The 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), administered by the U.S. Embassy Malabo’s Public Diplomacy Section, provides funding for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to implement projects addressing global challenges in their communities. This grant opportunity supports the U.S. commitment to promoting economic prosperity and human development in Equatorial Guinea through initiatives that include a strong connection to U.S. experts, organizations, or cultural elements. Proposals must align with the mission priorities outlined by the embassy.

Grant awards range from $5,000 to $35,000 for projects lasting between 6 to 12 months. The program encourages proposals in areas such as land management and agriculture, responsible and sustainable tourism, and biodiversity protection. All project activities must take place outside of the United States, and projects should demonstrate a clear link to benefiting local communities. Applicants must measure and report on key performance indicators and milestones to track the project’s success.

Eligible applicants include alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, including individuals and alumni associations in Equatorial Guinea. Proposals must involve a team of at least two alumni, with non-U.S. citizen alumni required to serve as team leads. Organizations applying must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered with SAM.gov if their proposed budget exceeds $25,000.

Applications must include a completed AEIF 2025 proposal form, a detailed budget form, résumés of key personnel, and letters of support from project partners. All proposals must adhere to specific guidelines, including formatting, the use of English, and detailed narratives of project objectives, implementation plans, and expected outcomes. Budgets should be realistic, account for allowable costs, and align with the project’s goals. Prohibited costs include salaries, construction, travel to or from the United States, and social services.

The deadline for submissions is February 12, 2025, with responses expected by May 15, 2025. Applications will be evaluated based on relevance to mission priorities, alumni involvement, local partner engagement, and feasibility of the proposed monitoring and evaluation plan. A strong communication and outreach plan must also be included to ensure the project’s visibility and alignment with U.S. public diplomacy objectives.

For additional details or questions, applicants can contact MalaboGrants@state.gov. Workshops and conference calls will be announced in December on the embassy’s social media platforms.