The Fiscal Year 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) funding opportunity, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius, invites proposals from alumni of U.S. government-funded and sponsored exchange programs. The program provides grants to alumni teams to design and implement projects that address global challenges while strengthening ties between the United States and Mauritius or Seychelles. The initiative promotes collaboration, leadership development, and community impact through innovative, alumni-led activities.

Eligible applicants include teams of at least two alumni from U.S. exchange programs. Alumni who are U.S. citizens cannot submit proposals but may participate as project team members. Partnerships with non-profits, NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions are allowed, but the lead applicant must be an exchange program alum. All activities must include an American element, such as collaboration with American organizations, institutions, or experts, and must demonstrate alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Projects must be completed within twelve months.

The program focuses on themes such as democracy and transparency, entrepreneurship, education and English language initiatives, sustainable resource management, and media and civil society capacity building. Proposals must align with at least one of these priorities. Expected project outcomes include stronger alumni networks, leadership development, and community improvements that foster mutual goals between the U.S. and the host countries.

The total funding available is seventy thousand dollars, with awards ranging between five thousand and thirty-five thousand dollars. Up to two awards are anticipated, contingent on funding availability. The anticipated project start date is September 15, 2025. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, though proposals including in-kind contributions may be prioritized during the review process.

Applications must include a detailed project proposal of no more than ten pages. Required components include a summary, problem statement, project goals, activities, timeline, monitoring and evaluation plan, sustainability plan, and identification of key personnel and partners. Budgets must be submitted using the SF-424 family of forms and include a narrative justification explaining each expense. Additional documents such as resumes of key personnel and letters of support from project partners must also be included.

Applications are due no later than January 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM GMT+4. Submissions must be emailed to PortLouis_PAS@state.gov. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be evaluated based on quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, ability to achieve objectives, budget clarity, monitoring and evaluation plans, sustainability, and support for underserved communities. Proposals that demonstrate strong alignment with the program’s themes, measurable impact, and community engagement will receive priority.

Successful applicants will be notified by March 7, 2025. Award recipients will be required to submit financial and programmatic reports throughout the project period. All activities and expenditures must comply with federal regulations and reporting requirements outlined in the award agreement. Applicants are encouraged to register with SAM.gov well in advance of the application deadline to meet submission requirements.