2020/2021 EducationUSA Graduate Opportunity Funds Program
🏛 U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations with expertise in student advising and logistics coordination. Applicants must be able to manage funds, coordinate travel and visa processes, and support high-achieving Zimbabwean university students. Activities must occur in Zimbabwe and the United States, serving 3rd and 4th year university students. Applicants should demonstrate experience with educational advising, financial administration, and international student support services.
Organizations must be capable of managing approximately $75,000 over 24 months. This includes coordinating standardized test payments, application fees, visa fees, and international travel for Zimbabwean students applying to U.S. universities. Experience with virtual advising and counseling delivery is expected.
No cost-sharing is required. The grant supports a single award with an anticipated start date of September 15, 2021.
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Key dates
- Jun 10, 2021 Applications open
- Jul 15, 2021 Application deadline
- Aug 15, 2021 Award announced
- Sep 15, 2021 Project start
Program description
The U.S. Embassy, Public Diplomacy Section, Harare, Zimbabwe announces an open competition for organizations working with college and university students to submit applications to carry out a project focused on promoting U.S. higher education opportunities for high-achieving Zimbabwean university students.
Priority Region: Project activities must take place in Zimbabwe and the United States and be directed at Zimbabwean audiences/participants.
Program Objectives:
The grantee will work in coordination with the Public Diplomacy Section in support of the 2020/2021 EducationUSA Graduate Opportunity Funds program. This program assists highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded scholarships from U.S. universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs of applying to U.S. universities. U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe and EducationUSA advisers located in Harare will develop selection criteria and lead the Graduate Opportunity Funds selection committee.
Individuals and institutions interested in bidding on this grant must submit a proposal to administer the Opportunity Funds (OFP) of US $75, 000 and manage two phases of the EducationUSA advising process for 2020-2021. The first phase requires coordination and payment for 25 selected prospective students to take standardized tests, application fees, transcript evaluations and other costs. Throughout this phase, the grantee will assist advisers in Harare with logistical support in providing advising sessions for the Opportunity Fund Program students. These sessions will include comprehensive coaching on the U.S. application process, financial awards/aid, personal statements/essays and recommendation letter writing, CVS/resumes, transcripts and equivalencies, and similar subjects related to graduate admissions at U.S. universities.
The second phase requires the recipient to manage the travel logistics of approximately 15 students, including visa and SEVIS fees, international airfare, settling-in allowance, and other related expenses. The grantee will communicate with the students and advisers, coordinate visa appointments at the appropriate U.S. consulate, make travel arrangements for domestic and international travel, and coordinate payment to the students of settling-in and other related allowances. The successful grantee will demonstrate an ability to effectively handle funds, coordinate logistics, and finalize payments in a timely manner. Both phases can be managed virtually, with regular web and phone-based counselling sessions for selected Zimbabwean candidates.
Participants and Audiences:
High achieving university students in their 3rd and 4th year studying at a local university.
Length of performance period: 24 Months
Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
Anticipated program start date: September 15, 2021
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project narrative describing two phases of the EducationUSA program
- Detailed budget and budget justification
- Organizational capacity statement demonstrating experience with fund management and logistics
- Letters of support from U.S. Mission/EducationUSA advisers in Zimbabwe
- Resumes or bios of key staff managing the program
Program contact
- 👤 Tafadzwa Muzhandu Grantor
- 📧 muzhandutr@state.gov
- 📞 +263 242 867 701 1000
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.022 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$570,002
-
$550,000
-
$500,000
-
$500,000
-
$425,000
-
$315,177
-
$290,000
-
$269,061
-
$268,500
-
$250,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.022). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $9,943,397 | |
| 2025 | $9,943,397 | |
| 2026 est. | $9,943,397 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Organizations working with college and university students in Zimbabwe. You must demonstrate ability to manage funds, coordinate logistics, and support international student advising.
What geographic areas does this grant cover?
Activities must take place in both Zimbabwe and the United States, serving Zimbabwean university students and audiences.
What are the main project activities?
The grant funds two phases: Phase 1 covers standardized test fees, application costs, and advising sessions for 25 students. Phase 2 manages travel logistics, visa processing, and settling-in allowances for approximately 15 students.
How is the $75,000 awarded and used?
A single award of $75,000 funds both phases over 24 months. Funds cover testing fees, application costs, visa processing, international airfare, and student allowances.
When do applications close?
The deadline is July 15, 2021. The program runs for 24 months starting September 15, 2021.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your track record managing international student logistics and financial administration. Reviewers want confidence you'll handle funds responsibly and meet deadlines.
- Detail your advising network in Zimbabwe and relationships with U.S. universities. Collaboration with existing EducationUSA advisers strengthens your proposal significantly.
- Show how you'll deliver virtual advising and counseling sessions effectively. The grant expects regular web and phone-based support throughout both phases.
- Break down the $75,000 budget clearly by phase and expense category. Transparency about testing fees, application costs, travel, and administrative expenses builds credibility.
- Address how you'll track student progress and outcomes. Demonstrate systems for documenting advising sessions, visa approvals, and successful placements at U.S. universities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating visa, travel, and logistics complexity for 15+ international students. Vague commitment to advising quality—specify how you'll deliver coaching on essays, recommendations, and financial aid. Failing to document coordination with U.S. Mission staff and local EducationUSA advisers in your proposal plan.
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