The Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant builds on one of the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program’s hallmark features, the follow-on service project, enabling alumni to continue to give back to communities through grant-supported projects. The grants support impactful public service projects that need funding to get them off the ground. Gilman alumni inspire change and positively impact their home communities with skills and knowledge gained during their international experiences. The Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant initiative invests in alumni and their proposed larger projects that create positive change in their communities within the United States. Proposals can be submitted by an individual or a team of Gilman Alumni.
Application Open!
Preview the Changemaker Application with this PDF
CONTACT US AT 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 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 Program 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. Select recipients may be invited to attend a U.S. Department of State, Gilman Program reception on November 17, 2023, in Washington, DC. The Gilman Program would cover the cost of their attendance. Recipients must comply with the terms and conditions of their award which will be included with the notification letter.
More Information
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.
- How well the project advances the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).
- 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 Program 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 Program Changemaker Grant” in the email subject line.
- Review and address the selection criteria, listed above and in the application.
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.
