Notice of Funding Opportunity for Alumni Programming

Description

A. 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. 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 professional development of the U.S. Embassy Cairo exchange alumni community. The objective of these programs and projects is to amplify return on the investment the U.S. Government has made in 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. Specific proposals may address one or more of the following activities below, or may also recommend other innovative alumni programming options. 1) Alumni Unite: This program includes the design, recruitment, and implementation of a multi-day, thematic retreat for approximately 150 alumni to engage, network, and enhance their professional development. Alumni Unite helps alumni expand their personal and professional networks and skills to aid their local communities and be more successful in their professional careers. (Note: Proposals for this program are anticipated to average between $40,000-$50,000.) 2) Give It Back: This multi-cycle program (approximately two cycles per year) entails a mini-grants competition to support alumni-designed and implemented projects that target specific needs and affect positive change in their communities. Historically this has included two cycles of grants annually to fund approximately ten projects in each cycle, for a total of 20 projects. (Note: Proposals for this program are anticipated to be between $40,000-$50,000.) 3) Professional Development: This program includes day-long capacity building sessions in various governorates in Egypt on topics that would benefit alumni in their professional capacities. (Note: Proposals for this program are anticipated to be between $20,000-$30,000.) 4) Teambuilding: This component would include thematic, quarterly training sessions, presentations by experts, or activities to improve alumni awareness of teamwork, teach skills to allow alumni to build synergies and collaborate to effect positive change in their communities, expand capacities to understand different perspectives, and strengthen shared understanding of the vision and mission of the U.S. Embassy’s alumni network and activities. (Note: Proposals for this program are anticipated to be between $10,000-$15,000.) 5) Community Development Programs: This component allows alumni to leverage their specialized skills and talents to benefit their communities. Alumni teams (of a minimum of three USG exchange alumni) identify a need in their communities, bring people together to meet that need, and create lasting social change. (Note: Proposals for this program are anticipated to be between $5,000-$10,000.) The proposal should include detailed budget estimates for rental fees, salaries for employees of the implementing organization, travel costs, food and beverages, etc. The proposal should also discuss potential involvement and participation from U.S. Embassy staff. Applicants may submit only one proposal; multiple proposals will not be considered. Projects for business development (e.g. pursuing strategic opportunities to acquire new business, furthering revenue or growth goals, or cultivating partnerships or commercial relationships) will not be considered. The following types of programs also are not eligible for funding: · Programs relating to partisan political activity; · Construction programs; · Programs that support specific religious activities; · Fund-raising campaigns; · Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; · Scientific research; · Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of an organization; or · Projects seeking funds for personal use. Participants and Audiences: Proposals should be targeted towards alumni of USG exchange programs. (An alumnus is a person who has participated in an U.S. Department of State funded exchange program or a program funded by the U.S. Embassy in Egypt.) 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 to participate in one of the more than 40 exchange programs sponsored by U.S. Embassy Cairo. Strong proposals will adhere to one of the categories highlighted above and will factor in the international experiences, diversity, and needs of the target audience. For additional information regarding federal funding information, eligibility information, application and submission information, submission dates and times, and application review information, please visit U.S. Embassy Cairo's website.

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