Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant

The funding for this initiative comes from the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Impact and Innovation Fund, established by IIE’s Board of Trustees. The Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant initiative seeks to offer general support to individuals or teams of Gilman alumni engaging in demonstrated community impact activities throughout the United States. The 2024 program will offer up to five grants of up to $10,000 for Gilman alumni who meet program criteria and embody the goals of the grant.

Eligibility Requirements:

• All applicants (individual and team members) must have successfully completed their Gilman Program study or intern abroad experience (in person or virtually).
• All applicants must have successfully completed their Gilman Program follow-on service project.
• Applicants must submit their online proposal and all supporting documents by September 13, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST.
• The required supporting documents include one letter of endorsement and a budget plan. The letter of endorsement may not come from a family member.

Grant Guidelines:

• Activities should take place after December 1, 2024, and conclude prior to December 1, 2025. Funding cannot be used for any activities that began before December 1, 2024, or occur after December 1, 2025.
• Your proposed project may not support an existing organization, company, nonprofit, or any other entity. This includes any organizations created or led by the alumni applicant. The proposal must be a stand-alone project led by the applicant for the Changemaker Grant.
• When appropriate, the U.S. Department of State and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program will amplify project activities through social media platforms. If your proposal is selected for funding, your outreach submissions will be the property of the Gilman Scholarship Program for use in promotion of the grant or in other promotional activities. Your project proposal and company name, ideas, and products will remain your own.
• All applicants must provide an outreach and social media plan, detailing how they would showcase the impact of their grant.
• Grant winners will be required to submit a final narrative report demonstrating the enduring impact of the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant and project. All winners will be asked to follow U.S. Department of State and Gilman Program branding guidelines.
• Grant winners will be required to submit a final financial report. Recipients will be featured in social media activities and virtual events, and they may be invited to attend in-person events. Recipients must comply with the terms and conditions of their grant, which will be included with the notification letter.

All Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant proposals must address or advance at least one of the following areas of progress: 

• Building Community through Arts, Sports, and Language
• Protecting the Environment
• Global Health
• Human Rights, Refugees, and Migrants
• Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Fighting Misinformation
• Fostering Gilman Alumni Networks and Development
• Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
• Science and Innovation
• Emerging Technologies
• Increasing Food Security
• Addressing Illicit Drugs Challenges

Selection Criteria:

• Completeness of application, incomplete and late applications will not be reviewed
• Potential for significant community impact
• Strength of sustainability strategy/multiplier effect beyond the first year
• Feasibility of project plan and timeline
• Reasonableness and accuracy of the proposed budget
• Ability for applicant(s) to complete the proposed project successfully as well as comply with reporting guidelines
• The selection panels will consider variety of topics, locations where activities will be carried out, home state and home university
• Strength of partnership with local community organizations, if applicable

All Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant proposals must address or advance at least one of the following areas of progress: 

• Building Community through Arts, Sports, and Language
• Protecting the Environment
• Global Health
• Human Rights, Refugees, and Migrants
• Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Fighting Misinformation
• Fostering Gilman Alumni Networks and Development
• Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
• Science and Innovation
• Emerging Technologies
• Increasing Food Security
• Addressing Illicit Drugs Challenges

When does the application open?

August 12, 2024

What is the Changemaker grant period?

December 1, 2024, to December 1, 2025

Are there any restrictions on the use of funding?

The proposed project may not support an existing organization, company, nonprofit, or any other entity.  This includes any organizations created or led by the alumni applicant. The proposal must be a stand alone project led by the applicant for the Changemaker Grant.

Do I have to submit a proposal as an individual? Can I work with a team?

You may submit your Changemaker Grant proposal as an individual or with up to 3 other team members. There may not be more than 4 team members (including yourself) per grant proposal. All members of your grant team must be Gilman alumni and must meet all Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant eligibility requirements.

Who can my letters of endorsement be from? How many should I have? What should they include?

Each proposal must include one letter of endorsement. The letter of endorsement may not come from a family member

This letter must address the applicant’s qualifications and ability to complete the proposed project and commitment to making positive change within the United States in accordance with the purpose of the Changemaker grant. Endorsements that can speak to the feasibility, need and impact of the proposed project will be particularly strong. Acceptable sources include supervisors, professional peers, or professors. Ensure your endorsers are very familiar with your project, goals, and desired outcomes so that their letter is more specific than general in nature.

• Your proposal submission for the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant will not be considered complete unless you also send your budget plan and 1 letter of endorsement to GilmanChangemaker@iie.org before the Sep 13 deadline. Please include “First Name Last Name – Document Submission – Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant” in the email subject line.

What makes a strong application?

• Submit the application on time.
• Submit comprehensive answers to the questions.
• Reach out to GilmanChangemaker@iie.org for support.
• Partner with a local community organization, if this connection would add value to the project.
• Follow the budget template and guidelines thoroughly.

• Your proposal submission for the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant will not be considered complete unless you also send your budget plan and 1 letter of endorsement to GilmanChangemaker@iie.org before the September 13 deadline. Please include your name and “First Name Last Name – Document Submission – Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant” in the email subject line.
• Review and address the selection criteria.

What does “Long-term, sustainable impact” mean?

The Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant seeks to empower Gilman alumni to create individual public service projects that have the potential to create community impact beyond the 2024 grant period. We are looking for proposals that continue to engage audiences, partners, and communities into the future. Project proposals should describe how the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant functions as a catalyst for change, not just a one-time opportunity.

What kinds of projects have been supported in the past?

Some examples include:

• Revitalization of tribal languages in Oregon
• Increasing awareness of homebuying options for immigrants in Georgia
• Developing hydroponics stations to combat food deserts

 What can I use my funding for?

Categories defined under the budget template include Speaker Honorarium or Trainer Fees, Promotional Items and Advertising, Supplies, Materials, and Equipment, Meals and Beverages, and an Other section where you can specify costs that don’t fall under the aforementioned categories. Funds may not be used for alcohol or for activities for any for-profit or non-profit established organizations.

When is the application due?

September 13, 2024. 

What if I have questions about my application or grant?

Reach out to us! GilmanChangemaker@iie.org.

The funding for this initiative comes from the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Impact and Innovation Fund, established by IIE’s Board of Trustees. The Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant initiative seeks to offer general support to individuals engaging in demonstrated community impact activities throughout the United States. The 2023 program will offer up to six grants of up to $10,000 for selected Gilman alumni.

To Qualify:

• All applicants (individual and any team members) must have successfully completed their Gilman Program study abroad experience (In-person or virtual).
• Applicants must submit their online proposal and all supporting documents by August 23rd, 2023 at 11:59 PST.
• The required supporting documents include: 1 Letter of Endorsement and a Budget Plan
• All applicants must provide an outreach and social media plan, detailing how they would showcase the impact of their grants.
• Grant winners will be required to submit a report and video demonstrating the enduring impact of the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant and project. All winners will be asked to follow ECA and Gilman Program branding guidelines. A final financial report will also be required.
• Recipients will be featured in social media activities, virtual events, and may be invited to attend in-person events.

Selection Criteria:

• Completeness of application, incomplete and late applications will not be reviewed.
• Potential for significant community impact
• Strength of sustainability strategy/multiplier effect beyond the first year
• Feasibility of project plan and timeline
• Reasonableness and accuracy of the proposed budget
• Ability for applicant(s) to complete the proposed project successfully as well as comply with reporting guidelines
• The selection panels will consider diversity of topics, locations where activities will be carried out, home state and home university.
• Strength of partnership with local community organizations, if applicable.

All Gilman Alumni Changemaker proposals must address or advance at least one of the following areas: 

• Building Community Through Arts, Sports, and Language
• Protecting the Environment
• Global Health
• Human Rights, Refugees, and Migrants
• Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Fighting Misinformation
• Fostering Gilman Alumni Networks and Development
• Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
• Science, Technology, and Innovation

View the recording from the 05/17/23 Gilman Alumni Changemaker Informational Webinar to learn more about the 2023 grant competition.

When does the application open?

May 1, 2023

What is the Changemaker Award grant period?

December 1, 2023, to December 1, 2024

Are there any restrictions on the use of funding?

The Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant is meant to fund individual projects.  Thus funding is not to be used for activities for any for-profit or non-profit established organizations. However, applicants may involve their organizations or partner with other organizations in the project’s implementation. The proposal should disclose any other partnering organizations that are co-funding and/or providing in-kind support to the project.

Who can my letters of endorsement be from? How many should I have? What should they include?

Each proposal must include one letter of endorsement.

This letter must address the applicant’s qualifications and ability to complete the proposed project and commitment to making positive change within the United States in accordance with the purpose of the Changemaker grants.  Endorsements that can speak to the feasibility, need and impact of the proposed project will be particularly strong. Acceptable sources include supervisors, professional peers, or professors.  Ensure your endorsers are very familiar with your project, goals, and desired outcomes so that their letter is more specific than general in nature.

• Your proposal submission for the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant will not be considered complete unless you also send your budget plan and 1 letter of endorsement to GilmanChangemaker@iie.org before the August 23rd deadline. Please include your name and “Document Submission – Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant” in the email subject line.

What makes a strong application?

• Submit the application on time.
• Submit comprehensive answers to the questions.
• Reach out to GilmanChangemaker@iie.org for support.
• Partner with a local community organization, if this connection would add value to the project.
• Follow the budget template and guidelines thoroughly.

• Include how your proposal advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in your grant proposal.
• Your proposal submission for the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant will not be considered complete unless you also send your budget plan and 1 letter of endorsement to GilmanChangemaker@iie.org before the August 23rd deadline. Please include your name and “Document Submission – Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant” in the email subject line.
• Review and address the selection criteria, listed above and in the application.

What does “Long-term, sustainable impact” mean?

The Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant seeks to empower Gilman alumni to create individual public service projects that have the potential to create community impact beyond the 2023 grant period. We are looking for proposals that continue to engage audiences, partners, and communities into the future. Project proposals should describe how the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant functions as a catalyst for change, not just a one-time opportunity.

What projects have been supported in the past?

The Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant is a new initiative launched in 2023.  There are not past examples yet to share.

 What can I use my funding for?

Categories defined under the budget template include Speaker Honorarium or Trainer Fees, Promotional Items and Advertising, Supplies, Materials, and Equipment, Meals and Beverages, and an Other section where you can specify costs that don’t fall under the aforementioned categories.  Funds may not be used for alcohol or for activities for any for-profit or non-profit established organizations.

When is the application due?

August 23, 2023. 

What if I have questions about my application or grant?

Reach out to us! GilmanChangemaker@iie.org.