2022 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2022)
🏛 U.S. Mission to North Macedonia
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 28, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for alumni of U.S. government-funded or government-sponsored exchange programs who want to implement community projects in North Macedonia, particularly benefiting Ukrainian refugees.
Teams must include at least two alumni from eligible exchange programs. U.S. citizens may participate as team members but cannot be the lead applicant. Projects must address inclusive democracy, Euro-Atlantic integration, or economic development.
Applications come from individual alumni, not organizations. NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions may serve as implementation partners but cannot submit the proposal itself. All activities must occur in North Macedonia within the 12-month performance period.
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Key dates
- Apr 4, 2022 Applications open
- Apr 24, 2022 Application deadline
- Jun 1, 2022 Award announced
- Jun 1, 2023 Project start
Program description
AEIF provides alumni of U.S. sponsored and facilitated exchange programs with funding to expand upon skills gained during their exchange experience to design and implement innovative solutions to global challenges facing their community. Since its inception in 2011, AEIF has funded nearly 500 alumni-led projects around the world through a competitive global competition. This year, AEIF 2022 will support United States’ commitment to:
· Support North Macedonia in embracing inclusive democracy, citizen-responsive government, and rule of law;
· Continue to aid North Macedonia’s efforts to fully integrate into Euro-Atlantic institutions; and
· Enable North Macedonia to build a stronger, more diversified economy.
Themes: Under this addendum, the U.S. Embassy North Macedonia will accept proposals by teams of at least two (2) alumni to implement projects specifically targeting/in collaboration with Ukrainian refugees in North Macedonia.
A. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Addendum Announcement posted: April 4, 2022
Closing date for applications: April 24, 2022
Funding type: Small grant awards
Decision date: No later than May 5, 2022
Expected size of individual awards: Between $10,000 to $40,000
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed within 12 months.
ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION
1. Eligible Applicants:
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 comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries.
· 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.
2. Cost Sharing
Cost sharing is not a requirement of this opportunity.
3. Grant Program Area:
Proposals must address at least one of the themes listed above. Proposals that do not address the theme as outlined in the program objectives will be deemed ineligible. All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories.
4. Other Eligibility Requirements
If the grant will be processed with an individual, that individual is not required to 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 valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and to non-discrimination practices with regard to beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project proposal narrative
- Budget and budget justification
- Alumni team member roster with exchange program verification
- Partner organization letters (if applicable)
- Proof of alumni status documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Gazmend Ilazi Exchanges and Alumni Coordinator
- 📧 ilazig@state.gov
- 📞 0038923102099
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 exactly can apply for this grant?
You must be an alumni of a U.S. government-funded or government-sponsored exchange program. Teams need at least two alumni; U.S. citizen alumni can join but cannot lead the application.
Can my organization apply instead of individual alumni?
No. Only individual alumni can submit proposals. NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions can partner on projects but cannot be the applicant.
Where must the project take place?
All activities must occur in North Macedonia and must benefit or collaborate with Ukrainian refugees in that country.
What funding amounts are available?
Individual awards range from $10,000 to $40,000. Projects must be completed within 12 months.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not a requirement for this opportunity.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify all team members' alumni status through official State Department exchange program lists before applying. Ineligible applicants disqualify the entire proposal.
- Clearly describe how your project directly benefits Ukrainian refugees in North Macedonia. This is the current year's specific priority theme.
- Identify potential NGO or institutional partners early in proposal development. Partner letters strengthen competitiveness even though only alumni can apply.
- Design a realistic 12-month implementation timeline with specific milestones. Budget must align precisely with your timeline.
- Connect your project explicitly to one of the three national priority areas: inclusive democracy, Euro-Atlantic integration, or economic development.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting applications led by U.S. citizen alumni violates core eligibility rules. Unclear project connection to Ukrainian refugee support or thematic priorities results in desk rejection. Proposing activities outside North Macedonia or extending beyond 12 months makes applications ineligible.
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