Access Alumni Outreach and Engagement and English Access Scholarship Program

The Access Alumni Outreach and Engagement and English Access Scholarship Program is a federal funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This initiative is supported under Public Diplomacy programs and aims to strengthen long-term educational and cultural ties between the United States and Kazakhstan. The program is part of a broader effort to promote mutual understanding, develop English language proficiency, and cultivate youth leadership aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives. The funding is delivered through a cooperative agreement, indicating that the Public Diplomacy Section will maintain active involvement in implementation, including participant selection and program oversight. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the design and execution of two interconnected program tracks: an alumni engagement initiative and a scholarship-based English language training program. The alumni component focuses on re-engaging up to 300 graduates of prior English Access programs across five cities in South Kazakhstan. Activities are intended to strengthen English proficiency, expand knowledge of U.S. culture and history, and foster professional networking. The scholarship component targets 32 new students aged 13 to 15, providing them with intensive English language instruction totaling approximately 360 hours over a period of up to 20 months, along with exposure to U.S. educational and cultural systems. Funding for this opportunity ranges from approximately 30000 to 50000 dollars per award, with total available funding of about 80000 dollars and up to two awards anticipated. The performance period spans 12 to 20 months depending on program track, with projects expected to begin around October 2026. Allowable costs include personnel, travel, supplies, contractual services, and other programmatic expenses, while restrictions prohibit use of funds for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, or religious programming. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, and applicants must comply with federal regulations under 2 CFR 200. Eligibility is limited to not-for-profit organizations in Kazakhstan, including non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and U.S. government program alumni associations. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded from serving as the primary applicant, although subcontracting is permitted with clearly defined roles. Applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. Only one proposal per organization is allowed, and failure to meet submission or documentation requirements will result in disqualification. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed narrative proposal of up to 12 pages. The proposal must include sections such as organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. A detailed budget and justification narrative must accompany the submission, outlining all projected costs. Additional attachments include resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. Applications may be submitted via email or through Grants.gov. Applications are due by August 21, 2026 at 1159 p.m. Astana time. Questions must be submitted by August 5, 2026, and responses will be posted publicly. The review process evaluates proposals based on program quality, organizational capacity, planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Selected recipients will enter into a formal agreement and must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly progress and financial reports and final reports within 120 days of project completion. Overall, this funding opportunity emphasizes measurable outcomes, structured engagement, and alignment with U.S. public diplomacy goals. It seeks to build a sustainable network of English-proficient youth leaders in Kazakhstan while expanding access to educational opportunities and strengthening bilateral cultural connections.

Ensure strong alignment with US foreign policy goals provide detailed measurable objectives and include a precise budget justification demonstrating cost reasonableness