Request for Statement of Interest (SOI) for American Spaces USG Alumni Engagement Program facilitator | AF HAR FY22 05

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this grant opportunity about?

This opportunity is issued by the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe through its Public Diplomacy (PD) section. It invites eligible applicants to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) for a grant-funded role supporting American Spaces USG Alumni Engagement Programs. The main goal is to strengthen connections among alumni of U.S. government-funded Public Diplomacy exchange programs and increase collaboration, networking, and visibility for alumni-led initiatives.

2) Who is the opportunity intended to benefit?

The intended participants and primary audience are alumni of U.S. government-funded Public Diplomacy exchange programs. The programming is meant to help these alumni stay connected, share opportunities, and build on the skills and relationships gained through their exchange experiences.

3) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to alumni of U.S. government-funded Public Diplomacy exchange programs. The Embassy explicitly references programs such as YALI, Fulbright, TechWomen, and similar U.S. exchange initiatives.

4) Does the listing say "Others" for eligible applicants? What does that mean in practice?

While the eligible applicant type is listed as "Others" in the opportunity details, the narrative requirements clarify that applications will only be accepted from U.S. government-funded Public Diplomacy exchange alumni. In practice, this means applicants should be USG PD exchange alumni.

5) What is the application process?

The opportunity uses a two-step application process. First, applicants submit a concise Statement of Interest (SOI). After an initial merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. Full proposals then undergo a second merit review before final funding decisions are made.

6) What is a Statement of Interest (SOI) for this opportunity?

The SOI is a short submission (about 1 to 2 pages) that clearly describes a program concept and objectives. It is not a full proposal and is intended to help the Embassy evaluate ideas before requiring applicants to develop a complete application package.

7) How long should the SOI be?

The SOI should be approximately 1 to 2 pages.

8) If my SOI is selected, what happens next?

If the SOI passes the initial merit review and is selected, the Embassy will invite the applicant to submit a full proposal. The full proposal should expand on the concept with details on implementation approach and deliverables, and it will be reviewed again before final funding decisions are made.

9) What types of activities is the Embassy looking to fund?

Funded activities are focused on alumni engagement and community-building. The Embassy intends to support programs that strengthen the alumni network, expand networking and potential funding pathways, promote alumni success stories, and encourage collaboration across different exchange programs (rather than operating in separate silos).

10) What outcomes does the program emphasize?

The emphasis is on building a stronger support structure for alumni that helps them launch projects, sustain momentum after their exchange, and find partners, mentors, and collaborators across the wider alumni ecosystem.

11) What is the "USG Alumni Engagement Facilitator" role?

The funded concept includes a facilitator role focused on coordinating and convening regular alumni engagement activities through American Spaces. The facilitator helps alumni stay connected, supports networking and collaboration, and contributes to tracking progress and sharing alumni success stories.

12) Where will activities take place?

The primary locations named are Bulawayo and Gweru, with additional activities anticipated in Mutare. Activities are expected to be hosted through American Spaces and to include both virtual and in-person components.

13) How often are meetings expected to happen?

The facilitator is expected to organize monthly meetings that blend virtual and in-person formats.

14) What will the monthly meetings focus on?

The sessions are intended to create practical networking opportunities and collaboration plans. They should help alumni connect around shared interests, identify joint projects, and develop initiatives that build directly on their exchange-program experiences.

15) Who will the facilitator coordinate with?

The facilitator will work closely with American Spaces staff and alumni participants, and will coordinate with the Public Diplomacy (PD) section for guidance, reporting, and storytelling priorities.

16) Is the programming fully in-person, fully virtual, or hybrid?

The meetings are expected to blend virtual and in-person formats, meaning the facilitator should be prepared to deliver part of the programming virtually.

17) Are evening activities possible?

Yes. The Embassy notes that flexibility is required because some workshops may occur in the evenings.

18) What reporting responsibilities are included?

After each gathering, the facilitator is expected to conduct participant assessments and compile an aggregate monthly report using a PD-provided template. Reports should capture alumni achievements, new partnerships, emerging themes of interest, and new program or collaboration ideas coming from the community.

19) What does "storytelling" mean in this context?

The facilitator is expected to track alumni progress and community success stories through regular communication and social media engagement, in consultation with the PD section. The goal is to strengthen internal alumni communications and also produce material that can be promoted more broadly, including on U.S. Embassy social media platforms.

20) What qualifications are preferred for applicants?

Preferred qualifications include being a USG exchange alumnus/alumna and having roughly 3 to 5 years of experience facilitating workshops and programs. Strong oral and written communication skills are emphasized, along with analytical and report-writing skills. Experience working with youth is valued. Applicants should also be comfortable working with minimal supervision while coordinating closely with PD guidance and American Spaces staff.

21) What kind of experience is highlighted as important?

The Embassy highlights facilitation experience (about 3 to 5 years), communications skills (oral and written), the ability to coordinate stakeholders and moderate discussions, and strong reporting skills to monitor outcomes and document alumni progress in a structured way.

22) What is the funding instrument type?

The instrument type is a grant.

23) What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?

The posted award ceiling is 2,000 (as stated in the provided source data).

24) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is AF HAR FY22 05.

25) What is the CFDA number?

The CFDA number listed is 19.040.

26) What category is the funding activity associated with?

The opportunity is listed under an education-related funding activity category.

27) What is the opportunity category?

The opportunity category is listed as mandatory.

28) What was the original closing date listed?

The original closing date listed is 2022-03-31.

29) What is the creation date listed for the opportunity?

The creation date listed is 2022-02-10.

30) What makes this opportunity different from submitting a full proposal right away?

The Embassy is using an SOI-first approach so applicants can present a concept and objectives in a brief format before investing time in a full proposal. Only selected SOIs are invited to move forward to the full proposal stage.

31) What does the Embassy mean by avoiding "siloed" alumni communities?

The Embassy wants to encourage collaboration across different exchange programs and cohorts, rather than keeping alumni engagement separated by program type. The intent is to build a broader, more connected alumni ecosystem.

32) What kinds of highlights should be included in the monthly reporting?

The monthly reports are expected to include highlights such as alumni achievements, new partnerships, emerging themes of interest, and new program or collaboration ideas generated through the gatherings and ongoing engagement.