Request for Applications
US Alumni Outreach Grants Program
The Alumni Grants program is aimed at maintaining contacts with U.S. Government-funded exchange and training program alumni and encouraging networking among alumni and their colleagues in fields that promote democratic advancement, civic education, association building, youth projects, and economic reform.
The objectives and Thematic Priorities of the Grant Competition
The maximum funding available is $3,000 for individuals and $5,000 for organizations. Travel grants (to attend international conferences) will be a maximum of $1,000 to partially cover international transportation, airport transfers, conference fees and/or per diem.
The USG Alumni Outreach Grant purposes are:
· To initiate a public or community service program;
· To provide support for alumni association events;
· To organize training programs or conferences for professional colleagues and/or other alumni;
· To request grants for professional travel to the U.S. or within Europe and Eurasia, including regional alumni events;
· To organize alumni networking events;
· To develop and publish curricula, textbooks, or related reference or educational materials for a training program or conference;
· To publish public information pamphlets or brochures on topics that further USG assistance goals; and
· To conduct other projects that support democratic and economic reform initiatives, civic education, association building and youths
Basic conditions and criteria for eligibility
The grant can be given to an Armenian-registered NGO (non-profit, non-government organization) that has USG alumni as members or to individual alumni. American and third-country organizations and individuals are not eligible for grants. Alumni and recipients of all US Government-funded exchange and training programs, including ECA, USAID, USDA trainings, as well as other target groups with an alumni connection are eligible. The project purpose should be specific. Results should be measurable and realistic. The proposal should explain the benefits of the project after completion of the grant. The project should aim to benefit as many people as possible.
Grant Applications must be written in English. The applicants are encouraged to use the format attached to this form.
Alumni applying for travel grant should mention at least three international professional journals where they would like to publish their presentation. Upon return from the conference they should make a presentation (s) in Armenia on the same topic.
Project activities can only start after the signature of the Grant Agreement. Costs incurred before the signature of the agreement will not be reimbursed. Program dates cannot exceed one year. Funds shall be used within the fiscal year in which they are granted.
Grant Application Procedures
All USG Alumni interested in application for the USG Alumni Outreach Grant should submit:
· Completed grant application form (attached);
· Budget and budget narrative
· CV’s of USG Alumni;
· Other materials that the applicant feels necessary for accurate evaluation of the project proposal.
Applications should be delivered to US Embassy (1 American Avenue, Yerevan) or e-mailed to mkrtchyanl@state. gov. The deadline for receipt of applications is May 03, 2010. Grant awards will be announced after May 15, 2010.
Use of Grant Fund
Grants may not cover the following costs:
1. Social welfare projects;
2. Capital improvements;
3. Purchase of furniture and office decorations;
4. Purchase of vehicles;
5. Projects that contain the appearance of partisanship/ support for electoral campaigns;
6. Academic or analytical research (if not part of a larger project);
7. Scholarships;
8. Paying the costs of international participants/ guest speakers at events;
9. Medical and psychological research, and clinical studies;
10. Provision of health care services;
11. Projects of a commercial nature;
12. Entertainment costs (receptions, social activities, ceremonies, alcoholic beverages, cocktail parties, guided tours).
Application can be also downloaded from http://www.usa. am/cms/job_ opportunities. php webpage.