The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025, administered by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Kazakhstan, offers funding for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to develop projects that promote societal change and empower youth in Kazakhstan. Proposals must focus on skill-building, fostering creativity, and addressing key societal challenges through innovative and collaborative solutions. The program aims to build a more engaged and resilient civil society by equipping youth with essential skills such as leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration. Applications must be submitted by February 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Astana time. Proposed projects should span six to twelve months, starting in September 2025.

The funding amounts range from $5,000 to $35,000, with an expected total of three awards, contingent on funding availability. Projects can be implemented via grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the level of involvement required by the U.S. Embassy. Eligible applicants must include at least two alumni from U.S. government-funded exchange programs, with alumni teams allowed to partner with local organizations to execute the projects. U.S. citizen alumni may only serve as team members, not lead applicants. The program does not require cost-sharing, and certain expenses, such as construction, salaries, and airfare to or from the United States, are ineligible.

The fund prioritizes two main objectives: building essential skills among youth and leveraging creativity to strengthen civil society. Projects targeting the first objective must focus on youth aged 16 to 25, English Access alumni, or residents in underserved areas. Programs should aim to provide skills such as leadership and critical thinking through workshops and mentorship initiatives, with success measured by participant surveys and follow-up engagement in local development efforts. For the second objective, projects should focus on youth aged 20 to 35, use creative tools like storytelling and exhibitions, and involve active social media users or Kazakh speakers in regions outside Astana and Almaty. These efforts aim to inspire participants to implement community initiatives and engage in problem-solving.

Applicants must submit proposals that clearly outline the problem being addressed, goals and objectives, project design, methods, and evaluation plans. Proposals should include detailed budgets in US dollars, timelines, and communication strategies. Required documents include federal application forms, resumes of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and proof of registration or nonprofit status. Organizations must also register in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) unless exempt.

Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as the quality and feasibility of the project, organizational capacity, detailed budgets, and plans for monitoring and evaluation. Projects must also demonstrate sustainability and alignment with program objectives. The review process includes eligibility screening, a technical review panel, and follow-up notifications, with applicants typically informed of decisions within 120 days of the deadline.

Selected projects will be subject to the terms and conditions outlined by the U.S. Department of State. Awardees must comply with reporting requirements and may face additional oversight if designated as high-risk based on factors such as financial stability or past performance. Award recipients may only incur expenses beginning on the start date specified in the grant agreement, and the U.S. government retains the right to reject any proposal or adjust funding amounts based on available resources.