The U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia, under the U.S. Department of State, has released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Program for Fiscal Year 2025 (AEIF 2025). This opportunity is targeted specifically at alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs who are citizens of countries other than the United States. The program supports alumni in leveraging the skills and knowledge gained during their exchange experiences to implement innovative public service projects that address local and global challenges. The fund is managed under the Fulbright-Hays Act and offers up to $70,000 in total, pending availability of funds, with individual project awards ranging from $5,000 to $35,000.

The primary objective of AEIF 2025 is to empower alumni to propose projects that support the Embassy’s mission and U.S. foreign policy priorities in North Macedonia. Projects must directly support themes such as promoting democratic values, rule of law, social cohesion, leadership development, energy independence, cybersecurity, and civic responsibility, among others. All project activities must take place outside the United States and its territories. Proposals must demonstrate clear, measurable objectives and a detailed plan for implementation, including a communication strategy and monitoring and evaluation framework.

Only nonprofit organizations based in North Macedonia are eligible to apply, and each application must be submitted by a team of at least two alumni through a partnering nonprofit, think tank, or academic institution. U.S. citizens are not eligible to apply as lead applicants but may participate as team members. Applicants are limited to one submission per organization, and failure to comply will result in disqualification. Applications must include specific forms, including the SF-424 series, and must be submitted in English with budgets in U.S. dollars using designated templates.

Applications are due by April 30, 2025, at 18:00 CET. Projects are expected to commence in September 2025 and should be completed within 12 months. All applications must be submitted by email to SkopjeGrants@state.gov. Required registrations in SAM.gov with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) are mandatory for organizations but not for individuals. Exceptions to UEI and SAM registration may be granted on a case-by-case basis with prior approval.

Evaluation criteria include thematic relevance, clarity of purpose, alumni involvement, local partner support, and a well-defined monitoring and evaluation plan. The proposed budget must be realistic, allowable, and clearly justified. Restrictions on funding include prohibitions on activities in the U.S., direct services, large equipment purchases, staff salaries, entertainment, and travel to the U.S. The grant does not support academic research, religious activities, or partisan political work. Successful applicants will be notified by September 30, 2025.

For assistance or questions, applicants may contact SkopjeGrants@state.gov. Application materials and guidelines are available on the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia’s website and Grants.gov. All reporting requirements, including financial and performance reports, will be stipulated in the award agreement, which is administered by the designated Grants Officer.