Funder: U.S. Mission to North Macedonia
Due Dates: April 30, 2025 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$35,000 per award | Up to 2 awards | Project period: up to 12 months
Summary: Supports teams of U.S. government exchange alumni in North Macedonia to implement innovative, community-focused projects aligned with U.S. Embassy priorities.
Key Information: Proposals must be led by at least two USG exchange alumni and address at least one specified theme; all activities must occur outside the U.S.
Description
This opportunity funds alumni of U.S. government-sponsored or facilitated exchange programs to design and implement innovative projects that address key challenges in North Macedonia. Projects must directly support the U.S. Embassy’s goals, promote shared interests, and benefit local communities. The program emphasizes themes such as democratic values, rule of law, social cohesion, youth empowerment, energy independence, cybersecurity, civic responsibility, cross-cultural understanding, and strengthening U.S.–North Macedonia ties.
Since 2011, the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) has supported nearly 500 alumni-led projects globally. For 2025, the focus is on deepening North Macedonia’s democracy and supporting reforms to enhance its partnership with the United States.
Due Dates
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2025, 18:00 CET
- Anticipated Award Notification: By September 30, 2025
- Anticipated Project Start Date: September 2025
Funding Amount
- Award Range: $5,000 to $35,000 per project
- Total Available Funding: $70,000 (pending availability)
- Number of Awards: Up to 2
- Project Duration: Up to 12 months
Eligibility
- Eligible Applicants:
- Non-profit organizations from North Macedonia.
- Applications must be submitted by alumni associations of U.S. government (USG) exchange alumni, or by a team of at least two USG exchange alumni (individuals) through a non-profit, NGO, think tank, or academic institution.
- Project teams must include at least two alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program (see list and J-1 programs).
- U.S. citizens may not be primary applicants but can participate as team members.
- Teams may include alumni from different exchange programs and countries.
- Other Requirements:
- Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov.
- Only one proposal per organization; multiple submissions from the same organization will render all ineligible.
- All project activities must take place outside the United States and its territories.
Application Process
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Download Application Materials:
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Prepare Required Documents:
- Completed proposal form (in English)
- Detailed budget using the provided template (in USD)
- Mandatory federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and, if applicable, SF-424B)
- UEI and SAM.gov registration for organizations
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Submission:
- Email all application materials to SkopjeGrants@state.gov by April 30, 2025, 18:00 CET.
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Review Process:
- Proposals are evaluated on relevance to themes, clarity, alumni involvement, local partner support, monitoring and evaluation plan, communication strategy, and budget justification.
Additional Information
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Eligible Project Themes (must address at least one):
- Reinforcing democratic values
- Promoting rule of law and anti-corruption
- Increasing social cohesion among groups
- Empowering tomorrow’s leaders
- Supporting North Macedonia’s energy independence
- Cybersecurity and combating malign propaganda
- Fostering civic responsibility, public service, or community-driven change
- Promoting cross-cultural understanding, heritage, culture, or arts
- Fostering ties between North Macedonia and the U.S.
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Priority Audiences:
- Youth and young adult leaders (ages 13–30)
- Community leaders and local officials
- Teachers and academic professionals
- Local communities
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Ineligible Costs/Activities:
- Activities in the U.S. or its territories
- Airfare to/from the U.S.
- Staff salaries, office space, overhead
- Large durable equipment, construction
- Academic or scientific research
- Charitable/development activities, direct social services, scholarships
- Gifts, prizes, fundraising, partisan political activity, or lobbying
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Budget Guidance:
- Speaker/trainer fees capped at $250/day
- Monitoring & evaluation up to $1,000
- Accountant fees up to $500
- No alcohol, excessive meals, or entertainment
External Links
Contact Information