Power of Alumni: From Exchange to Action | OFOP0002160

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Power of Alumni: From Exchange to Action" grant opportunity (OFOP0002160)?

It is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Mission to El Salvador focused on strengthening and activating the U.S. Department of State exchange alumni network in El Salvador. The emphasis is on turning alumni experience into sustained engagement, leadership development, and coordinated action that supports U.S. policy priorities.

Who is offering this grant?

The grant is offered by the U.S. Mission to El Salvador.

What is the main purpose of the project being funded?

The project is intended to build the capacity of the exchange alumni community in El Salvador so it can engage more effectively over time. The goal is organized, local action by alumni that contributes to shared priorities such as economic development, job creation, and regional stability.

Why does the grant focus on alumni networks?

The opportunity is based on the fact that El Salvador has a large and diverse exchange alumni base of more than 7,000 people from over 15 U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. The grant aims to help this existing community operate as a more coordinated network and apply its leadership and professional expertise toward public benefit.

How does the opportunity connect to economic growth and security?

The grant frames economic opportunity as a practical tool for improving stability. By partnering alumni with Salvadoran entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers, the project aims to promote durable economic growth and job creation. This is described as helping reduce the space in which criminal networks can recruit and operate, contributing to a safer environment in the region.

What kinds of partners or stakeholders are expected to be involved?

The description highlights partnerships connecting exchange alumni with Salvadoran entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers. The overall intent is coordinated action that links alumni leadership with influential local stakeholders.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $50,000.

How many awards does the agency expect to make?

The agency expects to make one award.

What is the assistance listing or CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is tied to CFDA number 19.022.

What is the activity category for this grant?

The activity category is community development.

What does "community development" suggest about the types of activities a proposal should include?

Based on the category and description, proposals would likely emphasize community-facing outcomes and activities such as convenings, coalition-building, leadership development, and initiatives that translate alumni expertise into public benefit.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education). In other words, organizations that are formally structured as nonprofits but not recognized under the typical U.S. 501(c)(3) designation can apply, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements described in the full announcement.

Are U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits eligible?

The provided eligibility language specifies nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education). Based on that description alone, typical 501(c)(3) nonprofits would not fit the stated eligible applicant category, unless the full announcement provides additional details or exceptions.

Are institutions of higher education eligible?

The eligibility statement includes an exception phrase: "other than institutions of higher education." Based on the provided text, institutions of higher education are treated differently from the non-501(c)(3) nonprofit restriction, but the exact scope of eligibility should be confirmed in the full announcement.

Is this opportunity focused specifically on El Salvador?

Yes. It is designed to strengthen and activate the exchange alumni network in El Salvador and to connect alumni with Salvadoran stakeholders to advance priorities around economic growth, jobs, and stability.

What kinds of alumni are referenced in the opportunity?

The opportunity references alumni from more than 15 U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, including established and emerging leaders across business, education, technology, public policy, and social innovation.

Is the goal primarily networking, or something beyond networking?

The description explicitly frames it as more than networking. The stated aim is to convert exchange experience into organized, sustained local action that supports prosperity and resilience.

What is the original closing date for this opportunity?

The original closing date is 2025-09-07.

What is the creation date listed for this opportunity?

The creation date is 2025-07-09.

Does the opportunity indicate whether this will be a single focused project or multiple projects?

It indicates the agency expects to make one award, and it describes the opportunity as aimed at one focused project that mobilizes exchange alumni as a strategic network.

What are the main outcomes the opportunity is trying to support?

Key outcomes described include strengthened alumni network capacity, sustained engagement and leadership development, coordinated action aligned with U.S. policy priorities, and partnerships that support economic development and job growth as contributors to stability and resilience.