The International Rescue Committee has been so fortunate to have had a longstanding relationship with Princeton in Africa since our very first Fellows landed in Rwanda in 1999. Whether it was Emily or Renee in 1999 or the 110 Fellows across 14 IRC countries over the years, we have been blessed by the relationship, the quality of the Fellows and the impact on what IRC does on the ground every single day.
Alumni Mini-Grants Program
The PiAf Sponsored Alumni Mini-Grants Program provides up to $250 to alumni of the Princeton in Africa Program (PiAf). Alumni can apply for mini-grants for relief or support for professional, academic, personal, etc. needs. Needs can include learning and development opportunities (entrepreneurial expenses, professional courses, graduate school applications or exams), alumni projects (software or hardware for technical or creative needs, spiritual or empowerment retreats), and activities that improve Alumni’s capacity and development interests (training or certifications, attending conferences, workshops). PiAf reserves the right to verify all of the information included in the application.
Maximum Grant Award: $250
Application Timeline & Instructions
- Deadline: October 13, 2023 at 11:59 PM Eastern – Applications are now closed for 2023.
- Full application to be completed through the PiAf portal.
- Within three months of receiving the mini-grant, alumni are expected to submit a report to PiAf detailing the use and impact of the grant as well as information about future plans.
Eligibility Criteria
PiAf alumni who have successfully fulfilled all program requirements and are in good standing with PiAf.
Selection Process
Each eligible application will be read by the Fundraising Committee Chair (or other Fundraising Committee Members in their place), Executive Director, Program Manager, and an independent member of the Alumni Board. The selection team will review for clarity of need, the purpose of the beneficiary’s needs, and sustainable impact on the Alumni or beneficiaries.
Disbursement of Funds and Tax Responsibility
PiAf will work with Alumni on an individual basis on the preferred way to receive the funds (bank transfer, Zelle, PayPal, or wire transfer). PiAf does not provide tax advice and all recipients are responsible for bank fees and all taxes associated with receiving the grant.
Our History
In 1999, a group of Princeton alumni, faculty, and staff launched Princeton in Africa as an independent affiliate of Princeton University inspired by the University’s informal motto, “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” In 2010, the program opened up to include graduates of any US accredited university in order to meet the growing demand from host organizations and allow more young professionals access to the unique opportunities afforded by PiAf. During the past 20 years, we have placed over 600 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 36 countries, while developing more strategic partnerships across Africa and creating more opportunities for our alumni community to engage with the continent and with one another.