Leaders for Change-Virtual Exchange Program | S DR860 20 NOFO 005

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the Leaders for Change - Virtual Exchange Program?

Leaders for Change - Virtual Exchange Program is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity offered through the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. It funds a single virtual exchange project that connects one U.S. higher education institution with one Dominican higher education institution to run a structured online exchange for young people in both countries.

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

The central aim is to strengthen U.S.-Dominican ties and deepen interest in higher education by having students collaborate across borders on practical projects and innovation, including during periods of disruption or crisis.

3) How many projects will be funded?

The opportunity expects one award and funds a single virtual exchange project.

4) Who is the funder and which office is offering it?

The funder is the U.S. Department of State. The opportunity is offered through the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo (U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic).

5) What is the CFDA number for this discretionary grant?

The grant is identified as CFDA 19.040.

6) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $25,000.

7) Which organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include public/state-controlled and private institutions of higher education. The notice references additional eligibility details in the full announcement.

8) What kind of institutional partnership is required?

The funded project must link one U.S. higher education institution with one Dominican higher education institution.

9) Who are the intended participants?

The exchange is designed for students ages 15 to 21 from the Dominican Republic and the United States, particularly those motivated to create positive community impact, often through technology.

10) What themes and skills should the program emphasize?

Program content should emphasize workforce development, social entrepreneurship, leadership, decision-making, and planning, with an overall focus on cultivating a mindset oriented toward positive change.

11) What learning modules are expected to be included?

Applicants are expected to incorporate interactive learning modules on leadership, community issues, and digital citizenship, aimed at building 21st century global competency skills and cross-cultural communication.

12) Does the proposal need to include U.S. content?

Yes. All proposals are expected to include clear U.S. content.

13) Are one-off virtual events acceptable for this grant?

No. The opportunity calls for meaningful, sustained interaction rather than one-off virtual events.

14) What are the required live (synchronous) components?

Proposals should include at least three synchronous sessions. Suggested tools include Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook Live, YouTube, or similar platforms.

15) Are asynchronous activities expected between live sessions?

Yes. Live touchpoints should be supported by ongoing asynchronous communication in between sessions (for example, via WhatsApp, Snapchat, email, or text-based chats).

16) Is high-bandwidth internet required for participation?

No. The guidance states that high bandwidth is not required and that a strong exchange can be built using accessible, low-tech options if needed.

17) What kinds of dialogue formats should be used?

Dialogue formats are expected to vary, including small group, large group, and one-on-one interactions when appropriate.

18) Are facilitators required?

The exchange should include skilled facilitators to guide conversations and help ensure participants remain engaged.

19) What kind of relationship-building does the Embassy expect?

The Embassy emphasizes that relationship-building should move beyond superficial cultural sharing and focus on substantive discussion and collaboration.

20) What is the expectation for participant projects?

A key expectation is that participants jointly design a project together and then carry it out in their local contexts, creating parallel implementation with shared goals.

21) Should the program include incentives or milestones?

Yes. Proposals should include incentives or milestones that encourage participants to keep interacting beyond their project tasks.

22) Is a final capstone event required?

The program should culminate in a final event such as a guest speaker session, awards ceremony, performance, or another capstone moment that highlights what participants learned and produced.

23) Is evaluation required?

Yes. Evaluation is not optional. Applicants are asked to integrate multiple assessment tools.

24) What evaluation framework is expected?

The opportunity requests a logic model framework linking inputs (resources), activities, outputs (immediate deliverables), short-term outcomes (changes in knowledge/skills/behavior), and long-term outcomes (enduring impact attributable to the program).

25) What types of costs are supported by the grant?

Funding supports practical costs of running an online exchange, including e-learning expenses, online platforms, virtual trainer or speaker fees, and reasonable equipment and materials.

26) Is there a required pre-program meeting with the U.S. Embassy?

Yes. The proposal must include a meeting with U.S. Embassy staff before the program begins.

27) What costs or activities are explicitly not funded?

The grant will not fund: grants to individuals; academic or scientific research; completion of activities already funded elsewhere; political or partisan programming; ongoing salaries and routine overhead; major durable equipment purchases or construction; alcohol or excessive hospitality; direct charitable or social service delivery; religious activities; or fundraising campaigns.

28) How must applications be submitted?

Applications are submitted by email to SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov.

29) What was the application deadline listed in the opportunity?

The listed deadline was Tuesday, July 7, 2020, 11:59 p.m.

30) What overall approach should a competitive proposal demonstrate?

Based on the opportunity description, proposals should show structured online engagement, sustained interaction, clear U.S. content, a mix of synchronous and asynchronous exchanges, substantive collaboration, participant-led project design with local implementation, a capstone event, and a required evaluation plan built on a logic model.