Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025)
A. Basic Information
1. Overview
| Funding Opportunity Title |
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2025 |
| Funding Opportunity Number |
N/A |
| Announcement Type |
Modification of a previously announced opportunity |
| Deadline for Applications |
May 6, 2025, 23:59, Baku (UTC/GMT +4) |
| Assistance Listing Number |
19.022 |
| Length of performance period |
4 to 12 months |
| Number of awards anticipated |
1 |
| Award amounts |
awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $35,000 (approximately) |
| Total available funding |
$35,000 pending availability of funds |
| Type of Funding |
FY24, Fulbright Hays
|
| Anticipated project start date |
September 1, 2025 |
Funding Instrument Type: Award
Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.
The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation awards funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.
This notice is subject to availability of funding.
2. Executive Summary
Priority Region: Azerbaijan
Executive Summary
The Embassy of the United States in Azerbaijan announces an open competition for alumni of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025). Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2025 should submit proposals to BakuPASalumni@state.gov by May 6, 2025, 23:59, Baku (UTC/GMT +4).
The program assists alumni teams in creating and implementing public service-oriented projects that make a positive difference in your community and country.
B. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- 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.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing is optional but strongly recommended.
Proposals may request funds from $5,000 to $35,000. Applicants must ensure budgets are reasonable and realistic within the country context. Please use the Alumni Office approved budget template. The template incorporates sections for the budget justification narrative as well as a second tab providing instructions on what to include in the various budget categories.
Cost Share: Examples include in-kind support (services, labor, supplies/equipment, or volunteers), a business contributing food, an organization offering a venue at a discount or free of charge, an NGO sponsoring an activity, an expert donating time to facilitate a seminar, etc. We encourage all proposals to include some form of cost sharing.
A note on reasonable costs: During the development and review of proposals at post, please make sure cost categories are reasonable. Project management costs should not be more than 30% of the total requested budget amount. Project management costs include fees for speakers, trainers, and consultants. We also encourage posts to closely monitor costs budgeted for supplies, advertising and equipment. Encourage alumni to rent versus purchase if it is more cost-efficient. Lodging costs should be for program activities during the project and not for long term rent for project team members. Travel costs need to take into account the most economic means of travel.
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.
C. Program Description
AEIF provides alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs with funding to expand 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. Inspiration can be found at alumni.state.gov/aeif and clicking on the links for Winners and Success Stories on the left column.
1. Goals and Objectives
This year, AEIF 2025 will support the United States’ commitment to “Advancing Economic Empowerment Through Cooperation on AI and Innovative Technologies”.
By focusing on economic growth and digital transformation, the U.S. Embassy in Baku can promote prosperity and also strengthen markets and productivity in a way that makes Azerbaijani businesses better partners for U.S. businesses and directly support U.S. policy objectives. The U.S. Embassy is committed to ensuring that the U.S. is a key partner in economic modernization and technology-driven development.
The US Embassy in Azerbaijan will accept public service projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two (2) alumni that support themes such as:
Projects that generate awareness, provide training, and develop local capacity to address economic challenges that include but are not limited to:
- Promoting Technological and Educational Diplomacy:
Supporting projects that promote digital literacy, AI skills, and workforce development directly supports U.S. goals of technological leadership and education diplomacy. The United States can position itself as the primary partner for innovation and knowledge exchange, furthering its influence by empowering the next generation of leaders in Azerbaijan.
- Fostering Long-Term Economic Partnerships:
By enabling entrepreneurship and AI-driven initiatives in Azerbaijan, the United States can help build a business ecosystem that is more open to U.S. investments, tech products, and collaborations. These initiatives support economic stability and encourage Azerbaijan to integrate into the global economy, which benefits U.S. companies looking to expand into the region. Stronger commercial ties can lead to expanded trade relationships and business opportunities.
- Advancing U.S. National Security and Strategic Interests:
Empowering Azerbaijani exchange alumni and local communities with tools to handle economic resilience and resource management strengthens regional stability. As Azerbaijan develops in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and agriculture, it reduces reliance on other countries, notably Russia or Iran, fostering greater regional security. This aligns with the United States’s broader strategy of countering malign influence and ensuring energy security through its partnerships with countries like Azerbaijan.
- Building a Digital Diplomacy Network:
Through the emphasis on digital solutions, the United States. has an opportunity to shape global tech standards and policies through its influence on emerging markets like Azerbaijan. These projects encourage the adoption of U.S. technologies and best practices, expanding U.S. influence in areas like AI, smart city development, and energy efficiency. This helps the United States stay at the forefront of global technological and environmental discussions.
These projects should serve as a soft power tool, fostering diplomatic ties, enhancing the U.S. role in global tech development, and contributing to economic security and regional stability. This approach supports U.S. objectives of promoting global innovation, economic prosperity, and strategic partnerships, all while reinforcing the positive image of the United States in Azerbaijan and the wider region.
2. Substantial Involvement
D. Application Contents and Format
Please follow all instructions below carefully.
Applications and budgets must be submitted using the official AEIF 2025 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.
Application and budget templates are available upon request at BakuPASalumni@state.gov
Content of Application
Please ensure:
- The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
- All documents are in English
- All budgets are in U.S. dollars
- 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) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals)
- SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)
- SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)
Additional support materials like workshop agendas, curricula, or previous pilot projects connected to your submission – Optional, but strongly recommended.
Please note: When submitting the proposal form and budget form, please use the following naming convention for the titles of the documents: AEIF25_Country_Project Title.
- Example Proposal Form: AEIF25_Azerbaijan_Inclusive STEAM Curricula.docx
- Example Budget Form: AEIF25_Azerbaijan_Inclusive STEAM Curricula_Budget.xlxs
2. Summary Page (optional)
Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.
3. Proposal
The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do.
- Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.
- Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous awards from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies.
- Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed
- Project Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
- Project Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
- Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.
- Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
- Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Note that 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.
- Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
- Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:This is an important part of successful awards. Throughout the time-frame of the award, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?
- Future Funding or SustainabilityApplicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.
4. Budget Justification Narrative
After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.
AEIF 2025 can support the following budget items:
- Intra-regional or in-country transportation
- Rental of venues for project activities
- PPE and sanitizing equipment
- Meals/refreshments integral to the project (i.e., working lunch for a meeting)
- Reasonable costs to support virtual programming (i.e., subscription to Zoom, WebEx, camera/microphones for virtual meetings, mailing services, etc.)
- Trainer or speaker honoraria expenses (i.e., maximum $250/day fee, travel, lodging, per diem)
- Reasonable equipment and materials
- Communications and publicity materials, such as manuals or project advertisements
5. Attachments
- 1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
- Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
- If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.
- Official permission letters, if required for program activities.
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
1. Address to Request Application Package
Application forms required above are available at BakuPASalumni@state.gov
2. The U.S. Embassy Baku Contacts
If you have any questions about the award application process, please contact: BakuPASalumni@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.
- 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 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.
4. Submission Dates and Times
Applications are due no later than May 6, 2025, 23:59, Baku (UTC/GMT +4).
5. Funding Restrictions
- 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).
- Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border
None of the funds awarded under this award may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal representation in the United States.
Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.
- Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws
None of the funds awarded under this agreement may be used for any initiatives or programs, or any activities that do not comply with Executive Order 14173 titled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.
By signing the SF-424 or SF-424I Application for Federal Assistance, the Applicant certifies the following:
- 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;
- It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.
AEIF 2025 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
6. Other Submission Requirements
All application materials must be submitted by email to BakuPASalumni@state.gov
F. Application Review Information
1. Review Criteria
Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below.
Evaluation Criteria: The U.S. Embassy Baku Public Diplomacy Section will use the criteria outlined below to evaluate all applications. The proposals will be reviewed by a Selection Committee made up of regional and exchange program experts located at the Department of State in Washington, DC. Panelists will use the criteria below to review and evaluate applications.
Relevance to Application Theme – 15 points
The proposal provides sufficient information on how the activities will support the theme(s) of the competition. The narrative explains any relevant local context the D.C. Selection Committee may not be aware of in relation to this project. Proposed project ideas must be public diplomacy in nature (i.e. not development or military).
Purpose and Summary, Description, and Implementation Plan – 20 points
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 – 15 points
Projects must include the involvement of at least two (2) exchange alumni. They may be the project team leaders or collaborate directly with PDS 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, and roles and responsibilities.
Participation and Support from Local Partners – 10 points
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.
Evaluation and Impact of the Project – 10 points
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:
- Completion
- Applicability and logic of objectives and indicators
- Clear approach to monitoring
- Adherence to SMART criteria
- Feasibility of baselines and targets
- Data quality plan
- Capacity to implement plan
Communication, Media, and Outreach Plan – 10 points
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 – 20 points
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.
2. Review and Selection Process
A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.
3. Risk Review
- 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:
- Financial stability
- Management systems and standards
- History of performance
- Audit reports and findings
- Ability to effectively implement requirements
- Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov
The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313)
An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.
Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.
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.
Non-selected applicants: Non-selected applicants will be notified by August 1, 2025 via BakuPASalumni@state.gov
Payment Method:
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.
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: NOTE:
- 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:
- 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),
- 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),
- 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
- 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).
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.
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.
Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.
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.
