The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) Budget Form outlines financial requirements for projects seeking funding through AEIF. It includes detailed categories for budget entries, such as venue costs, promotional items, meals, speaker fees, lodging, travel, supplies, and other miscellaneous items. Each category requires specific itemization of costs, with justifications mandated to ensure clarity regarding the allocation of funds. Notably, the budget has parameters for funding requests, with specified limits on trainings and speaker fees. The document emphasizes that projects should not include non-eligible costs such as overhead expenses, alcohol, or travel to and from the U.S. The guidelines aim to streamline the application process, ensuring applicants prepare clear and justified budget requests tailored to support their proposed project's goals while adhering to the AEIF's funding restrictions and priorities.
The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, has announced the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025, aimed at supporting past participants of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Alumni teams of at least two members can apply for funding ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 for projects addressing local challenges aligned with three primary goals: improving health and education, fostering economic development, and promoting peace and stability in Burundi. The program is open to alumni from various countries and exchange programs, but U.S. citizen alumni cannot submit proposals independently.
Applications must be emailed by February 15, 2025, and should include comprehensive documentation, including project descriptions, team qualifications, a budget, and a detailed plan for monitoring and evaluating outcomes. The total number of awards will not exceed two. The embassy strictly prohibits funding for specific categories such as travel to the U.S., social services, scholarships, and partisan political activities. This funding opportunity reflects the U.S. commitment to empowering community leaders to foster innovative solutions through collaboration and engagement.
The FY2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal outlines the requirements and structure for applicants seeking funding for projects led by U.S. government-sponsored exchange alumni. Each application must address specific project details, including the project's title, budget, location, and team member information. A minimum of two alumni team members are needed, with defined roles and time commitments.
The proposal includes sections for a project summary, goals, objectives (which should be SMART), design and methods, timeline, and details about direct and indirect beneficiaries. It emphasizes collaboration with local partners and outlines a communication and outreach plan for promoting the project, engaging with stakeholders, and reporting to the local embassy or consulate. Additionally, applicants must present a monitoring and evaluation plan to assess project accomplishments and measure progress towards objectives.
Overall, the proposal seeks to encourage innovative projects that foster alumni engagement and address community needs while ensuring a structured approach to project planning and implementation.