The U.S. Embassy Bratislava Public Affairs Section (PAS) has announced an open competition for past participants of U.S. government-funded and sponsored exchange programs to submit applications for the 2024 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2024). Proposals are invited from teams of at least two alumni who meet the program's eligibility requirements. Interested exchange alumni should send their proposals to Bratislava_GrantsSlovakia@state.gov by February 15, 2024.
AEIF aims to provide funding to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs, enabling them to expand on skills gained during their exchange experience and design innovative solutions to global challenges within their communities. Since its inception in 2011, AEIF has funded nearly 500 alumni-led projects worldwide through a competitive global competition.
The U.S. Embassy in Bratislava will consider public service projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two alumni that support themes such as combating disinformation, supporting the Ukrainian community in Slovakia, inclusion of marginalized groups or minorities, reforming or establishing new alumni associations and networks, youth engagement, and combating brain drain.
Proposals must address at least one of these program objectives. Those that do not align with the outlined themes will be deemed ineligible. All project activities must occur outside the United States and its territories.
Details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity document available online.
Applicants are required to submit several forms electronically to Bratislava_GrantsSlovakia@state.gov, including SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance), SF-424A (Budget Information), SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs), and a proposal form template. Instructions for completing these forms are provided alongside each document.
Applicants will receive notification upon receipt of their application. Grant proposals must include all requested information as outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity; incomplete submissions will not be considered. Proposals should be submitted in English or accompanied by an English translation, while supporting documents may be provided in Slovak.
For further inquiries, applicants can contact Bratislava_GrantsSlovakia@state.gov.