U.S. Embassy Riga’s Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2022) Grant for U.S.-Latvia Diplomatic Relations Projects

The Embassy of the United States in Riga, Latvia 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 2022 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2022). We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements below. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2022 should submit proposals to us.embassy.riga@gmail.com by January 31, 2022. 

AEIF provides alumni of U.S. 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.  

U.S. Embassy Riga will accept projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two (2) alumni that support the theme: 100th Anniversary of U.S. – Latvia Diplomatic Relations. The projects should be aimed at a general audience and should 1) reflect upon a century of U.S.-Latvia relations, 2) consider the future of U.S.-Latvia relations, and 3) promote Translatlantic values. 

Examples of possible projects may include: 

• An event that highlights inspirational/motivational talks from various U.S. Exchange Program Alumni to share their experiences and how they aim to shape the next 100 years of U.S.-Latvia relations 
• Engagement for youth audience to reflect on U.S. – Latvia relationships over 100 years and encourage dialogue on how youth can shape this relationship through civic engagement and participation  

Announcement posted:  Nov. 15, 2021 

Closing date for applications:  January 31, 2022.  

Funding type: Small grant awards 

Decision date: no later than February 11. 

Expected size of individual awards:  Between $10,000 to $40,000. 

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should take place and be completed during the time period of June – December, 2022. 

Eligible Applicants:  

The following individuals are eligible to apply: 

• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded 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 teams of at least two (2) alumni.  
• Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals, but U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project. 
• Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries.  
• Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni. Not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions are not eligible to apply in the name of the organization but can serve as partners for implementing project activities. If application is submitted by not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, think tank, and academic institution, then alumni must ensure that it is a member of the particular organisation/insitution and will carry out the project. 

Grant Program Area:   

Proposals must address the theme: 100th Anniversary of U.S. – Latvia Diplomatic Relations. Proposals that do not address the theme as outlined in the program objectives will be deemed ineligible. All project activities must take place in Latvia. 

Other Eligibility Requirements 

If the grant will be processed with an individual, that individual is not required to have a DUNS 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 unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), 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. 

Grants may not be used for partisan political activity. However, public education, get-out-the-vote, election monitoring and other non-partisan election activities may be supported. 

Grants may be used to promote non-discrimination and tolerance for disadvantaged minorities, but should not be used to promote the particular agenda of a specific group, practice, or lifestyle over any other. Close attention should be given to applications addressing tolerance and human rights (focusing on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation), volunteerism, and trafficking in persons. Before awarding any grant related to these issues, Embassy staff must brief grantees on the distinction between support for human rights and our inability to advocate for a specific lifestyle or the views of any specific organization. 

Grants cannot support any goals of religious nature. 

Grants cannot support the creation of any media content or support journalist salaries. 

Proposed projects should target primarily Latvian audiences. 

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

Address to Request Application Package  

Application and budget templates are available at: https://app.box.com/s/l253akcsd5lz7z295yl0j88k8yuvmf9g 

Content and Form of Application Submission 

Applications and budgets must be submitted using the official AEIF 2022 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 2022 application form; 
• All documents are in English;  
• The budget is in U.S. dollars and is submitted using the designated AEIF 2022 budget form; 
• All pages are numbered. 

The following documents and information are required:   

1. Mandatory application forms (available at: https://app.box.com/s/l253akcsd5lz7z295yl0j88k8yuvmf9g)  
2. SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) 
3. SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)  
4. SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)  

Note: If you apply as an individual, fill out forms that are listed in Individual folder. If you apply as ang NGO, fill out forms that are listed in NGO folder. 

1. 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. 
2. Proposal Summary: A short narrative which outlines the proposed project, including challenge/s to be addressed, project objectives, and anticipated impact. 
3. 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.  
4. 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.  
5. Local Project Partners: A list of partners who will support the proposed project, if applicable. 
6. 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 2022, ExchangeAlumni, and U.S. Embassy branding.   
7. 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.  
8. 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 2022 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  

REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS 

For more information, reach out to: JurgelaneS@state.gov

Disclaimer: This notice is subject to availability of funding. U.S. Embassy Riga does not guarantee availability of funding by receiving applications under this announcement. Only successful applicants will be contacted. 

 FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 

The grant award will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant 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. 

Payment Method: Funds will be disbursed in two payments. First payment (80% of total funds allocated)will be paid once the agreement with the grantee will be finished and signed. Second payment (20% of total funds allocated) will be paid when final reports will be submitted and approved by the Grants Officer. 

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.  

Final descriptive report will need to be submitted to the Grants Officer no later than 30 days after the project has been completed. In addition to that, copies of invoices, agreements and other financial documents will be needed to ensure the transparency of the spending of funds.