U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund for Community-Driven Solutions

• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs) or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program (https://j1visa.state.gov/).
• Projects teams must include teams of at least two (2) alumni.
• Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals, but U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project.
• Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries.
• Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations of USG exchange alumni. Not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions are not eligible to apply in the name of the organization but can serve as partners for implementing project activities.

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 2023 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2023).  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 2023 should submit proposals to BurundiPublicAffairs@state.gov by March 28, 2023.  

A.   PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 

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 2023 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.

B.  FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 

Announcement posted: February 27, 2023 

Closing date for applications: March 28, 2023

Funding type: Fulbright-Hayes 

Expected size of individual awards: Between $5,000 to $35,000

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. 

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in one year or less.