Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025

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The Embassy of the United States in Cameroon announces an open competition for past participants (“alumni”) of exchange programs sponsored through the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the State Department and offered through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy Yaounde to submit applications to the 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025). 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, the AEIF call for applications in Cameroon seeks proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements and specifically address one of the two themes described below. Exchange alumni interested in competing for the AEIF 2025 should submit proposals to PDSGrantsYaounde@state.gov by January 5, 2025, at 5:00 pm. Please carefully follow all instructions below. 1.  Goals and Objectives Proposals must specifically address one of the two following themes: Theme 1: Seed the Future: Young Election Leaders Program The project focuses on preparing young civic engagement activists, including USG alumni, for effective participation in local municipal and legislative elections in Cameroon through comprehensive training and practical experience. The project could include, but is not limited to, the following activities: i. Civic Engagement training on the following topics: policy-making and governance, electoral processes, leadership and public speaking ii. Workshops on: Mock Elections activities, Debate series, Election simulation iii. Electoral Toolkit with template on Campaign planning, policy development, legislative drafting, communication strategies, best practices manual as well as digital resources including AI. Expected outcomes i. Enhanced Political Leadership Capacity ii. Strengthened democratic values promotion iii. Strengthened community mobilization abilities iv. Improved public speaking and debate skills OR Theme 2: USG Alumni - ELITE (Entrepreneurial Leadership & Investment Training Excellence) The project aims to strengthen Cameroonian USG alumni entrepreneurs' capacity to attract investment and scale their businesses. The project could include, but is not limited to, the following activities: i. Provide comprehensive training on investment readiness ii. Conduct business performance diagnostics iii. Organize an investment forum and trade fair iv. Facilitate connections with potential investors and financial institutions Expected Outcomes i. Enhanced business management capabilities ii. Improved access to capital and investment opportunities iii. Strengthened networks between alumni entrepreneurs and financial stakeholders iv. Increased business visibility and market access Proposals must serve beneficiaries, free of charge. Proposals must provide a detailed program of activities, timeline, beneficiaries’ selection process, and impact evaluation system. 2.  Substantial Involvement ·        The grantee will propose for Embassy input: o  Details of program content and design o  Participants selection strategy o  List of speakers and alumni ·        The grantee can request Embassy assistance with: o  Sharing project promotional content on U.S. Embassy Cameroon social media platforms o  Inviting press ·        The Grants Officer must give final approval of the following before action by the grantee: o  Keynote speakers, facilitators, and participants o  Promotional materials o  Date and venue