The Embassy of the United States of America is now accepting applications for the 2012 Alumni Grants Program. Alumni of all U.S. Government-funded exchange and training programs, including FLEX, UGRAD, Muskie, the International Visitor Leadership Program, Community Connections, Open World, USDA Cochran and FEP exchanges, Department of Commerce SABIT exchanges, and those of other implementers are eligible. USG alumni must be registered on the State Alumni website to participate in 2012 Alumni Grants Program.

You can easily and quickly register yourself at https://alumni.state.gov

The purpose of the program is to provide grants to organizations that have USG alumni as members or to individual alumni for activities that support democratic advancement and economic reform in Tajikistan. The program aims to provide alumni with networking opportunities; to further the professional development of alumni and their colleagues and to assist alumni in implementing and disseminating the concepts learned during exchange programs. The amount of grants must not exceed $5,000 for organizations and $3,000 for individuals.

Funds may be used for the following:

· To initiate a public or community service program;

· To provide support for alumni association events;

· To organize training programs or conferences for professional colleagues and/or other alumni;

· To provide continued funding for existing alumni centers, and minimal start-up costs for alumni associations;

· To organize and plan networking events;

· To develop and publish curricula, textbooks, or related reference or educational materials;

· To publish public information pamphlets or brochures on topics that further USG assistance goals;

· To conduct other projects that support democratic and economic reform initiatives.

Projects NOT funded by the Alumni Program include those requested by non-USG alumni organizations and individuals, those relating to partisan political activity, charitable activity and/or humanitarian aid, fund-raising campaigns, commercial projects and those that duplicate existing projects. Grant proposals for international travel by alumni must include a substantial cost share and explain how the proposed travel will benefit the wider community.

Proposals must be received no later than February 20, 2012. Proposals should contain clearly formulated goals and target groups, and show the ability of the applying organization/individual to carry out the project aims. Proposals and SF form 424 attached separately should be submitted in English.

U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Section

109 A Ismoili Somoni Avenue, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Email: alumnitajikistan@state.gov

Application forms are available on our web site http://dushanbe.usembassy.gov/alumnigrants.html or can be requested by email. Please use the e-mail above for any questions.

http://dushanbe.usembassy.gov/