A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 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 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
[email protected] by January 30, 2024. Priority Region: North Macedonia 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’s goals and foreign policy objectives, promote shared interests, and benefit local communities. This year, AEIF 2024 will support United States’ commitment to “Deepen North Macedonia’s democracy and implementation of reforms to improve its reliability and capability as a U.S. partner”. Proposals 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; • Supporting North Macedonia’s transition to diversified, sustainable, and renewable sources of energy in order to accelerate regional energy independence; • Countering disinformation; and • Fostering ties between North Macedonia and U.S.A. Proposals must address 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 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; and · Teachers and academic professionals. 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.