How does the AIMD program work? How can my organization be awarded government funds to work internationally?

The AIMD program is a service/venture of Plexus Consulting Group, LLC. This AIMD partnership represents a coalition of associations interested in international development.  The primary objective of AIMD is to assist associations in expanding or launching into international markets through the use of government funds. By doing so, the AIMD partners assist the lending community in fulfilling its objective of involving associations in development work.  This coalition of associations works through strategic partnerships with incumbent primary contractors.

I understand how government funding works. Why should I join the AIMD program? Can’t I do this all on my own?

Acquiring government funds can certainly be handled by individual associations that have the resources and time to commit to such efforts. Our experience has shown that the process of bidding and being awarded federal funding is laborious and potentially very expensive. It requires an expertise in managing relationships with lending agencies, proposal development, and program management.

The AIMD program is a less taxing approach to acquiring these funds. The relationships needed to win an audience with lending agencies are already in place through strategic partnerships. The expertise needed to develop project-specific proposals and manage programs is handled or facilitated by the AIMD alliance. Associations belonging to the coalition will benefit from the pooled resources of the AIMD partners and members.

Many associations have expressed interest in operating internationally. These organizations see the initiative as a cost-effective means to enhance their current efforts.

Is the AIMD program only available for associations with a product-centric focus?

No, the program is available to any association seeking to broaden or launch into international markets. Government funding is available in many sectors for a broad spectrum of products and services.

Will the AIMD program’s services be available for associations that focus on cause-related issues?

Yes, there are numerous internationally funded programs designed to meet social needs including advancing democracy, family planning, AIDs prevention, and numerous other issues.

My organization is not international in scope. How can AIMD help my organization and our members?

AIMD is designed to find self-funded opportunities to help organizations enter markets that they were not previously able to enter. The AIMD sponsors can also assist organizations with strategic planning and launching into foreign markets.

The price for AIMD’s optional services seems rather high. Isn't most of the information made available to the public, free of charge?

There is an enormous amount of information available publicly and free of charge. The challenge for many associations is navigating through the volumes of data, finding relevant information, and understanding the records that are found. As part of the services offered through AIMD, relevant information is sought and delivered directly to member organizations. Beyond basic notification, AIMD will help associations navigate through the bidding and proposal management process.

What type of relationship do the AIMD program sponsors have with funding agencies?

The AIMD program administrators have many years of experience executing programs funded by the major lending agencies. There are no formal ties between the lending agencies and the AIMD partners. Agencies have been made aware of the program. In response, many have encouraged the program’s progress as they seek to establish better relationships with the association community.

Would membership in the AIMD program guarantee funding from the government?

No, membership will not guarantee funding but rather will give associations a better opportunity at being awarded funding.

I currently employ an association management company (AMC). What will AIMD do for my association that cannot be done by my AMC?

AMC and consulting agencies that represent associations are able to participate in the AIMD program through special arrangements. Organizations should contact Steve Worth for details.

I have tried to approach funding agencies in the past but have not had success in acquiring funding. Will membership in the AIMD program give my association an audience with these agencies that it would not have otherwise?

It is the aim of the program partners to mobilize a critical mass of associations for involvement in the program in order to gain increased attention from lending agencies.

How is the AIMD’s optional monitoring and notification service different from other tender notification services?

Through AIMD’s notification service, we will attempt to identify those segments of large RFPs that may be otherwise overlooked by other services. Furthermore, AIMD’s notification service will also identify partnering opportunities with leading prime contracting candidates.

How does the cost of AIMD's optional services compare to other services currently available?

We believe these services are a unique and affordable choice for most associations. If acquired separately, similar services can cost upwards of $50,000 annually.

My organization is small and feels that we do not currently have the resources to employ AIMD's optional services.

There are many small associations that have participated in programs for government funding because they feel the ROI is worth its while. By utilizing a coalition format, small organizations will now have unprecedented access to funding and international markets.

I am not aware of funding agencies in need of nonprofit services. Is government funding and the AIMD program available only for business expansion?

No. There are programs for every type of business and association. AIMD will focus on opportunities for trade associations, professional societies and foundations.

Would I have to approach each funding agency individually in order to acquire funding or does AIMD handle that?

The AIMD partnership will manage the relationship with funding agencies.

Can we approach funding agencies directly to accomplish what AIMD offers?

Acquiring government funds can certainly be handled by individual associations that have the resources and time to commit to such efforts. Our experience has shown that the process of bidding and being awarded federal funding is laborious and potentially very expensive. It requires an expertise in managing relationships with lending agencies, proposal development, and program management.

The AIMD program is a less taxing and more affordable approach to acquiring these funds. The relationships needed to win an audience with lending agencies are already in place through strategic partnerships. The expertise needed to develop project specific proposals and manage programs is handled or facilitated by the AIMD alliance. Associations belonging to the coalition will benefit from the pooled resources of the AIMD partners and members.

Do all funding agencies have programs in place that enable them to work with the association community?

Some agencies currently have programs in place to encourage working relationship with associations. Other agencies have begun to place a priority on developing relationships with associations. The AIMD program is designed to help forge better interaction between these two groups.

Why should I work with the government? Do I need to involve government agencies in my international development efforts?

No, your organization does not have to work with government agencies to expand internationally but there are vast resources available that could greatly reduce the amount of time and finances needed to do so.

Is there funding available for every type of organization?

While the funding available through the government spans many sectors, there will be instances where little to no free monies are available for some organizations. In those instances, other forms of financial support will likely be an option for organizations that fit into this category.

Is there enough funding available in my organization’s area of interest to justify the cost of membership in the AIMD program?

Actively funded program areas have been identified for major sectors in which many associations belong. Program organizers will be available to better help specific associations understand funding level availability.