The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 is a grant opportunity issued by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, under the U.S. Department of State. The initiative seeks to support teams of alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs who propose projects addressing global and local challenges through innovative solutions. AEIF has funded nearly 500 projects worldwide since 2011 and aims to enhance the impact of U.S. exchange programs by leveraging the skills and knowledge acquired by alumni. Applications are due by April 30, 2025, and must be submitted to hondurasalumni@state.gov.

The primary objectives of AEIF 2025 include reducing the causes of illegal migration, fostering economic growth, promoting entrepreneurship, applying U.S. technology and innovation, and promoting education and English language skills for economic development. All proposed projects must align with one or more of these themes and must be implemented entirely outside the United States and its territories. Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem being addressed and include achievable, measurable goals and objectives.

The funding scope allows for awards between $5,000 and $35,000. Proposals may be submitted for grants, fixed amount awards (FAA), or cooperative agreements. Projects are expected to be completed within a 12-month period beginning in September 2025. Matching funds are not required but may enhance the competitiveness of proposals. Certain funding restrictions apply, such as the prohibition of support for activities promoting migration caravans or for projects that involve construction, large durable equipment, or political lobbying.

Eligible applicants must be alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, including those who have participated through platforms such as alumni.state.gov or j1visa.state.gov. Projects must involve a minimum of two alumni participants, although alumni may represent different programs or countries. U.S. citizen alumni may not lead proposals but may participate as team members. While organizations are not eligible to apply independently, alumni may partner with nonprofits, NGOs, think tanks, or academic institutions for project execution.

Submissions must follow specific formatting and include several key components: a cover sheet, proposal summary, detailed project description, timeline, monitoring and evaluation plan, resumes of key personnel, and required federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, etc.). Proposals should be clear, concise, and demonstrate the feasibility and sustainability of the project. Applicants are limited to one proposal per organization.

Evaluation of proposals will be based on criteria including program feasibility, organizational capacity, planning, budget, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and sustainability. The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa will review submissions and forward selected proposals to the U.S. Department of State for final consideration. Award notices and post-award reporting requirements will follow standard federal procedures, and all awarded organizations must maintain active SAM.gov registrations