Freedom 250 – Amplifying Exchange Alumni stories of excellence | Apply Online

Freedom 250 - Amplifying Exchange Alumni Stories of Excellence (OFOP0002532) FAQs

1) What is "Freedom 250 - Amplifying Exchange Alumni Stories of Excellence (OFOP0002532)"?

It is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant opportunity announced by the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay. The project concept is tied to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and is designed to support public-facing initiatives that highlight American leadership and values through the real experiences of U.S. government exchange program alumni based in Paraguay.

2) What is the main goal of this grant opportunity?

The central goal is to use the 250th anniversary moment to spotlight American leadership and values by elevating exchange alumni stories and showing how those exchange experiences connect to Paraguay's development and the strength of the U.S.-Paraguay bilateral relationship.

3) Who is the intended focus or "main characters" of the project activities?

The project is centered on U.S. government exchange program alumni who are based in Paraguay. The Embassy is looking for proposals that amplify alumni voices and make them visible to broader audiences.

4) What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status. The notice also states that eligible applicants cannot be institutions of higher education.

5) Can universities or other higher education institutions apply?

No. The eligibility description specifies that applicants cannot be institutions of higher education.

6) Is this an open competition?

Yes. The Embassy frames the announcement as an open competition that will be evaluated against the terms in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

7) Which U.S. government entity is offering this funding?

The opportunity is a U.S. Department of State grant announced by the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay.

8) What is the funding instrument and CFDA number?

The funding instrument is a grant, and the CFDA number listed is 19.022.

9) What is the award ceiling (maximum amount of funding)?

The award ceiling stated in the opportunity summary is $35,000.

10) What is the application deadline?

The deadline listed is April 17, 2026.

11) What activity category is associated with this opportunity?

The activity category is listed as humanities. This aligns with the program emphasis on civic narrative, identity, values, and public storytelling.

12) What types of projects is the Embassy looking to fund?

The Embassy is specifically looking for proposals from alumni organizations that can design and carry out initiatives that elevate alumni voices and make them visible to broader audiences, using public-facing storytelling tied to the 250th anniversary context.

13) What approach does the notice describe as preferred?

The preferred approach described focuses on collecting alumni reflections through interviews and then converting those reflections into multimedia storytelling products that can be shared widely.

14) Are interviews required as part of the project concept?

The notice emphasizes collecting alumni reflections through interviews as the preferred approach. Applicants should follow the NOFO instructions closely to confirm exact expectations and requirements.

15) What kinds of "multimedia storytelling products" are expected?

The summary indicates that alumni reflections should be turned into multimedia storytelling products for wide sharing. The specific formats are not enumerated in the information provided, so applicants should rely on the full NOFO for any format guidance or constraints.

16) Does the proposal need to include any in-person or convening component?

Yes. In addition to the storytelling component, proposals should include a networking event that brings people together around the narratives and the program themes.

17) What themes should the content highlight?

The content is expected to highlight areas where the United States is often seen as demonstrating excellence and influence, including science and technology, economic dynamism and innovation, sports, and broader global impact.

18) How should the project connect the U.S. themes to Paraguay?

The storyline is expected to connect these themes to concrete examples of how U.S. ideas, institutions, or values influenced alumni personally and professionally, and how alumni applied those lessons in ways that contribute to Paraguay as a partner nation.

19) What does "public-facing" mean in the context of this opportunity?

Based on the summary provided, "public-facing" refers to content and activities (such as multimedia storytelling and a networking event) designed for broader audiences, not just internal alumni circles, with the intent of making alumni voices visible and widely shared.

20) Is the project required to focus on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence?

Yes. The opportunity is explicitly tied to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, and the project aim is to use that anniversary moment as a platform for the alumni storytelling and public engagement.

21) What does the Embassy want applicants to pay attention to when preparing an application?

Applicants are expected to follow the NOFO instructions closely, including any required formats, eligibility documentation, content expectations, and budget rules. The announcement notes that applications will be evaluated against the terms in the full notice.

22) Where do applicants find the official rules and evaluation expectations?

The official requirements are in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The summary provided stresses that the competition will be evaluated according to the terms in that full notice.