The FY25 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), offered by the U.S. Embassy Berlin, provides funding for alumni of U.S. government exchange programs to implement innovative community projects that align with U.S. foreign policy goals and foster transatlantic collaboration. Proposals should address key themes such as artificial intelligence, energy security, entrepreneurship, STEM education, or cultural and historical initiatives that promote shared U.S.-German values. The funding aims to support public service projects that benefit local communities in Germany while strengthening ties between alumni and the U.S. government.

Applicants must be alumni who have participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, or alumni associations, with projects requiring at least two alumni members. U.S. citizen alumni may participate, but non-U.S. citizen alumni must lead projects. Activities should include meaningful U.S. elements, such as U.S. speakers or methodologies, and must benefit the German public. Sample projects include leadership workshops, digital literacy campaigns, or programs commemorating shared historical milestones. Activities that are purely partisan, charitable, research-based, or primarily for organizational growth are ineligible.

Awards range from $5,000 to $35,000, with no requirement for cost sharing, though it is allowed. Projects can last up to 24 months, with potential for continuation funding based on availability and performance. Proposals must include a clear monitoring and evaluation plan to track and measure project impact, as well as a detailed budget that outlines all costs in U.S. dollars. Applicants must register on SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), though individual applicants are exempt from this requirement.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the PD Grants Navigator by January 31, 2025. Proposals should be concise but thorough, addressing the program’s goals and objectives, implementation timeline, key personnel, monitoring and evaluation plans, and future sustainability. Required documents include SF-424 forms, a budget justification, resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and a project summary. The submission process requires strict adherence to format and content guidelines, as non-compliance will render proposals ineligible.

Proposals are evaluated based on the quality and feasibility of the idea, the applicant's ability to implement the project, cost-effectiveness, monitoring and evaluation plans, and potential sustainability of project outcomes. Selection decisions will be made by an embassy grants panel, and successful applicants will be notified in writing. The program start date is no earlier than June 1, 2025. For assistance during the application process, applicants are encouraged to refer to the resources provided by the U.S. Embassy Berlin’s grants office.