A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Embassy of the United States in Bujumbura announces an open competition for past participants (“alumni”) of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025). We seek proposals from teams of at least two (2) alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements below. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2025 should submit proposals to
[email protected] by February 15, 2025. Priority Region: Burundi Program Objectives: AEIF provides alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs with funding to expand on skills gained during their exchange experience to design and implement innovative solutions to global challenges facing their community. Since its inception in 2011, AEIF has funded nearly 500 alumni-led projects around the world through a competitive global competition. This year, AEIF 2025 will support United States’ commitment to: • Goal 1: Invest in People: Burundian systems for health and education are strengthened • Goal 2: Invest in the Economy: The foundation for a stronger Burundian economy is created • Goal 3: Invest in Society and the Region: Burundi is a peaceful, open, and stable actor at home and in the region The U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura will accept public service projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two (2) alumni that support themes above mentioned. Proposals that do not address the theme as outlined in the program objectives will be deemed ineligible. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: Maximum two awards Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $35,000 Total available funding: Pending availability of funds Type of Funding: FY25 Fulbright Hays Anticipated program start date: June 2025 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that bureau or embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (“Substantial Involvement”). Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in one year or less.