alumni engagement innovation fund NOW OPEN (AEIF 2023)
Applications Deadline: Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates to Brazil 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 U.S. government-sponsored exchange alumni or involvement of an alumni association that meet all program eligibility requirements below.
Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2023 should submit proposals Brazilgrants@state.gov by February 28, 2023.
PROGRAMME DISCRIPTION
AEIF provides alumni of U.S. 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.
Pending availability of funds, AEIF will consider proposals between $5,000 and $35,000.
This year, AEIF 2023 will support United States’ commitment to the Integrated Country Strategy Goals to Brazil.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil will accept public service projects that support themes such as:Mission Goal 1: The United States and Brazil Strengthen Democracy and Human Rights
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
The following individuals are eligible to apply:
a. Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded exchange program (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs) or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program (https://j1visa.state.gov/).
b. Projects teams must include teams of at least two (2) alumni or with the involvement of an alumni association.
c. Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals, but U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project.
d. Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries.
e. Applications must be submitted by 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.
Inclusion of cost share is not a requirement of this opportunity.
1. Grant Program Area:
a. Proposals must address Integrated Country Strategy Goals to Brazil.
b. Proposals that do not address the theme as outlined in the program objectives will be deemed ineligible.
c. All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories.
Other Eligibility Requirements:
a. If the grant will be processed with an individual, that individual is not required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number or be registered in SAM.gov.
b. However, should the grant be processed with an organization that is a partner in the project, that organization must have a unique entity identifier (UEI), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.
c. Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and to non-discrimination practices regarding beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Application and budget templates are available at Grants Corner – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil (br.usembassy.gov)
Content and Form of Application Submission
a. Applications and budgets must be submitted using the official AEIF 2023 application and budget forms.
b. 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:
a. The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.
b. The proposal addresses all questions in the official AEIF 2023 application form.
c. All documents are in English.
d. The budget is in U.S. dollars and is submitted using the designated AEIF 2023 budget form.
e. All pages are numbered.
Mandatory application forms:
a. SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals).
b. SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs).
c. SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs).
d. All forms can be found at the Grants.gov Website.
Project Team Information:
a. At least two exchange alumni team members are required for a project to be considered for funding.
b. 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.
c. Applicants need to indicate what proportion of the team member’s time will be used in support of the project.
d. Proposal Summary: A short narrative which outlines the proposed project, including challenge/s to be addressed, project objectives, and anticipated impact
Project Goals and Objectives:
a. 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.
b. Objectives should be specific, measurable, and realistically achievable in a set time frame.
Project Methods, Design, Timeline and Project Partners:
a. 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.
b. The proposed timeline for the project activities should include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
c. Applicants may also submit proposed workshop or training agendas and materials.
d. A list of partners who will support the proposed project, if applicable.
Communication Plan:
a. 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 use to share information about the project to beneficiaries and the public.
b. Communications should include AEIF 2023, Exchange Alumni, and U.S. Embassy and Consulates to Brazil branding.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:
a. 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.
b. This should include any outcomes showing a change in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes; improved quality of services; increased capacity at a school, group; etc.
c. Proposals should also include how the grantee will measure the impact of planned activities.
Budget Justification Narrative:
a. Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative justification utilizing the template provided.
b. Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail.
c. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.
AEIF 2023 does not support the following activities or costs, and the selection committee will deem applications involving any of these activities or costs ineligible:
a. Any airfare to/from the United States and its territories
b. Activities that take place in the United States and its territories
c. Staff salaries, office space, and overhead/operational expenses
d. Large items of durable equipment or construction programs
e. Alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments, or entertainment
f. Academic or scientific research
g. Charitable or development activities
h. Provision of direct social services to a population
i. Individual scholarships
j. Social travel/visits
k. Gifts or prizes
l. Duplication of existing programs
m. Institutional development of an organization
n. Venture capital, for-profit endeavors, or charging a fee for participation in project
o. Support for specific religious activities
p. Fund-raising campaigns
q. Support or opposition of partisan political activity or lobbying for specific legislation
