Description
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Cairo Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for U.S. Government (USG) funded exchange alumni programming. The proposals must support alumni networking, professional development, community projects, and/or teambuilding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: The U.S. Embassy Cairo Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available to support programs and projects that aim to strengthen the development of the U.S. Embassy Cairo alumni community. The objectives of these programs and projects are to amplify the benefits to Egyptians from U.S. Government exchange programs and conduct strategic engagement to help alumni build on their exchange experiences, network with fellow alumni (either online or in-person) to expand their professional networks, and access alumni-only activities, competitions, and funding opportunities. Proposals should provide details of the estimated number of participants, activities, program phases, timelines, and budget estimates for each phase. Proposals may include more than one element, special consideration will be given to proposals that address all three. 1) Alumni Unite: This program includes the design, recruitment, and implementation of two or three, multi-day, thematic retreat for approximately 50-75 alumni in each retreat (150 total). The sessions will be an opportunity to engage, network, and enhance the professional development of alumni. Alumni Unite helps alumni expand their personal and professional networks and skills, aid their local communities, and be more successful in their professional careers. (Note: Proposals for this program are anticipated to average between $100,000-$125,000.) 2) Give it Back: This program entails managing a mini-grants competition to support smaller, alumni-designed and implemented projects that target specific needs and affect positive change in their communities. This program allows alumni to leverage their specialized skills and talents to benefit their communities. The grantee will manage subgrants of between $5000-$20,000 for alumni of USG exchange programs and for members of the Ambassador’s Youth Council. Generally, larger grants will be reserved for individuals with experience in managing grants and community programs. For the Give It Back activities, Alumni teams (of a minimum of three USG exchange alumni or members of the Ambassador’s Youth Council) identify a need in their communities, bring people together to meet that need, and create lasting social change. Grants should focus on one or more of the following areas: · Environmental awareness and climate action · Economic empowerment, especially for women · Inclusion of disadvantaged and marginalized groups · Capacity building for NGOs, civil society organizations or USG alumni · Countering disinformation · Engaging youth through the arts Special consideration for Give It Back subgrant funding will be given to entities and teams that coordinate with members of the Embassy’s Ambassador’s Youth Council. There will be two cycles of grants annually to fund approximately five to ten small grants (approximately $5,000 to $10,000) and one or two larger grants ($10,500-$20,000) in each cycle. (Note: Proposals for this program are anticipated to be between $100,000-$150,000.) 3) Alumni Development: This program entails sponsoring 3-4 alumni development programs per year. These programs may include workshops, training sessions, to build the mentorship, teamwork, communication and other career skills of the alumni community. Programs may also include initiatives to develop alumni chapters and programming outside of the Cairo region. Programs may include day-long capacity building sessions, online workshops, multi-day retreats, or a combination of all of these. Programs should be held in various governorates in Egypt on topics that would benefit alumni in their professional capacities. (Note: Grants for this program are anticipated to be between $100,000-$125,000.) Participants and Audiences: Proposals should be targeted towards alumni of USG exchange programs. Alumni are people who participated in U.S. Department of State-funded exchange programs or a program supported by the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, including the Ambassador’s Youth Council. The exchange program alumni network managed by U.S. Embassy Cairo consists of thousands of Egyptians and it is extremely diverse. Alumni range from high school students to senior-level professionals and decision makers. Alumni represent all governorates in Egypt and have experience in various fields. All of the alumni have travelled to the United States, or participated virtually in one of the more than 40 exchange programs sponsored by U.S. Embassy Cairo. Strong proposals will adhere to at least one of the categories highlighted above and will factor in the international experiences, diversity, and needs of the target audience. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding is FY2022 Public Diplomacy Funding.