Symposium for International Exchange Alumni from Western India | M NOFO 18 109

Opportunity Information: Apply for M NOFO 18 109

The "Symposium for International Exchange Alumni from Western India" is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: M NOFO 18 109) issued by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai under the U.S. Mission to India. It supports an education-focused initiative (CFDA 19.040) to convene and strengthen a community of U.S. State Department exchange program alumni in western India through a structured, skill-building symposium designed to spur alumni-led programming and deeper engagement with the Consulate.

The selected grantee is expected to take the lead on planning and executing all logistical arrangements for a one-and-one-half-day outreach symposium for approximately 100 exchange alumni. A central requirement is close coordination with PAS Mumbai throughout the planning process, including obtaining Consulate approval for proposed program topics and speakers. In practice, this means the implementing organization would not only manage event operations but also develop recommendations on content and presenters that align with Consulate priorities, then refine those recommendations based on PAS Mumbai feedback.

The symposium format is designed to combine relationship-building with practical training. The first evening centers on a networking reception that brings alumni together with one another and with U.S. Consulate General Mumbai staff. This reception is intended to rebuild and expand professional connections, surface alumni interests and expertise, and create a pipeline of informed alumni contacts who can advise on or participate in future Consulate-related programs and activities. The second day shifts into structured programming, with presentations, discussions, and breakout sessions that emphasize hands-on guidance for alumni who want to organize activities in their communities or professional sectors.

Content areas for the second day are explicitly oriented toward helping alumni move from ideas to workable projects. Proposed session themes include identifying feasible programs and activities; designing programs with clear structure and appropriate invitees; delivering effective presentations that help build partnerships and collaborations; publicizing events and initiatives; coordinating with Consulate counterparts; deciding when and how to program individually versus as a group; forming effective alumni teams around shared interests; building and maintaining alumni networks and communication channels; and locating resources, including learning how to pursue grant opportunities that can fund alumni-led projects. Overall, the emphasis is on capacity building, practical planning, and sustained alumni network development rather than a one-time convening.

The opportunity also frames the symposium as a platform for alumni to contribute their expertise to issues of shared interest to India and the United States. While the announcement leaves room for a range of themes, it specifically highlights areas such as clean energy, womens safety and empowerment, entrepreneurship, civil rights, environmental issues, poverty reduction, and expanding U.S.-India business and educational ties. These thematic lanes are intended to guide discussion toward collaborative, high-impact programming that aligns with broader bilateral priorities and community needs.

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). The grant has an award ceiling of $30,000, with one expected award. The opportunity was created on April 26, 2018, with an original closing date of June 27, 2018, indicating a competitive, single-award selection aimed at identifying one organization capable of delivering the full symposium experience end-to-end while working under the strategic direction and approval processes of PAS Mumbai.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to India in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Symposium for International Exchange Alumni from Western India" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 26, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 27, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $30,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for M NOFO 18 109

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