa@state.gov by February 15, 2024.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
AEIF provides alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs with funding to expand on skills gained during their exchange experience to design and implement innovative solutions to global challenges facing their community.
The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau will accept projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two (2) alumni that will work together with alumni that are established abroad to develop public service-oriented projects that directly support Moldova’s development.
The projects should address the following topics:
- Building alumni synergies: encourage alumni and diaspora to mobilize social change.
- Moldovan alumni from around the world support Moldova’s growth and democratic path.
FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Closing date for applications: January 15, 2024.
Funding type: Small grant awards
Decision date: no later than March 31, 2024.
Expected size of individual awards: $5,000 to $35,000
Length of performance period: 24 months
Disclaimer: This notice is subject to availability of funding. U.S. Embassy Chisinau does not guarantee availability of funding by receiving applications under this announcement. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Eligible Applicants
The following individuals are eligible to apply:
- Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs) or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program ( https://j1visa.state.gov/ ).
- Projects teams must include teams of at least two (2) alumni.
- Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals, but U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project.
- Alumni teams may be composed of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries.
- Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations of USG exchange alumni. Not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions are not eligible to apply in the name of the organization but can serve as partners for implementing project activities.
Cost Sharing or Matching
Inclusion of cost share is not a requirement of this opportunity.
Other eligibility requirements
In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Address to Request Application Package
Application and budget templates can be downloaded here:
- AEIF 2024 Proposal Form (.docx 65 KB)
- AEIF 2024 Budget Form (.xlsx 37 KB)
Applications and budgets must be submitted using the official AEIF 2024 application and budget forms.
Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.
Please ensure:
- The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity;
- The proposal addresses all questions in the official AEIF 2024 application form;
- All documents are in English;
- The budget is in U.S. dollars and is submitted using the designated AEIF 2024 budget form;
- All pages are numbered.
The following documents and information are required:
Mandatory application forms
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance -individuals)
- SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)
All the mandatory forms required above are available for download on the Related Documents tab on grants.gov opportunity page.
2024 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal Form
About your Project: Please provide information on the title of your project, the requested budget total, and the primary location of the project. Projects need to take place outside of the U.S. or its territories.
Project Team Information: At least two exchange alumni team members are required for a project to be considered for funding. Applications need to provide the name and contact information, describe the role each team member will have in the project, and their experience, qualifications, and ability to carry out that role. Applicants need to indicate what proportion of the team member’s time will be used in support of the project.
Problem Statement: A short narrative which outlines the proposed project, including challenge/s to be addressed, project objectives, and anticipated impact.
Project Goals and Objectives: The goal/s of the proposed project need to describe what the project is intended to achieve and include the objectives which support the goal/s. Objectives should be specific, measurable, and realistically achievable in a set time frame.
Project Methods, Design, and Timeline: A description of how the project is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal/s. This should include a description of the project’s direct and indirect beneficiaries as well as a plan on how to continue the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. The proposed timeline for the project activities should include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Applicants may also submit proposed workshop or training agendas and materials.
Project Timeline: A timeline of your project activities.
Beneficiaries: An estimated number of direct and indirect beneficiaries of your proposed project.
Local Project Partners: A list of partners who will support the proposed project, if applicable.
Communication Plan: The communication plan should include a communication and outreach strategy for promoting the proposed project. It may include social media, websites, print news, or other forms of media intended to share information about the project to beneficiaries and the public. Communications should include AEIF 2024, ExchangeAlumni, and U.S. Embassy branding.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: The Monitoring and Evaluation component of the proposal should outline in detail how the proposal’s activities will advance the program’s goals and objectives. This should include any outcomes showing a change in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes; improved quality of services; increased capacity at a school, group; etc. Proposals should also include how the grantee will measure the impact of planned activities.
2024 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Budget Form with Budget Narrative: Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative justification utilizing the template provided. Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.
Budget Restrictions: AEIF 2024 does not support the following activities or costs, and the selection committee will deem applications involving any of these activities or costs ineligible:
- Any airfare to/from the United States and its territories
- Activities that take place in the United States and its territories
- Staff salaries, office space, and overhead/operational expenses
- Large items of durable equipment or construction programs
- Alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments, or entertainment
- Academic or scientific research
- Charitable or development activities
- Provision of direct social services to a population
- Individual scholarships
- Social travel/visits
- Gifts or prizes
- Duplication of existing programs
- Institutional development of an organization
- Venture capital, for-profit endeavors, or charging a fee for participation in project
- Support for specific religious activities
- Fund-raising campaigns
- Support or opposition of partisan political activity or lobbying for specific legislation
FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
Questions about the grant application process should be directed to: zahariaa@state.gov
