Opportunity Information: Apply for PDS KIGALI FY25 002
The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025) is a competitive grant opportunity run by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda, aimed specifically at alumni of U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. The program is designed to help exchange alumni turn the skills, professional networks, and lessons they gained during their U.S. exchange experience into practical, community-focused projects that respond to real local or global challenges. AEIF has been operating globally since 2011 and has supported nearly 500 alumni-led projects worldwide, and the Kigali competition is part of that broader initiative.
For 2025, the Embassy is prioritizing projects that align with U.S. commitments around increasing economic growth, strengthening human capital, and promoting democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. The Embassy is looking for public service projects that are proposed and managed by teams of at least two alumni, with an emphasis on innovative approaches and tangible community benefit. The themes highlighted in the notice include projects that promote leadership and/or health diplomacy through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics); build youth professional development to improve job readiness; strengthen the capacity of media professionals and early-career reporters; advance inclusion, advocacy, and education for vulnerable groups; and expand digital literacy and soft skills among underserved youth. Projects can be implemented in partnership with nonprofits, NGOs, think tanks, or academic institutions, but the application itself must come from eligible exchange alumni or alumni associations.
Eligibility is narrowly defined. Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program, and proposals must be submitted by a team that includes at least two alumni. U.S. citizen alumni are not allowed to submit proposals as applicants, although they are permitted to participate as members of a project team. Teams can be made up of alumni from different exchange programs and even different countries, which allows for cross-program and cross-border collaboration. While partner organizations may help carry out activities, organizations that are not alumni associations cannot apply on their own; the applicant must be an eligible alumnus/alumni group. The grant award can be issued either directly to an individual alumnus or to the partner organization supporting implementation, depending on how the project is structured.
The application process is straightforward but formatting compliance matters. Proposals must be submitted by email to KigaliPDGrants@state.gov no later than February 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+2). All materials must be in English, budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars, pages must be numbered, and the narrative proposal may not exceed 10 pages. Documents must be formatted for 8.5 x 11 inch paper, and any Microsoft Word submission must be single-spaced in 12-point Calibri with at least one-inch margins. The proposal also needs to clearly connect the project design to the goals and objectives of AEIF 2025; proposals that miss required elements or do not follow instructions can be ruled ineligible.
From the funding details provided, this is a discretionary grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: PDS KIGALI FY25 002) under CFDA 19.022, offered by the U.S. Mission to Rwanda. The maximum award amount is $35,000, and the Embassy expects to make two awards. The notice also notes that the Embassy will determine the level of its “substantial involvement” after a grantee is selected, meaning the Embassy may play an active role in certain aspects of project oversight, coordination, or implementation depending on the selected proposal and award structure.Apply for PDS KIGALI FY25 002
- The U.S. Mission to Rwanda in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund NOFO" 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 2024-12-23.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-02-23. (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.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- 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) - FAQs
1) What is the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025)?
The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025) is a competitive grant opportunity run by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda. It supports alumni-led, community-focused projects designed by alumni of U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs.
2) Who is offering this grant?
The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Mission to Rwanda through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kigali.
3) What is the purpose of AEIF 2025?
AEIF 2025 is designed to help exchange alumni turn the skills, professional networks, and lessons from their U.S. exchange experience into practical projects that address real local or global challenges and provide tangible community benefit.
4) Is AEIF a new program?
No. AEIF has operated globally since 2011 and has supported nearly 500 alumni-led projects worldwide. The Kigali competition is part of that broader initiative.
5) Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored exchange program. Proposals must be submitted by a team that includes at least two eligible alumni.
6) Can an individual apply alone?
No. The notice specifies that proposals must be submitted by a team of at least two alumni.
7) Are U.S. citizen alumni allowed to apply?
No. U.S. citizen alumni are not allowed to submit proposals as applicants. However, U.S. citizen alumni may participate as members of a project team.
8) Can teams include alumni from different exchange programs?
Yes. Teams can be made up of alumni from different exchange programs.
9) Can teams include alumni from different countries?
Yes. Teams may include alumni from different countries, allowing for cross-border collaboration.
10) Can a nonprofit, NGO, think tank, or university apply directly?
No. Partner organizations may help implement project activities, but organizations that are not alumni associations cannot apply on their own. The application must come from eligible exchange alumni or alumni associations.
11) Can projects be implemented with partner organizations?
Yes. Projects can be implemented in partnership with nonprofits, NGOs, think tanks, or academic institutions, as long as the applicant is an eligible alumnus/alumni team or alumni association.
12) Who can receive the grant award (the payee)?
The award can be issued either directly to an individual alumnus or to the partner organization supporting implementation, depending on how the project is structured.
13) What kinds of projects is the Embassy prioritizing in 2025?
For 2025, the Embassy is prioritizing projects aligned with U.S. commitments around increasing economic growth, strengthening human capital, and promoting democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
14) What project themes are highlighted in the opportunity notice?
The notice highlights themes including:
- Projects that promote leadership and/or health diplomacy through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics)
- Youth professional development to improve job readiness
- Strengthening the capacity of media professionals and early-career reporters
- Advancing inclusion, advocacy, and education for vulnerable groups
- Expanding digital literacy and soft skills among underserved youth
15) What type of projects is the Embassy looking for?
The Embassy is looking for public service projects proposed and managed by teams of alumni, with an emphasis on innovative approaches and tangible community benefit.
16) What is the maximum award amount?
The maximum award amount is $35,000.
17) How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?
The Embassy expects to make two awards.
18) What is the deadline to apply?
Applications must be submitted no later than February 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+2).
19) How do we submit an application?
Proposals must be submitted by email to KigaliPDGrants@state.gov.
20) What language must the application materials be in?
All application materials must be submitted in English.
21) What currency should be used for the budget?
Budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars (USD).
22) Is there a page limit for the proposal narrative?
Yes. The narrative proposal may not exceed 10 pages.
23) Are there formatting requirements we must follow?
Yes. The notice states that formatting compliance matters. Requirements include:
- Pages must be numbered
- Documents must be formatted for 8.5 x 11 inch paper
- If submitted in Microsoft Word, the document must be single-spaced in 12-point Calibri with at least one-inch margins
24) Can an application be disqualified for formatting or missing required elements?
Yes. Proposals that miss required elements or do not follow the instructions can be ruled ineligible.
25) What should the proposal narrative clearly demonstrate?
The proposal should clearly connect the project design to the goals and objectives of AEIF 2025.
26) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number is PDS KIGALI FY25 002.
27) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.022.
28) What does it mean that this is a discretionary grant opportunity?
The notice describes this as a discretionary grant opportunity, meaning awards are competitively selected and not guaranteed.
29) What does "substantial involvement" by the Embassy mean?
The notice states that the Embassy will determine the level of its "substantial involvement" after a grantee is selected. This means the Embassy may play an active role in certain aspects of project oversight, coordination, or implementation depending on the selected proposal and award structure.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: F25AS00226 Endangered Species Conservation - Wolf Livestock Loss Compensation and Prevention Grants
Previous opportunity: 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program Implementer
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 PDS KIGALI FY25 002
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PDS KIGALI FY25 002) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 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 |
| FY2025 ABPP - Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant Apply for P25AS00478 Funding Number: P25AS00478 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY2025 NAGPRA Repatriation Grants Apply for P25AS00474 Funding Number: P25AS00474 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2024 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Apply for DHS 24 MT 047 00 98 Funding Number: DHS 24 MT 047 00 98 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000,000 |
| 2025 Preservation Technology and Training Cooperative Agreements Apply for P25AS00212 Funding Number: P25AS00212 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2024 Flood Mitigation Assistance Apply for DHS 24 MT 029 000 98 Funding Number: DHS 24 MT 029 000 98 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DRL FY24 Global Equality Fund Programs Apply for DFOP0017096 Funding Number: DFOP0017096 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,250,000 |
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 "PDS KIGALI FY25 002", 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.