Description
The Embassy of the United States in Rangoon 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. Alumni are strongly encouraged to apply to this notice of funding opportunity even if currently residing outside of Burma. 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, AEIF 2023 will support United States’ commitment to support international and domestic efforts restore Burma’s path to inclusive democracy, increasing the country’s long-term stability and economic prosperity. U.S. Embassy in Rangoon will accept public service projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two (2) U.S. Exchange alumni that support the following themes: · Promotion of an inclusive society and reducing ethnic/religious conflict · Media literacy and countering disinformation · Human rights advocacy · Programs that build linkages between Myanmar and U.S. institutions 1. Cost Sharing Inclusion of cost share is not a requirement of this opportunity. 2. Grant Program Area: Proposals must address a thematic area from the program objectives outlined in section A. 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. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements If the grant will be processed with an individual, that individual is not required to have a UEI (Unique Entity ID) number or be registered in SAM.gov. However, should the grant be processed with an organization that is a partner in the project, that 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. A. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package Application and budget templates are available in Mandatory application forms below. Content and Form of Application Submission Applications and budgets must be submitted using the official AEIF 2023 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 2023 application form. · All documents are in English. · The budget is in U.S. dollars and is submitted using the designated AEIF 2023 budget form. · All pages are numbered. The following documents and information are required: 1. Mandatory application forms a. AEIF Application Form b. AEIF Budget Form c. SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) d. SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) e. SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) 2. 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. 3. Proposal Summary: A short narrative which outlines the proposed project, including challenge/s to be addressed, project objectives, and anticipated impact. 4. Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed project is needed. 5. Project Goals and Objectives: The goal/s of the proposed project must 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. 6. 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. 7. Local Project Partners: A list of partners who will support the proposed project, if applicable. 8. 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 use to share information about the project to beneficiaries and the public. Communications should include AEIF 2023, Exchange Alumni, and U.S. Embassy branding. 9. 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. 10. Budget Justification 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 2023 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