U.S. Alumni Program | DOS DEU 24 CA 008

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS DEU 24 CA 008

The U.S. Alumni Program is a U.S. Department of State (Consulate General Frankfurt) funding opportunity to run a fully virtual, English-language professional development and networking program for alumni of U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored exchanges in the Eurasia region. The program is designed to run for at least 24 months and is meant to keep a wide, diverse alumni community actively connected through ongoing online programming such as speaker events, skills trainings, educational opportunities, and peer-to-peer engagement. A central expectation is that the selected implementer can do more than basic webinars by building interactive, sustained activities that strengthen alumni career growth and collaboration across countries, sectors, and exchange program backgrounds.

The opportunity is built around three main objectives. First, it aims to give U.S. government exchange alumni access to practical resources, new knowledge, and stronger professional networks so they can use what they gained from their exchanges to advance their careers and contribute back home. The eligible alumni pool includes participants from programs such as PFP, YEAR, FLEX, IVLP, Fulbright, Atlas Corps, SABIT, SUSI, and Humphrey, among others, and it also includes alumni from both virtual and in-person exchanges. Applicants are encouraged to propose a mix of offerings like sessions with U.S. subject matter experts, online networking events, multi-part mini-courses that build expertise over time, commercially provided professional development courses, and alumni-led sessions where alumni teach in their own areas of specialization.

Second, the program prioritizes alumni-driven initiatives that deepen connections among alumni, strengthen local communities, and support mutual understanding. A key deliverable under this objective is the creation of an alumni council that will serve as an advisory body for the program. The implementer would work with the U.S. Embassy to establish this council, set up a transparent application process for alumni who want to serve, clarify roles and responsibilities, and create a collaborative way of working so programming topics reflect real alumni needs. Proposals are expected to show experience supporting boards or advisory councils, particularly during early formation, and may include training for new council members. While the implementer helps build and manage the structure, the Department of State will be involved in selecting council members and approving governing documents.

Third, the program includes an Alumni Continuing Education Fund intended to help alumni keep building their skills through online study. The idea is to provide financial support, such as scholarships, to cover the costs of online courses offered by U.S. universities, community colleges, and professional schools. Applicants must propose a clear, workable plan to administer this fund end-to-end, which may include curating a list of suggested courses, advising alumni who want to identify their own courses, setting up the application and review process, screening and selecting recipients, arranging payments to U.S.-based institutions, and collecting feedback to measure value and improve management. The Department of State will support the grantee in identifying and evaluating potential recipients, but the implementer is expected to manage the system reliably and transparently.

Because this award is a cooperative agreement, the Department of State will play an active role beyond normal grant monitoring. That involvement includes approving program themes, speakers, and agendas; collaborating on the alumni council (including final approvals related to membership and governance); distributing announcements to the alumni community; and approving selections for special program participation and scholarship fund recipients. In practical terms, the awardee should be prepared for regular communication with the Embassy and a flexible approach where activities can be adjusted based on shared planning and feedback over the 24-month period.

The notice also spells out what a strong applicant should be able to deliver. This includes the capacity to host regular virtual events in multiple formats with a professional development focus and typical attendance above 30 participants, as well as the ability to build more complex, interactive programming rather than one-off talks. Examples include a structured, six-month mentoring program pairing experienced alumni or professionals with mentees for career guidance and skills development. Another major expected component is a Training of Trainers (ToT) program for up to 40 alumni, preparing them to serve as facilitators who can lead engaging sessions for the broader alumni network. Applicants are also encouraged to bring creativity to online engagement, including entrepreneurship-focused activities such as incubators or accelerators, and to present a modern communications plan that keeps alumni informed and involved through effective platforms and tools.

The target participants are alumni from Eurasia who completed U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-facilitated exchanges. The audience is intentionally broad, ranging from students to senior academics and opinion leaders, typically ages 20 to 70, with strong English skills. All programming is expected to be delivered in English, and the ability to provide support in Russian is noted as a strength if available. Scheduling should reflect Eurasian time zones, with the recognition that a region-wide program will require thoughtful timing and variety to reach different participants.

In terms of funding and logistics, the Department of State expects to make one award, with a ceiling of $400,000 and total anticipated funding of $400,000 (subject to availability). The performance period is 24 months, planned from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026, with the possibility of non-competitive continuation beyond the initial period if funds remain available and performance is strong. The opportunity is listed under Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia (AEECA) and uses a cooperative agreement instrument, meaning the implementer should plan for close coordination and shared decision-making throughout implementation. Eligible applicants include nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding institutions of higher education) and individuals. The opportunity is issued by the U.S. Mission to Germany, with Opportunity Number DOS DEU 24 CA 008, and the original closing date listed as July 22, 2024.

• The U.S. Mission to Germany in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Alumni Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-06-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-22. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $400,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Individuals.

Apply for DOS DEU 24 CA 008

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