The U.S. Mission to North Macedonia is offering the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Program for FY 2025, aimed at supporting innovative projects led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Eligible applicants, specifically non-profit organizations from North Macedonia, must submit proposals that involve teams of at least two alumni, addressing themes such as democratic values, rule of law, social cohesion, and community-driven change. With an estimated total funding of $70,000, the program anticipates awarding two grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, with applications due by April 30, 2025. Interested parties can reach out to Aleksandar Jovanovic at SkopjeGrants@state.gov for further information.

AEIF-2025-Budget-Form.xlsx

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) proposal outlines a framework for requesting funds for projects that engage alumni in specific activities. The document emphasizes the importance of itemized budget justification for various cost categories, including contractual services, supplies, travel, lodging, equipment, and other direct costs. It specifies allowable expenses and lists costs that are not supported by AEIF, such as airfare to and from the U.S., academic research, and certain entertainment expenses. Detailed guidelines on budgeting for speakers, consultants, and travel arrangements are provided, stressing the need for economic decisions regarding costs, such as per diem rates and hotel accommodations. The structure includes a comprehensive budget form where applicants must provide detailed breakdowns of funding requests, ensuring that proposals align with AEIF's goals of supporting innovative alumni programs. Overall, the document serves as a guideline for organizations seeking federal grants through the AEIF, aiming to streamline the proposal process while maintaining accountability and transparency regarding funded projects.

AEIF-2025-Proposal-Form.docx

The FY2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal is aimed at securing funding for projects led by U.S. Government-sponsored exchange alumni. Applications must be completed fully and include details such as the project title, budget, location, and involved team members. The proposal requires at least two alumni members, one acting as the team lead, detailing their roles and qualifications. Applicants must outline a project summary (limited to 250 words) that identifies specific needs and goals, along with SMART objectives that guide the project. A comprehensive project design and methods section must describe planned activities, beneficiaries, a timeline, and local partners involved. The proposal emphasizes communication strategies for outreach and methods for monitoring and evaluating project success. Collectively, the guidelines underscore the importance of thorough planning and community involvement in promoting impactful alumni-led initiatives. Overall, this proposal process is a critical component of the federal government's strategy to foster engagement and innovation among alumni networks across various contexts.

AEIF.bin

NOFO.bin

Program Objectives: 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&#8217;s goals and foreign policy objectives, promote shared interests, and benefit local communities. This year, AEIF 2025 will support United States&#8217; commitment to &#8220;Deepen North Macedonia&#8217;s democracy and implementation of reforms to improve its reliability and capability as a U.S. partner&#8221;. Proposals are expected to address a specific theme such as: &#8226; Reinforcing democratic values; &#8226; Promoting rule of law and anti-corruption; &#8226; Increasing social cohesion among ethnic and political groups and regional partners; &#8226; Empowering youth, women, and other marginalized groups; &#8226; Supporting North Macedonia&#8217;s transition to diversified, sustainable, and renewable sources of energy in order to accelerate regional energy independence; &#8226; Countering disinformation; &#8226; Fostering civic responsibility, public service, or community-driven change, especially in underserved communities; &#8226; Promoting cross-cultural understanding, celebrating heritage, culture, and/or arts as a catalyst for progress; and &#8226; Fostering ties between North Macedonia and U.S.A. Proposals must address at minimum one of the themes listed here. Proposals that do not address the theme as outlined in the program objectives will be deemed ineligible. All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories. Participants and Audiences Applicants should clearly define specific, realistic, target audience(s). Broad target audiences such as the general public, youth, everyone, etc., should be avoided. Audiences who are considered a priority for grants funded under this NOFO are: Youth and young adult leaders between 13 and 30 years; Community leaders and local officials; Teachers and academic professionals; and Underserved, under-resourced, and rural communities. Please note that proposals addressing audiences not listed above can still be eligible, but such proposals must clearly indicate why addressing the proposed audience is especially important to achieving the goals stated in this NOFO.

Aleksandar Jovanovic &lt;br/&gt;Grantor &lt;br/&gt;Phone 0038923102218

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Program FY 2025

official webiste of the Embassy in Skopje

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&#8217;s goals and foreign policy objectives, promote shared interests, and benefit local communities. This year, AEIF 2025 will support United States&#8217; commitment to &#8220;Deepen North Macedonia&#8217;s democracy and implementation of reforms to improve its reliability and capability as a U.S. partner&#8221;. Proposals are expected to address a specific theme such as:   &#8226; Reinforcing democratic values; &#8226; Promoting rule of law and anti-corruption; &#8226; Increasing social cohesion among groups;  &#8226; Empowering tomorrow&#8217;s leaders;  &#8226; Supporting North Macedonia&#8217;s energy independence; &#8226; Cyber Security and Combating Malign Propaganda;  &#8226; Fostering civic responsibility, public service, or community-driven change, especially in local communities;  &#8226; Promoting cross-cultural understanding, celebrating heritage, culture, and/or arts as a catalyst for progress; and &#8226; Fostering ties between North Macedonia and U.S.A. Proposals must address at minimum one of the themes listed here. Proposals that do not address the theme as outlined in the program objectives will be deemed ineligible. All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories.  Participants and Audiences Applicants should clearly define specific, realistic, target audience(s). Broad target audiences such as the general public, youth, everyone, etc., should be avoided. Audiences who are considered a priority for grants funded under this NOFO are:  Youth and young adult leaders between 13 and 30 years; Community leaders and local officials; Teachers and academic professionals; and Local communities.  Please note that proposals addressing audiences not listed above can still be eligible, but such proposals must clearly indicate why addressing the proposed audience is especially important to achieving the goals stated in this NOFO.

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