The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé’s Public Diplomacy Section, provides an opportunity for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to apply for funding to address local challenges through innovative projects. This competitive funding opportunity seeks proposals from teams of at least two alumni who will leverage their skills and experiences to develop impactful solutions in their communities. The program focuses on addressing two specific themes: civic engagement in elections and entrepreneurial leadership for alumni.

Proposals must align with one of the following themes. The first theme, *Seed the Future: Young Election Leaders Program*, focuses on training young activists and leaders for participation in municipal and legislative elections in Cameroon. Activities may include civic engagement workshops, election simulations, and the development of toolkits for campaign planning, policy development, and communication strategies. Expected outcomes include enhanced leadership capacity, strengthened democratic values, and improved community mobilization.

The second theme, *USG Alumni - ELITE (Entrepreneurial Leadership and Investment Training Excellence)*, aims to support Cameroonian alumni entrepreneurs by building their capacity to attract investments and scale their businesses. Activities could include training on investment readiness, business diagnostics, organizing investment forums, and facilitating connections with investors and financial institutions. Expected outcomes include improved business management skills, better access to capital, strengthened networks, and increased market visibility for alumni businesses.

Eligible applicants must be alumni of U.S. government-funded or facilitated exchange programs, such as those managed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Project teams must include at least two alumni, with at least one residing in Cameroon. Proposals must address one of the two themes and all project activities must take place in Cameroon. Partner organizations, including non-governmental organizations and academic institutions, can collaborate to implement activities, but the lead applicant must be an exchange program alum.

The program anticipates making two awards, with funding amounts ranging from fifteen thousand to thirty-five thousand dollars. The total funding available for this opportunity is thirty-five thousand dollars, pending the availability of funds. Proposed projects should be completed within a maximum of ten months, with an anticipated start date of May 2025. Cost sharing is not required, and applications must be submitted in English.

The application package must include mandatory forms such as SF-424 and SF-424A, a project proposal of no more than fifteen pages, and a detailed budget justification narrative. Proposals must outline the project summary, problem statement, goals and objectives, project activities, schedule, personnel qualifications, monitoring and evaluation plan, and a sustainability strategy. Additional documents, such as resumes of key personnel and letters of support from partners, are also required.

Applications are due no later than January 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Africa Time. Submissions must be sent via email to PDSgrantsYaounde@state.gov. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria such as feasibility, organizational capacity, ability to achieve objectives, budget clarity, monitoring and evaluation plans, sustainability, and support for equity and underserved communities. Final funding decisions will be communicated via email, and successful applicants must comply with reporting requirements as specified in the award agreement.