The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu announces an open competition for past participants (“alumni”) of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit project proposals to the 2022 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2022). We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements below. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2022 should submit proposals to
[email protected] before 11:59 PM Nepal Standard Time on January 21, 2022. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AEIF provides alumni of U.S. sponsored and facilitated exchange programs with funding to expand on skills gained during their exchange experience to design and implement innovative solutions to 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. AEIF 2022 projects will support United States’ commitment to supporting a stable, secure, democratic, and sovereign Nepal; developing Nepal as a reliable economic partner; and, supporting Nepal’s journey to becoming more inclusive with a strong commitment to human rights. Embassy Kathmandu will accept community engagement projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two (2) alumni that support the following themes. Reinforce democratic values Counter misinformation/disinformation Strengthen economic prosperity and foster entrepreneurship Promote youth empowerment Cultivate innovative solutions to combat climate change Bolster human rights for women, LGBTQI+, Dalit, indigenous, minority, and other marginalized communities