The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) FY25, announced by the U.S. Mission to Sudan, provides funding for public service projects led by alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs. This grant encourages alumni to apply their skills to create innovative projects addressing U.S. foreign policy priorities. The program focuses on fostering civic engagement, promoting good governance, empowering women and girls, advancing STEM and education, and building resilient and inclusive communities.

Eligible applicants must include teams of at least two alumni who have participated in U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. Proposals can involve alumni from different programs and countries. U.S. citizen alumni are ineligible to lead proposals but may serve as team members. Non-alumni organizations cannot apply directly, but alumni can partner with not-for-profit entities, NGOs, think tanks, or academic institutions to execute projects. Projects must be implemented outside the United States and should align with one of the following objectives: promoting human rights, civic education, media capacity building, women’s leadership, societal inclusion, peacebuilding through arts, or English language learning.

Awards range from $5,000 to $35,000, and projects must be completed within one year. Cost-sharing is not required, but proposals must demonstrate a strong implementation strategy. Applications must include a risk assessment and monitoring plan, particularly for projects conducted within Sudan, to address the country’s instability. Proposals for activities outside Sudan must provide a clear description of the beneficiaries and engagement methods.

Applications are due by January 31, 2025, and should be submitted to khartoumembassygrants@state.gov. Decisions will be announced no later than May 15, 2025, with project start dates anticipated between August and October 2025. To be eligible, applicant organizations must register with SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Individual alumni are exempt from this requirement.

Interested parties can access further details, including the application package, through the NOFO or by contacting the U.S. Mission to Sudan. This grant underscores the commitment to strengthening community engagement and addressing key global challenges through the contributions of exchange program alumni.