Opportunity Information: Apply for OFOP0001721
The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 Call for Proposals is a competitive grant opportunity offered through the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, led by the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Alumni Affairs. The program is built to keep U.S. government exchange alumni actively connected and engaged, while also turning alumni-driven ideas into practical projects that advance shared priorities. At its core, AEIF is meant to strengthen the U.S. government's relationship with alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, support U.S. foreign policy objectives, and increase the long-term return on investment from exchange programming by helping alumni continue creating impact after their programs end.
Funding is provided as a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.022, with proposed project budgets generally expected to fall between $5,000 and $35,000, depending on the availability of funds. The opportunity is published under Funding Opportunity Number OFOP0001721 by the U.S. Mission to Jamaica. The application deadline is February 14, 2025, and the timeline is structured to allow adequate time for review, processing, and award decisions. While the notice lists "ExpectedAwards: 0" in the source data, the call still signals that awards may be made if funding is available, so applicants should treat it as a real, competitive process and follow all submission instructions closely.
The Embassy is specifically inviting proposals that align with one or more of three main priorities. The first is Alumni Collaboration, which emphasizes building or expanding networks among exchange alumni and increasing regional or global cooperation, ideally creating connections that last beyond the grant period. The second priority is Strengthen U.S.-Jamaica Ties, which focuses on activities that reinforce bilateral relationships and address shared challenges in ways that are relevant to both countries' goals. The third priority is Community Development, which supports alumni-led initiatives that develop leadership, create tangible local benefits, and strengthen communities through practical, on-the-ground projects. In other words, the fund is looking for alumni to design and deliver solutions, not just discussions, and to demonstrate how those solutions contribute to broader relationship-building and policy goals.
Eligibility is centered on exchange alumni leadership and real alumni involvement. Proposals must include participation by at least two exchange alumni, or be submitted through an alumni association, and they must be led by a non-U.S. citizen exchange alumnus. Projects must take place outside the United States, consistent with the program's focus on overseas impact and public diplomacy outcomes. Successful applicants should also expect active coordination with the U.S. Embassy Kingston during implementation, which implies ongoing communication, alignment with Mission goals, and likely standard grant management requirements such as reporting on activities and results. Eligible applicant types include alumni who completed a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program, alumni associations in countries where the United States has current representation, and Public Diplomacy Sections working with alumni to support Mission objectives.
This call sits within a longer-running Department of State effort. Since 2011, AEIF has supported more than 500 projects worldwide, positioning it as a proven mechanism for alumni to collaborate, scale ideas, and deliver measurable community and diplomatic outcomes. For applicants in Jamaica and the region, the practical takeaway is that strong proposals will clearly show alumni leadership, meaningful collaboration among alumni, an implementable plan with a realistic budget within the stated range, and a direct connection to at least one of the Embassy's priorities, especially where the project can demonstrate lasting networks, community-level results, and a clear contribution to U.S.-Jamaica engagement.Apply for OFOP0001721
- The U.S. Mission to Jamaica in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2025 Call for Proposals" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-19.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-02-14. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $35,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 Call for Proposals?
The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 Call for Proposals is a competitive grant opportunity offered through the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica. It is led by the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Alumni Affairs. The fund supports alumni-driven projects that turn exchange alumni ideas into practical initiatives aligned with shared priorities.
2) What is the main purpose of AEIF?
AEIF is designed to keep U.S. government exchange alumni actively connected and engaged while helping alumni implement real projects after their exchange experience. The program aims to strengthen the U.S. government's relationship with alumni, support U.S. foreign policy objectives, and increase the long-term return on investment of exchange programs by enabling continued alumni impact.
3) Who is offering and administering this opportunity?
This opportunity is offered through the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, led by the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Alumni Affairs.
4) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this call?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed for this opportunity is OFOP0001721, published by the U.S. Mission to Jamaica.
5) What CFDA number is associated with the grant?
Funding is provided as a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.022.
6) How much funding can an applicant request?
Proposed project budgets are generally expected to fall between $5,000 and $35,000, depending on the availability of funds.
7) Is this a competitive grant?
Yes. The call is described as a competitive grant opportunity, with a review and award decision process structured into the timeline.
8) What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is February 14, 2025.
9) Where must projects take place?
Projects must take place outside the United States, consistent with the program's focus on overseas impact and public diplomacy outcomes.
10) What are the key priority areas for proposals?
Proposals are invited that align with one or more of these three main priorities:
- Alumni Collaboration: Building or expanding networks among exchange alumni, increasing regional or global cooperation, and creating connections that last beyond the grant period.
- Strengthen U.S.-Jamaica Ties: Activities that reinforce bilateral relationships and address shared challenges relevant to both countries' goals.
- Community Development: Alumni-led initiatives that develop leadership, create tangible local benefits, and strengthen communities through practical, on-the-ground projects.
11) What does "Alumni Collaboration" mean in this call?
Alumni Collaboration focuses on projects that build or expand exchange alumni networks and increase cooperation across regions or globally. The emphasis is on durable connections that continue after the grant period ends, not only one-time events.
12) What kinds of activities support the "Strengthen U.S.-Jamaica Ties" priority?
This priority supports activities that reinforce the U.S.-Jamaica bilateral relationship and tackle shared challenges in ways that matter to both countries' goals. Proposals should make a clear connection between the project activities and relationship-building outcomes.
13) What is meant by the "Community Development" priority?
Community Development supports alumni-led initiatives that strengthen communities through practical implementation. The call emphasizes tangible local benefits, leadership development, and on-the-ground outcomes rather than discussion-only programming.
14) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicant types include:
- Alumni who completed a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program
- Alumni associations in countries where the United States has current representation
- Public Diplomacy Sections working with alumni to support Mission objectives
15) How many exchange alumni must be involved in a proposal?
Proposals must include participation by at least two exchange alumni, or be submitted through an alumni association.
16) Who must lead the project?
The project must be led by a non-U.S. citizen exchange alumnus.
17) Can an alumni association submit an application?
Yes. The call states that proposals may be submitted through an alumni association, and alumni associations in countries where the United States has current representation are listed as eligible applicant types.
18) What does the call suggest about the type of projects AEIF wants to fund?
The call emphasizes solutions and implementation. It encourages alumni to design and deliver practical projects with real outcomes, demonstrating how those outcomes support broader relationship-building and foreign policy-related goals.
19) How important is coordination with the U.S. Embassy Kingston during implementation?
Coordination is expected to be active. Successful applicants should anticipate ongoing communication and alignment with the U.S. Embassy Kingston during implementation, along with standard grant management expectations such as reporting on activities and results.
20) What does "availability of funds" mean for this opportunity?
The notice indicates that budgets are expected within a stated range depending on the availability of funds. It also notes that while the source data lists "ExpectedAwards: 0," the call still signals that awards may be made if funding is available, so applicants should treat it as a real competitive opportunity and follow instructions closely.
21) Does the listing "ExpectedAwards: 0" mean no one will be funded?
Not necessarily. The provided information indicates that even though the source data lists "ExpectedAwards: 0," the call still signals that awards may be made if funding is available. Applicants are encouraged to proceed as though awards will be made and to submit a complete, compliant application.
22) What makes a proposal stronger based on the call description?
Based on the call details, stronger proposals are likely to show:
- Clear alumni leadership and meaningful involvement of at least two exchange alumni
- A direct, well-explained alignment to one or more of the three priorities
- A realistic and implementable plan with a budget within the $5,000 to $35,000 range
- Evidence the project will create lasting networks and/or durable community-level results
- A clear connection to strengthening U.S.-Jamaica engagement and broader public diplomacy outcomes
23) How long has AEIF been running and what is its track record?
Since 2011, AEIF has supported more than 500 projects worldwide. The call positions AEIF as a proven way for alumni to collaborate, scale ideas, and deliver measurable community and diplomatic outcomes.
24) What is the geographic focus of this particular call?
This call is offered through the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, and is framed around priorities that include strengthening U.S.-Jamaica ties. Projects must take place outside the United States.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: VEGETATION MANAGEMENT for NATURAL RESOURCES BRANCH, FORT DRUM, NEW YORK
Previous opportunity: OJJDP Supplemental Award to FY 2023 Title II Formula Grant – Invited to Apply
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for OFOP0001721
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (OFOP0001721) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| S/GWI FY24 NOFO: Women for Promoting Engagement, Accountability, Conflict Resolution and Empowerment (PEACE) Apply for DFOP0017088 Funding Number: DFOP0017088 Agency: Office of the Secretary Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,466,699 |
| 2025 Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program Apply for SMK800 25 PAS003 Funding Number: SMK800 25 PAS003 Agency: U.S. Mission to North Macedonia Category: Other Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Small Grants Program 2025 Apply for DOS KAZ AST AEECA 25 001 Funding Number: DOS KAZ AST AEECA 25 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Democracy Commission Small Grants Program Apply for TASHKENT PDS FY25 002 Funding Number: TASHKENT PDS FY25 002 Agency: U.S. Mission to Uzbekistan Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| FY 2025 Community College Initiative Program Apply for DFOP0017094 Funding Number: DFOP0017094 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $5,625,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund NOFO Apply for PDS KIGALI FY25 002 Funding Number: PDS KIGALI FY25 002 Agency: U.S. Mission to Rwanda Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2025 Apply for DOS KAZ AST ECA 25 001 Funding Number: DOS KAZ AST ECA 25 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Countering Information Manipulation Following Investigations of Suspected Biological Attacks Apply for DFOP0017102 Funding Number: DFOP0017102 Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| S/GWI FY24 RSOI: SHE’s BRIGHT - Supporting Her Empowerment: Building Resilient Initiatives and Girls’ Hope Together Apply for DFOP0017101 Funding Number: DFOP0017101 Agency: Office of the Secretary Category: Other Funding Amount: $493,339 |
| Women’s Amplified Voices in the Economy (WAVE) Apply for DFOP0017065 Funding Number: DFOP0017065 Agency: Office of Global Womens Issues Category: Other Funding Amount: $3,500,000 |
| Laboratory Twinning: Genome Sequence Analysis as a Tool Investigating an Alleged Biological Weapons Attack Apply for DFOP0017103 Funding Number: DFOP0017103 Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other Funding Amount: $480,000 |
| U.S. EMBASSY SINGAPORE ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT 2025 Apply for PAS SINGAPORE FY25 001 Funding Number: PAS SINGAPORE FY25 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Singapore Category: Other Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| 2025 Annual Program Statement – DRC Small Grants Program Apply for AF DRC PDS FY25 01 Funding Number: AF DRC PDS FY25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| ACADEMY FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS (AWE) 2025 DRC Apply for AF DRC PDS FY25 02 Funding Number: AF DRC PDS FY25 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| ALUMNI-INFLUENCERS SUMMIT 2025 DRC Apply for AF DRC PDS FY25 05 Funding Number: AF DRC PDS FY25 05 Agency: U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 Apply for PDS HON AEIF FY25 01 Funding Number: PDS HON AEIF FY25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Honduras Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Managua Public Diplomacy Section Alumni Small Grants Competition Apply for PDS MGA FY25 01 Funding Number: PDS MGA FY25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Nicaragua Category: Other Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| FY2025 ABPP - Preservation Planning Grants Apply for P25AS00476 Funding Number: P25AS00476 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| U.S. Consulate General, Lagos PD 2025 Annual Program Statement Apply for AF PDS APS FY25 01 Funding Number: AF PDS APS FY25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Nigeria Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| FY2025 NAGPRA Consultation/Documentation Grants Apply for P25AS00464 Funding Number: P25AS00464 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "OFOP0001721", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.