U.S. Embassy Singapore Public Affairs Section (PAS) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through its Alumni Community Project Fund (ACPF) 2023. Subject to the availability of funding, PAS will award a limited number of small grants of up to US$20,000 to past and current participants of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. These grants will support alumni in carrying out public service projects that positively impact their communities within Singapore with the objective of utilizing skills and knowledge alumni have gained through their exchange experiences. This document outlines funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please follow the instructions below.
THEMATIC PRIORITIES
The funds may be used to support projects that include, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Economic Prosperity and Entrepreneurship
- Civic Participation, Good Governance, and Resilience
- Science, Technology, Cybersecurity, and Innovation
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Harmony
- Environment and Sustainability
- Regional Stability and Security Issues
- Shared Values and Cross-Cultural Understanding
Projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs
- Artistic and cultural workshops, performances, and exhibitions
- Professional and academic exchanges
- Professional development workshops and training
- Youth outreach projects
Any proposals for in-person programming should outline how the organizers will ensure appropriate health and safety measures are in place.
AWARD AMOUNTS
Typically, award amounts vary between US$5,000 and US$20,000. Exceptions are possible, as long as the budget is commensurate with the project goals.
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants and all team members must be citizens or permanent residents of Singapore or the United States
- At least one individual involved in the project must be an alumnus of a U.S. government exchange program
- While alumni from the United States may participate as team members in ACPF projects, projects must be implemented within Singapore
The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:
- Fund-raising campaigns
- Proposals to create for-profit businesses or directly employ workers
- Projects that support or oppose partisan political activity
- Proposals to provide direct social services (i.e. medicine) to a population
TO APPLY
All proposals must be submitted to SingaporePASCultural@state.gov with “ACPF Application” and the alumni team’s project title in the subject line no later than 11:59pm on August 13, 2023. Proposals should outline the following:
- Introduction to the Project and the Alumni Team:
A short description (up to 150 words) of your project and the alumni members involved to tackle a specific need/challenge in the local community.
- Project Summary, Goals, and Objectives:
Provide an outline of the proposed project to include goals (what the project aims to achieve at its completion) and objectives (measurable interim outcomes) that will positively impact the targeted communities in Singapore. Highlight the innovative and/or creative ways your team will implement your proposed project. Note how the project is sustainable and/or scalable in the long run
- Project Timeline and Communication Plan:
Indicate the proposed timeline for undertaking and completing the specific project activities at the various proposed steps of implementation.
- Evaluation:
Explain how the project will be evaluated as being successful/impactful.
- Proposed Budget:
Indicate and classify all budget line items required of the project.
Projects must be completed within one year from the date that a team or individual obtains funds.
ACPF funds can be used to pay for:
- Intra-regional or in-country transportation
- Trainer or speaker expenses
- Reasonable equipment and materials
- Meals or refreshments that are integral to the overall project goals (i.e. working lunch during a meeting)
- Communications and publicity materials such as manuals or project advertisements
As noted above, applicants should propose activities that are feasible within COVID-19 public health guidelines.
ACPF funds cannot be used to pay for (this list is not exhaustive):
- Sustained staff salaries, office space, and overhead/operational expenses
- Large items of durable equipment
- Alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments, or entertainment
- Academic research
- Provision of direct social services to a population (e.g. funding cannot be used to buy books or medicine to give to a community. However, funding can be used to purchase books that will be used in a training or awareness campaign.)
- Support or opposition of partisan political activity
- Cost sharing and counterpart contributions should be mentioned in the budget. Cost sharing refers to monetary or in-kind contributions made by the organization receiving the grant and can include staff time, space, etc. Counterpart contributions refers to monetary or in-kind contributions made by other organizations in support of the project
Proposals should be submitted using the provided templates:
- PAS-ACPF PROPOSAL Template (NOFO) 2023
- PAS-ACPF 2023 Budget Form
- PAS-ACPF 2023 Questions You May Have List
REVIEW & SELECTION
Each proposal will be evaluated on the basis of the criteria outlined below:
1. Organizational capacity:
The organization or team has expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of its technical capacity to undertake the project.
2. Goals and objectives:
Goals and objectives are clearly stated and project approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results in an innovative and/or creative manner. Project sustainability and/or scalability is also addressed.
3. Embassy priorities:
Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Singapore’s priority areas.
4. Budget:
The budget justification is both reasonable and realistic in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results.
5. Monitoring and evaluation plan:
Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure progress toward goals outlined in the proposal.
Thank you for your interest in U.S. Embassy Singapore’s Alumni Community Project Fund (ACPF) 2023. We look forward to reviewing your proposal.