Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Program FY 2026

> Download XLSX file: AEIF 2026 Budget Form.xlsx

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AEIF 2026 Moitoring and Evaluation Resource Guide

# AEIF 2026

Alumni Monitoring and Evaluation Resource Guide

Initiatives like AEIF projects are designed to influence change in behavior, attitudes, and knowledge. A strong project plan incorporates methods to track and measure these changes. This Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) resource guide will help get you started on developing a strong M&E plan for your project. Please note the following examples are not prescriptive and should be used to guide you through the development of your own indicators, questions, and data metrics.

• Key Terms and Definitions: Below are the definitions of common key M&E terminology.

• Developing Your Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: Using the following sample guiding questions, indicators, and data collection methods, you can start putting together an M&E plan:

• Additional Resources (Articles and Videos):

Here is a curated list of helpful online resources on M&E, both videos and articles:

ECA’s MODE Framework

The Indicator Book (Includes ECA-designed and approved survey questions to help you design a survey to measure your results?

Monitoring Concepts (YouTube Video)

• Evaluation Concepts (YouTube Video)

• Theories of Change (YouTube)

• Kirkpatrick’s Four Level Training Evaluation Model: (Training Projects)

• Measuring Nonprofit Social Impact: A Crash Course- How to Measure Social Impact

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AEIF 2026 Proposal Form

2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal Form

To be completed by exchange alumni team leaders or U.S. Embassy/Consulate

All sections in this form need to be completed in order for the proposal to be eligible for submission.

Application Form Guidance is provided at the end of this form.

Application Form Guidance

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Full Announcement

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund
Program FY 2026
U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia, Department of State
Opportunity number: SMK800-26-PAS001
Application deadline: April 24, 2026
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Contents
A. Basic Information ...................................................................................................................... 3
B. Eligibility .................................................................................................................................... 4
C. Program Description ................................................................................................................. 4
D. Application Contents and Format ............................................................................................ 6
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines ................................................................................ 8
F. Application Review Information ............................................................................................ 13
G. Award Notices .......................................................................................................................... 15
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration .................................................................... 16
I. Other Information ................................................................................................................... 18
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U.S Department of State
U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia
Notice of Funding Opportunity
A. Basic Information
1. Overview
Funding Opportunity Title Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Program FY 2026
Funding Opportunity Number SMK800-26-PAS001
Announcement Type Initial announcement
Deadline for Applications April 24, 2026,18:00 CET
Assistance Listing Number 19.022
Length of performance period Up to 12 months
Number of awards anticipated Two awards (dependent on amounts)
Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a
maximum of $35,000 (approximately)
Total available funding $70,000 pending availability of funds
Type of Funding FY 26 Educational and Cultural Exchanges (ECE)
Anticipated project start date September 2026
Funding Instrument Type: Grant or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements include
substantial involvement of the bureau or embassy in program implementation of the project. An
FAA can also include substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement are included
in section C below.
Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in twelve months or less.
This notice is subject to availability of funding.
2. Executive Summary
Priority Region: North Macedonia
Executive Summary
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 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026).
We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility
requirements below. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2026 should submit
proposals to SkopjeGrants@state.gov by April 24, 2026, 18:00 CET.
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B. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants
Non-for-profit organizations meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply:
• Organization is from North Macedonia.
• Applications must be submitted by alumni associations of USG exchange alumni or by a
team of at least two exchange alumni (individuals) through a not-for-profit, non-
governmental organization, think tank, or academic institution that will serve as partner
for implementing project activities.
• Applicant key staff/ project teams must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or
sponsored exchange program (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs) or a U.S.
government-sponsored exchange program (https://j1visa.state.gov/).
• Projects teams must include at least two (2) alumni.
• Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not participate as primary applicants but may
participate as team members in a project.
Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different
countries.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Applicants are encouraged to include cost sharing in their proposals. Cost sharing may take
various forms, such as in-kind support (services, labor, supplies, equipment, or volunteers), a
business providing food, an organization offering a venue at a reduced rate or free of charge, an
NGO sponsoring an activity, or an expert donating time to facilitate a seminar. Including cost
sharing demonstrates commitment and partnership and strengthens the overall proposal.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a
valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not
required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal
is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible
for funding.
C. Program Description
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1. Goals and 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, all AEIF projects must celebrate and promote the 250th
anniversary of the founding of the United States of America (America250) and align with
administration policy goals to make the U.S. safer, stronger and more prosperous, or defend
freedom of speech. 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.
2. Substantial Involvement
If the award is made as a cooperative agreement, the following are examples of substantial
involvement by PD:
• PD will engage in active collaboration with the recipient during the implementation of
the award, including participation in key project planning meetings and joint decision-
making on major activities.
• PD will review and provide written approval for the completion of specific project phases
or deliverables before the recipient may proceed to subsequent stages of the project.
• PD and the recipient will jointly prepare or present project results, such as co-authoring
reports, publications, or presentations, to ensure shared responsibility for project
outcomes and dissemination.
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• PD will participate in the selection process for program participants and/or the
determination of program venues, working with the recipient to ensure these choices
align with the project’s objectives and requirements.
• PD will exercise programmatic oversight that exceeds standard monitoring, including
direct involvement in critical project decisions, review and approval of significant
changes to project activities, and participation in quality assurance processes throughout
the award period.
D. Application Contents and Format
Applications and budgets must be submitted using the official AEIF 2026 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.
Content of Application
Please ensure:
• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
• The proposal addresses all questions in the official AEIF 2026 application form
• All documents are in English
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars and is submitted using the designated AEIF 2026 budget
form
• All pages are numbered
• All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum
of 1-inch margins.
The following documents are required:
1. Mandatory application forms
• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at
https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-4204-family (NOTE: The PDF forms
available on this portion of the site are for sample purposes only and cannot be submitted
with your application package. If you are applying for a grant, please complete and
submit your application using Grants.gov Workspace.)
• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at
https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family (NOTE: The PDF forms
available on this portion of the site are for sample purposes only and cannot be submitted
with your application package. If you are applying for a grant, please complete and
submit your application using Grants.gov Workspace.)
1. SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at
https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family (note: the SF-424B is only
required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov) (NOTE: The
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PDF forms available on this portion of the site are for sample purposes only and cannot
be submitted with your application package. If you are applying for a grant, please
complete and submit your application using Grants.gov Workspace.)
2. 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal Form
1. About your Project: Please provide information on the title of your project, the
requested budget total, and the primary location of the project. Projects need to
take place outside of the U.S. or its territories.
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. Problem Statement: A short narrative which outlines the proposed project,
including challenge/s to be addressed, project objectives, and anticipated impact.
4. Project Goals and Objectives: The goal/s of the proposed project need to
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.
5. 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.
6. Project Timeline: A timeline of your project activities.
7. Beneficiaries: An estimated number of direct and indirect beneficiaries of your
proposed project.
8. Local Project Partners: A list of partners who will support the proposed project,
if applicable.
9. 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 2026, ExchangeAlumni, and U.S. Embassy
branding.
10. 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.
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Note: Please refer to the attached M&E guide for additional guidance on
developing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan.
3. 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Budget Form with Budget 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.
4. Attachments:
• Official permission letters, if required for program activities
• Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
1. Address to Request Application Package
Application forms required above are available at https://mk.usembassy.gov/education-
culture/grants/ and https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family (NOTE: The
PDF forms available on this portion of the site are for sample purposes only and cannot be
submitted with your application package. If you are applying for a grant, please complete and
submit your application using Grants.gov Workspace).
2. Department of State Contacts
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:
SkopjeGrants@state.gov.
3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
Required Registrations
All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique
Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements
mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
(FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a
proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for
the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this
NOFO.
The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is
not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or
directed to a subrecipient.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from
4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.
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• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States
will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.
• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within
the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering
in SAM.gov.
• Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.
Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO
Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign
assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and
wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should
submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at
www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance
from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand
that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have
my registration activated.”
Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the
DoD should follow the below instructions:
Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration
process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.
Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD
in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:
Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website
linked below:
NCAGE Homepage:
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx
NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):
NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)
Exemptions
An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-
by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.
Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of
contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a
justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted
Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.
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4. Submission Dates and Times
Applications are due no later than April 24, 2026, 18:00 CET.
5. Funding Restrictions
i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be
made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any
payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws
If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be
within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the
following at the time of award:
1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is
material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of
title 31, United States Code and;
2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that
violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote
preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training
or hiring.
iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable
foreign funding disclosure requirements
Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that
this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:
1) Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States
Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is
material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for
receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.
iv. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan
Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of
award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the
United States exceeds $500,000:
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1) To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any
subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of
the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is
engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);
The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan
to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this
plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements
described in 2 CFR 175(b)(5).
2) That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent
activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and
terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the
recipient engaging in these activities.
Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide
it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and
relevant contents of the plan or related materials on their website and at the
workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award
period of performance.
v. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American
Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities
(a) Definitions.
American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on
a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council
(FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at
https://www.sam.gov
FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft
system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered
foreign entity.
Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of
direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft .
Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements
(including communication links and the components that control the unmanned
aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the
national airspace system.
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(b) Prohibition.Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity
(including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited
from:
(1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which
includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;
(2)Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of
the award; and
(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-
prohibited unmanned aircraft system .
c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not
apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and
the award indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823
through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for
statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].
vi. Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA)
Applicants for foreign assistance awards should be aware of requirements in 2 CFR Part
602, 603, and 604.
These policies are referred to collectively as the Promoting Human Flourishing in
Foreign Assistance (PHFFA) Policy.
602: The award term imposes certain abortion-related requirements on foreign
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, public international
organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.
603: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to gender ideology on foreign
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international
organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.
604: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to discriminatory equity
ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs,
international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.
The Department recognizes there are costs associated with these policies. Potential one-
time and recurring costs the Department identifies for recipients and grantees are for
familiarization with the policy, development and delivery of organizational training and
implementation guidance, routine compliance monitoring, and recordkeeping and
reporting requirements.
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vii. AEIF 2026 does not support the following activities or costs, and the selection committee
will deem applications involving any of these activities or costs ineligible:
• Staff salaries, office space, and overhead/operational expenses
• Social travel/visits
• Venture capital, for-profit endeavors, or charging a fee for participation in the
project
• Large items of durable equipment or construction programs
• Gifts or prizes
• Provision of direct social services to a population
• Alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments not integral to the project, or
entertainment
• Duplication of existing project
• Support for specific religious activities
• Charitable or development activities
• Provision of direct social services to a population
• Fund-raising campaigns
• Individual scholarships
• Institutional development of an organization
• Activities that take place in the United States and its territories
• Academic or scientific research
• Support or opposition of partisan political activity or lobbying for specific
legislation
• Travel for international alumni to the U.S.
6. Other Submission Requirements
All application materials must be submitted by email to SkopjeGrants@state.gov.
F. Application Review Information
1. Review Criteria
Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below.
Relevance to U.S. Policy Priorities
The proposal provides sufficient information on how the activities will celebrate and promote the
250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and addresses U.S. policy goals that align
with administration objectives to make the U.S. safer, stronger and more prosperous or defend
freedom of speech. The narrative explains any relevant local context or Mission priorities.
Proposed project ideas must be public diplomacy and public service oriented in nature (i.e., not
development or military).
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Purpose and Summary, Description, and Implementation Plan
When developing the purpose, summary, description, and implementation plan, applicants
should aim to make all descriptions clear, concise, and compelling. Reviewers will judge the
proposals based on the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the
community where it is undertaken. Does the project address an important gap of understanding
or need? If the aim of the project is achieved, how will existing knowledge or practice be
improved? What audience do the applicants hope to reach with this project? How many will
participate? How will they be selected?
Degree of Alumni Involvement
Projects must include the involvement of at least two
(2) exchange alumni. They may be the project team leaders or collaborate directly with PAS in
formulating the project. More than two alumni may comprise the team, however, the minimum
is two. As the team leaders, the alumni must be closely involved in project planning,
implementation, etc. Applicants should ensure that the proposal includes the following
information for each alumni team member: first name, last name, e-mail address, exchange
program, country of citizenship, roles and responsibilities, and degree of time spent on the
project.
Participation and Support from Local Partners
The proposal demonstrates buy-in and support from the community where the project will take
place. Local partner involvement is a strong sign that there is community support and that the
project will engage a broad array of experts, such as subject matter experts, community centers,
academic institutions, businesses, local/national government, non-governmental organizations,
American Spaces, etc.
Monitoring and Evaluation of the Project
A monitoring & evaluation (M&E) plan is pivotal to project
implementation and important tracking progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. An
M&E plan should consider the data needed to effectively monitor progress toward specific
outputs and outcomes as well as how that data collection will be accomplished. Well-crafted
indicators should be used to understand a program’s progress toward the desired results. An
M&E plan should be reviewed for the following:
• Completeness
• Applicability and logic of objectives and indicators
• Clear approach to monitoring
• Adherence to SMART criteria
• Data quality plan
• Capacity to implement plan
Communication, Media, and Outreach Plan
The project should include a clear plan and timeline for how and when the team will share
information about the project. It is important to ensure that the U.S. Embassy gets recognition
throughout the process, if circumstances permit.
Budget and Budget Narrative
The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation
to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all
necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. The results and proposed outcomes justify
the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.
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2. Indirect Costs
If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in
this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as
consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as
a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.
3. Review and Selection Process
The U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section will use the criteria outlined above to evaluate
all applications.
4. Risk Review
i. Risk factors
Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the
Department will review and consider the following risk factors:
a. Financial stability
b. Management systems and standards
c. History of performance
d. Audit reports and findings
e. Ability to effectively implement requirements
G. Award Notices
The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the
Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the
recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project
expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.
If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any
additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of
performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.
Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.
government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation
and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all
proposals received.
Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by September 30, 2026, via
email.
Payment Method:
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Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF-270—Request for
Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer.
Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of
State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 payment request, a detailed
explanation justifying the request.
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and
required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.
These include:
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part
200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State
will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs,
pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following:
• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2
CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly
on:
o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the
program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award
applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with
Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free
Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O.
13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods,
products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and
o Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms
and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no
longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).
For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination
that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision
permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it
determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.
• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD
MANAGEMENT
• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
INFORMATION
16

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• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE
WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list can be
found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/
2. Reporting
Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and
program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often
these reports must be submitted. All reports must be signed and certified by an authorized
representative of the Recipient organization. All financial reports must be submitted using
form SF-425—Federal Financial Report. As appropriate, performance reports must contain:
a comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives of the federal award established for
the period; the reasons why established goals were not met; and additional pertinent
information including an analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs. The
award document will specify additional reporting requirements.
Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must
make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data
through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign
assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and
disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal
funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award
documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector
and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate
accounting records.
3. Branding and Marking
The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should
be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.
Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at
Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding
policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 10
FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.
For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/
17

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I. Other Information
Guidelines for Budget Justification
Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or
permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the
percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.
Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants
or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a
brief statement of justification for that travel.
Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the
program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the
program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit.
Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are
needed for the program. If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, then put it in the budget
under Equipment.
Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract
with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the
program activities.
Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in
the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable
taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.
Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as
overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a
Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a
copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect
costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.
“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S.
Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.
Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.
18

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SF-424

OMB Number: 4040-0004
Expiration Date: 11/30/2025
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
1. Type of Submission: 2. Type of Application: * If Revision, select appropriate letter(s):
Preapplication New
Application Continuation * Other (Specify):
Changed/Corrected Application Revision
* 3. Date Received: 4. Applicant Identifier:
5a. Federal Entity Identifier: 5b. Federal Award Identifier:
State Use Only:
6. Date Received by State: 7. State Application Identifier:
8. APPLICANT INFORMATION:
* a. Legal Name:
b. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN): c. UEI:
d. Address:
* Street1:
Street2:
* City:
County/Parish:
* State:
Province:
* Country: USA: UNITED STATES
* Zip / Postal Code:
e. Organizational Unit:
Department Name: Division Name:
f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application:
Prefix: * First Name:
Middle Name:
* Last Name:
Suffix:
Title:
Organizational Affiliation:
* Telephone Number: Fax Number:
* Email:

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Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
* 9. Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type:
Type of Applicant 2: Select Applicant Type:
Type of Applicant 3: Select Applicant Type:
* Other (specify):
* 10. Name of Federal Agency:
11. Assistance Listing Number:
Assistance Listing Title:
* 12. Funding Opportunity Number:
* Title:
13. Competition Identification Number:
Title:
14. Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.):
Add Attachment Delete Attachment View Attachment
* 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project:
Form Attachments:
Add Attachment
Delete Attachment
Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions.
Add Attachments Delete Attachments View Attachments
View Attachment
Done

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Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
16. Congressional Districts Of:
a. Applicant b. Program/Project
Attach an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts if needed.
Add Attachment Delete Attachment View Attachment
17. Proposed Project:
a. Start Date: b. End Date:
18. Estimated Funding ($):
* a. Federal
* b. Applicant
* c. State
* d. Local
* e. Other
* f. Program Income
* g. TOTAL
* 19. Is Application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?
a. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for review on .
b. Program is subject to E.O. 12372 but has not been selected by the State for review.
c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372.
* 20. Is the Applicant Delinquent On Any Federal Debt? (If "Yes," provide explanation in attachment.)
Yes No
If "Yes", provide explanation and attach
Add Attachment Delete Attachment View Attachment
21. By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications* and (2) that the statements
herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances** and agree to
comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may
subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001)
** I AGREE
** The list of certifications and assurances, or an internet site where you may obtain this list, is contained in the announcement or agency
specific instructions.
Authorized Representative:
Prefix: * First Name:
Middle Name:
* Last Name:
Suffix:
* Title:
* Telephone Number: Fax Number:
* Email:
Signature of Authorized Representative: Date Signed:

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SF-424A

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SF-424B

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