Engaging Exchange Alumni finding avenues to better facilitate U.S. strategic priorities

The U.S. Mission to Paraguay, under the Department of State, is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Engaging Exchange Alumni – finding avenues to better facilitate U.S. strategic priorities." This grant is managed by the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay and is part of the Public Diplomacy Programs assistance listing (19.040). The program aims to empower Paraguayan alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs by providing them with resources to develop and execute community-based projects that reflect U.S. strategic priorities and shared democratic values. This funding initiative is specifically aligned with America 250, an initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The primary objective is to strengthen U.S.-Paraguay bilateral relations by enabling alumni to leverage the skills and experiences gained during their exchange programs. Through this opportunity, alumni are expected to contribute to the broader goals of the U.S. Embassy, which may include promoting democratic governance, enhancing mutual understanding, and addressing regional challenges in collaboration with local communities. Proposals must be submitted by nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. The proposed projects should be implemented by teams consisting of at least two Paraguayan alumni of U.S. exchange programs. These projects should align directly with U.S. Embassy goals and reflect tangible support for U.S. foreign policy initiatives in the region. Projects may vary in scope but must clearly demonstrate how they build upon the alumni’s prior experiences and contribute to the strategic mission of the Embassy. The total available program funding is $8,000, with individual awards ranging from $4,000 to a maximum of $8,000. Only one award is expected to be granted under this opportunity. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants, allowing a broad range of qualified nonprofits to participate without financial constraints. Acceptable spending includes activities that directly advance project objectives such as community engagement, education campaigns, and training workshops, provided these are within the scope defined by the grant. Applications must be submitted by July 25, 2025. The opportunity was posted on June 24, 2025, and remains active until the closing date. All proposals should be complete at the time of submission, and the Embassy will not accept late or partial applications. As this grant is not marked as recurring or rolling, it is crucial for interested organizations to meet this year's deadline. For further information or assistance accessing the full announcement, applicants are encouraged to contact Sergio Jimenez via email at educationparaguay@state.gov. There are no pre-application deadlines or Q&A sessions specified in the opportunity description. Applicants should review the full opportunity on MyGrants or Grants.gov and prepare submissions that clearly articulate their alignment with both the objectives of this grant and the broader U.S. strategic priorities in Paraguay.