U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY PHILIPPINES, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION
2022 US-PH Alumni Small Grants Program
Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy Philippines PAS Small Grants FY2022
Funding Opportunity Number: 22-PHL-NOFO-ALUMNI
Deadline for Applications: December 31, 2022
CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs
Maximum for Each Award: $25,000. Proposals for the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) can be up to $40,000. Please follow the instructions in Section D for AEIF proposal submission.
SUMMARY:
The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Public Affairs Section (PAS Philippines) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that we are considering proposals for the 2022 US-PH Alumni Small Grants Program. This announcement outlines our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting funding requests. Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to the availability of funding.
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
PAS Philippines invites proposals from alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs for projects that strengthen ties between the Philippines and the United States through projects that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation and priorities. Proposals should also encourage alumni collaboration and strengthen alumni networks. Alumni can submit proposals as individuals or as an alumni-led non-profit organization.
Examples of projects include, but are not limited to:
- Alumni-led capacity-building workshops for youth leaders.
- Alumni experts conducting speaking tours/public talks, roundtable discussions, and workshops;
- Academic and professional lectures and seminars on priority topics with alumni as speakers and/or organizers; and
- Programs/workshops/performances and exhibitions to engage USG alumni, and create and/or strengthen alumni networks in the area.
PRIORITY PROGRAM AREAS
Priority will be given to project proposals that engage the U.S.-Philippine alumni networks in advancing one or more of the U.S. Embassy’s goals, including:
- Programs that enhance U.S.-Philippines security cooperation, including deterring illegal maritime activities, reducing the threat of terrorism, encouraging peaceful resolution of disputes, and advancing peace and stability in conflict-affected areas.
- Programs that foster greater bilateral trade and investment between the U.S. and the Philippines.
- Programs that develop stronger linkages between the United States, Philippines, and the Indo-Pacific region.
- Programs that will engage or capacitate US government exchange alumni across the Philippines.
- Programs that will strengthen the relationship between the United States and Philippine international alumni exchange in promoting U.S.-Philippine bilateral goals.
- Programs that support increased transparency and good governance, as well as respect for the rule of law and human rights.
- Programs that enhance environmental and disaster resilience.
- Programs that increase public awareness and engagement on regional and global issues.
- Programs that improve media and information literacy.
- Programs to build the capacity of civil society organizations.
Participants and Audiences:
PAS Philippines’ target audiences include U.S.-Philippines alumni networks, national and regional media, NGOs and think tanks, government officials (state, district, and municipal officials; policymakers, civil servants), cultural and educational leaders, next-generation leaders (e.g., innovators, digital influencers, campus leaders), youth from underserved communities, and universities.
Please note that the following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
- Programs relating to partisan political activity;
- Charitable, humanitarian, or development activities;
- Construction programs;
- Programs that support specific religious activities;
- Fund-raising campaigns or programs charging a fee for participation;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
- Scientific research;
- Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of an organization; or
- Programs that duplicate existing programs;
- Activities that take place in the United States and its territories;
- Programs with alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments, or entertainment; and
- Individual scholarships.
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
- The length of the performance period is 12 to 24 months.
- Award amounts may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000. Award amounts for AEIF proposals are up to $40,000.
- Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and reviewed quarterly.
- The deadline for AEIF Proposals is until April 15, 2022.
Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, or Cooperative Agreement. Cooperative Agreements are different from grants in that PAS Philippines staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation.
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs are usually completed in one year or less, but may be extended in special circumstances. PAS Philippines will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis. This is 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.
C. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The following individuals are eligible to apply:
- Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded exchange program (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs) or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program (https://j1visa.state.gov/).
- Projects teams must include teams of at least two (2) alumni.
- Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals, but U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project.
- Alumni teams may be composed of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries as long as the main program components happen in the Philippines.
- 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.
- For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
- Cost-sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.
- Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.
- Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time on or before the closing date of each round of this funding opportunity.
Other Eligibility Requirements:
If the grant will be processed with an individual, that individual is not required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number or be registered in SAM.gov. However, should the grant be processed with an organization that is a partner in the project, that organization must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet, as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and non-discrimination practices with regard to beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
Please Note that by April 4, 2022, the DUNS number will no longer be issued, and you will need to apply for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). For more information, please see the following link: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Instructions: Please follow all instructions below carefully. Failure to furnish all information or comply with stated requirements may lead to the application’s disqualification for consideration. Applicants must set forth accurate and complete information as required by this Annual Program Statement.
Step 1: Fill out the mandatory federal assistance forms
All forms are available as part of the grants package on grants.gov
- Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) (Organization or Individual)
- Budget Information for Non-Construction programs (SF424A)
- Assurances for Non-Construction programs (SF-424B)
Step 2: Attach the optional forms
Applications and budgets must be submitted using forms found in the package in (LINK in grants.gov) Please note that a different proposal and budget format is available for AEIF proposals.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.
Submit the optional forms if they apply to your proposal. (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, SF-LLL V1.2 and Attachments V1.2) Feel free to submit additional information as you think necessary.
Step 3: Carefully read the terms and conditions
Read the terms and conditions that apply to this award. Funded proposals are expected to fully comply with these terms and conditions, including:
- The Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including the U.S. flag branding and marketing requirements, available at https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/271865.pdf
- The regulations found in 2CFR 200, 2 CFR 600 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200/context
Complete a final review of your documents. Ensure that:
- The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity;
- All documents are in English;
- All budgets are submitted in U.S. dollars;
- All pages are numbered;
- All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and
- All materials are submitted in .pdf format.
When these steps are complete, you may submit your application package through Grants.gov AND please also send a copy via email to alumniphilippines@state.gov with the subject line: 22-PHL-NOFO-ALUMNI (Applicant) (Project Title). For AEIF proposals, please use the subject line: AEIF 22-PHL-NOFO-ALUMNI (Applicant) (Project Title).
Deadline of submissions:
ROUND 1 Review (Including AEIF proposals): April 15
ROUND 2 Review: August 15
ROUND 3 Review: December 31
E. APPLICATION REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
- Criteria. Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated based on the criteria enumerated in Section F below. The criteria is designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.
- Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.
- Review. A technical review panel will review the proposal based upon the criteria noted in Part F. A determination will be made regarding the program’s proposed area of activity and the Mission’s strategic goals. Proposals that are the best fit will be given additional consideration.
- Follow-up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 90 days after the submission deadline regarding the results of the review panel.
F. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA
Professional capacity and record on previous grants: The organization or individual has expertise in its stated field and has demonstrated its ability to implement the program, including strong financial management and appropriate personnel. (10 points)
Quality and feasibility of the program idea: The program idea is well developed with details about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. (20 points)
Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and the program’s approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. (10 points)
Relevance to priority areas: The applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Philippines’ priority areas or target audiences. (20 points)
Budget: The budget justification details reasonable and appropriate costs in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, and accounts for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed goals and objectives. (10 points)
Degree of Alumni Involvement: Projects must include the involvement of at least two (2) exchange alumni. They may be the project team leaders or collaborate directly with PAS in formulating the project. More than two alumni may comprise the team, however, the minimum is two. (10 pts)
Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates the ability to measure program success against key indicators and provide milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when they will be measured. (10 points)
Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have a positive impact after the end of the program. (10 points)
G. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses after the start date shown on the grant 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 funding opportunity 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.
Payment Method: Payments will be made as needed to carry out the program activities.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.
H. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please email alumniphilippines@state.gov.
Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application-related questions. Once an application has been submitted, staff will not discuss the competition until the entire proposal review process is completed.
I. OTHER INFORMATION
Guidelines for Budget Justification
Personnel: 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. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.
Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other property that is required to implement 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 $5,000 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 $5,000 per unit, 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 document. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.
Cost Sharing: “Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or 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.
More information about the grant and related documents can be found here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=338872