U.S. University Alumni Fairs in Pune and Indore | M NOFO 17 104

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): U.S. University Alumni Fairs in Pune and Indore (M NOFO 17 104)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, offered through the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (PAS Mumbai). The opportunity is titled "U.S. University Alumni Fairs in Pune and Indore" and is identified by Funding Opportunity Number M NOFO 17 104.

2) What is the main goal of the project?

The project is designed to expand U.S. higher education outreach beyond the large, frequently served metro areas in western India. It aims to reduce the access gap for students in secondary cities who often have fewer chances to meet credible representatives of U.S. institutions, ask detailed admissions questions, or learn about U.S. campus life from firsthand sources.

3) Which cities are specifically targeted?

The opportunity focuses on organizing alumni-driven U.S. higher education fairs in Pune and Indore.

4) Why focus on Pune and Indore instead of major metros?

U.S. university education fairs and recruiter visits are described as common in major cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad. In comparison, students in secondary cities may have fewer opportunities to interact with reliable representatives of U.S. institutions. This program is intended to extend credible engagement into cities that do not routinely receive direct U.S. university outreach.

5) What is the "alumni-driven" model described in the notice?

The core idea is to use Indian alumni of U.S. universities who are already based in India as "on-site brand ambassadors" for American higher education. Alumni represent their alma maters, share authentic personal experiences, and help prospective students understand pathways to study in the United States.

6) Does the program rely on U.S.-based admissions officers traveling to India?

The notice emphasizes an approach that does not depend on traveling admissions officers or recruiters from the United States. Instead, it leverages alumni networks in India to represent U.S. institutions and share firsthand insights.

7) What kinds of information are the fairs intended to provide to students?

Based on the description, the fairs are meant to help students ask detailed admissions questions, learn about U.S. campus life from firsthand sources, and better understand U.S. education options and pathways to studying in the United States.

8) What is the broader rationale for the program?

The rationale is presented as both educational and economic. The notice frames higher education as a major U.S. export and references that international students contributed over $35 billion to the U.S. economy in 2015 (citing the U.S. Department of Commerce). The program also notes that India is one of the most significant sources of international students in the United States.

9) What agency is funding this opportunity?

The funder is the U.S. Department of State, acting through the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (PAS Mumbai).

10) What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category listed is Education.

11) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for the program is 19.040.

12) What type of award is expected?

The award is expected to be made as a cooperative agreement. This generally indicates substantial involvement by the U.S. government in shaping or overseeing elements of the project during implementation, rather than a simple pass-through grant.

13) How many awards are expected?

The opportunity anticipates a single award (Expected Awards: 1).

14) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling (maximum award amount) is $33,000.

15) When was the notice created and what was the application deadline?

The notice was created on May 8, 2017, and the original application closing date was July 7, 2017.

16) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions where applicable)

17) Are institutions of higher education allowed to apply?

Yes. Both public/state-controlled and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicants.

18) Are nonprofit organizations allowed to apply?

Yes. U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status are included as eligible applicants (with the notice noting an exclusion for higher education institutions where applicable).

19) What kinds of activities might the selected applicant carry out?

In practical terms, the notice suggests the selected applicant could propose and implement alumni fairs by coordinating items such as venue logistics, alumni participation, outreach and marketing to prospective students, and program content that helps students understand admissions, academics, and student life at U.S. institutions.

20) What makes this a public diplomacy and education outreach initiative?

The opportunity is described as promoting U.S. higher education opportunities in under-served Indian cities by organizing events around credible local messengers (U.S. university alumni), rather than relying on periodic recruiter travel to large metro hubs.

21) Where should applicants look for full implementation requirements and deliverables?

The notice directs applicants to consult the complete announcement in the related documents referenced in the notice for full implementation details, required components, and any specific deliverables or evaluation expectations.