The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to empower alumni of U.S. government exchange programs by providing funding to implement community-driven projects addressing global and local challenges. The program supports initiatives that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives, build regional and global collaboration among alumni, strengthen relationships with the U.S. government, and develop alumni leadership capacity. For the fiscal year 2025, the program emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), and applicants must ensure their proposals promote equity across various dimensions such as gender, disability, and socioeconomic status.

The program will award up to two grants, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. Proposed projects must be completed within a 12-month period, with activities taking place exclusively outside the U.S. and its territories. Eligible applicants include alumni associations, organizations led by or partnered with U.S. government exchange program alumni, and individual alumni leading project teams of at least two. U.S. citizen alumni may participate in projects but cannot submit proposals. Cost-sharing is not required, but applications must include evidence of authorization to operate in Mozambique, if applicable.

Applicants must select themes from Education Partnerships, English Language Learning, Social Impact Entrepreneurship, and Strengthening the Media Ecosystem. Proposals should clearly describe the project’s objectives, implementation plan, sustainability strategy, and methods for monitoring and evaluation. Specific application components include mandatory forms, a 10-page proposal narrative, budget forms and justification, resumes of key personnel, and letters of support from project partners.

Applications must be submitted via email by January 17, 2025. Organizations must register in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) before applying, a process that can take 4–8 weeks. Individuals do not need a UEI but must be affiliated with an eligible alumni team or association. Submissions are subject to eligibility and merit reviews based on criteria such as relevance to U.S. Mission Mozambique goals, alumni involvement, local community support, and monitoring and evaluation plans.

Award recipients will be required to submit interim and final reports detailing project outcomes and financial expenditures. The reporting must adhere to guidelines provided by the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique. Funds will be disbursed upon submission of the necessary documentation, and the program is subject to the availability of funding.

The AEIF 2025 program offers a unique opportunity for alumni to translate their exchange experiences into impactful community initiatives. With a focus on fostering collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development, the program encourages creative solutions to pressing challenges while strengthening ties between alumni and the U.S. government.