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

Opportunity Information: Apply for M NOFO 17 104

The U.S. Department of State, through the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (PAS Mumbai), is offering a discretionary funding opportunity titled "U.S. University Alumni Fairs in Pune and Indore" (Funding Opportunity Number: M NOFO 17 104). The project is designed to expand U.S. higher education outreach beyond the large, frequently served metro areas in western India. While U.S. university education fairs and recruiter visits are common in major cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad, students in secondary cities 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. This opportunity aims to reduce that access gap by organizing alumni-driven fairs in Pune and Indore.

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. Instead of relying on traveling admissions officers or recruiters from the United States, the program leverages alumni networks to represent their alma maters, share authentic experiences, and guide prospective students on pathways to study in the United States. The underlying rationale is both educational and economic: higher education is framed as a major U.S. export, with international students contributing over $35 billion to the U.S. economy in 2015 (per the U.S. Department of Commerce), and India remains one of the most significant sources of international students in the United States. By strengthening outreach in Pune and Indore, the project supports continued student mobility and promotes a deeper understanding of U.S. education options in places that do not routinely receive direct U.S. university engagement.

The award is expected to be made as a cooperative agreement, which generally means the U.S. government anticipates substantial involvement in shaping or overseeing elements of the project during implementation rather than providing a simple pass-through grant. The funding activity category is Education, and the CFDA number listed for the program is 19.040. The opportunity anticipates a single award (Expected Awards: 1), with a maximum award amount (Award Ceiling) of $33,000. The notice was created on May 8, 2017, with an original application closing date of July 7, 2017.

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions where applicable). In practical terms, this means universities and colleges, as well as qualified nonprofit organizations, could propose and implement the alumni fairs, likely by coordinating 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.

Overall, this opportunity is essentially a targeted public diplomacy and education outreach initiative: it promotes U.S. higher education opportunities in under-served Indian cities by building events around credible local messengers (U.S. university alumni), rather than depending on periodic recruiter travel to the biggest metropolitan hubs. For full implementation details, required components, and any specific deliverables or evaluation expectations, applicants are directed to consult the complete announcement in the related documents referenced in the notice.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to India in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. University Alumni Fairs in Pune and Indore" 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 May 08, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 07, 2017. (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 $33,000.00 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 17 104

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