Narrative outline
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF): Sierra Leone. One section per scoring criterion, in the notice's order, so reviewers find each answer where they expect it. Fill in every [[NEEDS: …]] with your own facts.
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Narrative limit: 15 pages. Suggested pages follow each section's share of the points. Scores listed: 100 points. The notice's total wasn't found, so check it. Source: the official notice, EmbassyFreetown2026AEIFNOFO..pdf.
Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea · 30 points · about 4.5 pages
What reviewers look for (notice p. 16):
The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives that align directly with the priorities and requirements of the NOFO. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline, and the project scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Finally, the proposal aligns with the following: o The project clearly demonstrates a direct contribution to current U.S. foreign policy priorities. o The project celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting American excellence past, present, or future. o The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign government partners. o The project will positively impact American’s reputation among foreign publics. o The proposal does not include any…
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants · 20 points · about 3 pages
What reviewers look for (notice p. 16):
o The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project, including internal controls in place to manage federal funds. o The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying issue that the project will address. o The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system, a bank account, and if applicable, satisfactory audit findings. o Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard Terms and Conditions. o Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration.…
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives · 15 points · about 2 pages
What reviewers look for (notice p. 17):
The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Budget · 10 points · about 1.5 pages
What reviewers look for (notice p. 17):
The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Monitoring and Evaluation · 15 points · about 2 pages
What reviewers look for (notice p. 17):
There is a complete and thorough draft submission of an M&E Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). This will include a list of proposed project activities, corresponding milestone, output, and outcome indicators, a description of data collection methods, and a timeline for collecting such information. The proposal presents a clear theory of change on how the program will address that problem. Use of the required template (Attachment 001) will satisfy these requirements. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Sustainability · 10 points · about 1.5 pages
What reviewers look for (notice p. 17):
The project proposal describes clearly the approach that will be used to ensure maximum sustainability or advancement of project goals after the end of project activity.
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Draft written? Score it against these criteria and check each section's length. Want to see how others did it? Sample proposals agencies have posted.
Built from the official notice's scoring section. Section names, order and page limits come from the notice.