2023 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2023)

The Embassy of the United States in North Macedonia 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 2023 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2023). We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements below. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2023 should submit proposals to SkopjeGrants@state.gov by February 27, 2023.

A. 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. Since its inception in 2011, AEIF has funded nearly 500 alumni-led projects around the world through a competitive global competition. This year, the U.S. Embassy will accept public service projects proposed by local USG Alumni organizations and managed by teams of at least two (2) alumni which directly support the Embassy’s goals and foreign policy objectives, promote shared interests, and benefit local communities. Team members are expected to address a specific theme such as:

· Reinforcing democratic values;

· Promoting rule of law and anti-corruption;

· Increasing social cohesion among ethnic and political groups and regional partners;

· Empowering youth, women, and other marginalized groups;

· Countering disinformation; and

· Fostering ties between North Macedonia and U.S.A.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Announcement posted: November 28, 2022

Closing date for applications: February 27, 2023.

Funding type: Small grant awards

Decision date: no later than July 15, 2023.

Expected size of individual awards: Between $5,000 to $35,000.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in twelve (12) months or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants:

Non-for-profit originations meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply:

· Organization is from North Macedonia.

· Applications must be submitted by alumni associations of USG exchange alumni or by a team of at least two exchange alumni (individuals) through a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, think tank, or academic institution that will serve as partner for implementing project activities.

· Applicant key staff/ project teams 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 at least two (2) alumni.

· Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not participate as primary applicants but may participate as team members in a project.

· Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries.

2. Cost Sharing

Inclusion of cost share is not a requirement of this opportunity.

3. Grant Program Area:

Proposals must address “Strengthen North Macedonia’s democracy and implementation of reforms to improve its reliability and capability as a U.S. partner.” Proposals that do not address the theme as outlined in the program objectives will be deemed ineligible. All project activities must take place in North Macedonia.

4. Other Eligibility Requirements

The organization must have a UEI, as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and to non-discrimination practices with regard to beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal.

Non-for-profit originations meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply:• Organization is from North Macedonia.• Applications must be submitted by alumni associations of USG exchange alumni. Other not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions are not eligible to apply, but can serve as partners for implementing project activities. • Applicant key staff/ project teams 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 at least two (2) alumni. • Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not participate as primary applicants but may participate as team members in a project.• Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries.