Executive Summary:
The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan announces an open competition for organizations to implement the Alumni Support Program in Turkmenistan (ASP). The purpose of this program is to strengthen the role of U.S. Government (USG) program alumni in supporting their communities and growing in their professional careers, while also deepening ties between alumni and across programs, regions and generations. This cooperative agreement will support one organization to oversee administration of small grants, organize events and facilitate better networking among alumni.
Audience: past participants of USG programs, including:
Exchange programs: Artist Exchange, BFTF, Community Solutions, CAMEX, FLEX, Fulbright TEA, Fulbright Students, Fulbright Scholars, Humphrey Fellowship, Muskie Fellowship, Open World, IVLP, SUSI for Educators, Scholars, and Students, UGRAD, TechWomen, TechGirls, Alumni Ties.
Embassy-funded non-exchange programs: Prep4Success (P4S), Undergraduate Cohort Advising (UCA), American English Program (AEP), C5+ONE, OPEN.
Project Goal: Expand engagement of U.S. government exchange alumni throughout Turkmenistan on key issues through increased networking and professional development opportunities
Project Objectives:
1. Increase communication and collaboration between U.S. government exchange program alumni through networking opportunities.
2. Increase the number of alumni-led initiatives leveraging skills and knowledge acquired during exchange programs to address community needs and challenges.
3. Strengthen career and leadership skills of alumni through targeted professional development initiatives, including mentorship and coaching programs.
Expected Themes & Project Activities to be managed by the implementing partner:
1. Small Grants - Expanding the impact of USG programs in communities across Turkmenistan.
The awardee will administer a small grants program for USG alumni and support alumni in developing and implementing projects that share American values, address community needs and/or educate public audiences. Priority will be given to projects that reach underserved communities, enhance the profile of alumni as community leaders and/or target thematic areas (to be agreed during the implementation period). Projects should have measurable outcomes and leverage other community resources when possible, including in-kind donations, public-private partnerships, alumni expertise, and cooperation with public sector institutions.
Activities may include but not limited to:
Develop a Grants Manual and award criteria. This document is expected to be a comprehensive guide or handbook (internal document for the grantee not for grant applicants) that outlines the process, procedures and best practices related to applying for, managing, and reporting on small grants. It may include but not limited to introduction (overview of purpose), detailed application process (when, how, where announced), eligibility, prioritization, reporting and compliance, budget instructions, monitoring and evaluation, and Q&A section.
Engage with the alumni community in finalizing annual priority themes for the small grants.
Publicize the grants program and conduct outreach in all regions of Turkmenistan.
Conduct capacity-building seminars on topics such as project management and development, community engagement and monitoring and evaluation, reaching all regions of Turkmenistan.
Award at least 20 grants through a competitive and transparent process.
Track grant implementation, ensure visibility of grants, publicize success stories within the alumni community and engage grantees in sharing lessons learned.
2. Networking - Supporting a vibrant alumni community and increasing alumni ownership of activities:
The awardee will conduct activities to support a vibrant alumni community and increase alumni ownership of all activities by planning events across the country and strengthening the capacity of the U.S.-Turkmenistan Alumni Association (USTAA).
Activities:
Conduct an alumni needs assessment and update the alumni contacts database.
Recruit one Regional Alumni Representative (RAR) in each region, including Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary.
Attend USTAA meetings as needed and assist in administering USTAA activities and identifying resources for strengthening USTAA administration and pursuing legal registration.
Promote opportunities for alumni and share alumni success stories through a quarterly Alumni Newsletter and engage alumni in content creation.
Plan and conduct the Annual Alumni Gala for at least 130 alumni from across the country, in partnership with the USTAA.
In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, ensure alumni participation in Pre-Departure Orientations (PDOs) and Re-Entry Seminars for USG exchange programs.
Organize at least one networking event in each region per calendar quarter.
3. Professional Development - Improving the leadership capacity of USG alumni.
The awardee will support the professional development of USG alumni by providing travel and professional development grants, organizing professional networking events and/or providing other professional development opportunities for alumni.
Activities:
Develop criteria for issuing individual grants for professional development, such as conferences or short-term training, and publicize these opportunities widely within the alumni community.
Hold regular professional development events, such as presentations, networking events, mentorship programs, soft skills workshops, peer-to-peer coaching, discussion clubs, etc., based on need.
