The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025, administered by the U.S. Mission to Namibia, aims to empower alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs to leverage the skills and knowledge gained during their exchange experiences. This initiative seeks to address global challenges through innovative, community-driven projects that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Since its inception in 2011, AEIF has supported nearly 500 alumni-led projects worldwide, emphasizing initiatives that foster democracy, transparency, entrepreneurship, education, English language development, sustainable resource management, and capacity building for media and civil society.

The purpose of AEIF is to enhance the long-term impact of U.S. exchange programs by supporting alumni in developing and implementing projects that create tangible, positive change in their communities. Successful proposals are expected to address pressing societal issues, provide sustainable solutions, and contribute to the shared interests between the United States and local communities. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative ideas that demonstrate scalability, sustainability, and measurable impact.

The total estimated program funding is $35,000, with individual awards ranging between $5,000 and $35,000. Up to two awards are anticipated under this funding opportunity. Projects may cover a variety of focus areas, including civic engagement, economic development, education, environmental sustainability, and media literacy. Proposals should reflect a clear alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities while demonstrating the capacity for successful execution and long-term community benefit.

Eligibility for AEIF 2025 is limited to alumni of U.S. government-funded or facilitated exchange programs. Applicants must form teams of at least two alumni, and U.S. citizens are not eligible to submit proposals but may participate as team members. Alumni teams may include members from different exchange programs or countries. While organizations such as non-profits, academic institutions, and think tanks cannot apply on behalf of alumni, they may serve as implementing partners for project activities.

The application period opens on November 13, 2024, and the submission deadline is February 14, 2025. Interested applicants should refer to the official guidelines and resources provided on the U.S. Embassy Namibia's grant programs webpage. Applications must clearly outline project objectives, implementation strategies, expected outcomes, and a detailed budget plan.

For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Josaphat Tjiho, the Alumni Coordinator, via telephone at +264 61 202 5024 or through the provided work email. Further details, including application resources and guidelines, are available on the official U.S. Embassy Namibia grant programs website at [https://na.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grant-programs/](https://na.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grant-programs/).