The United States Embassy in Finland has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025). This initiative is aimed at alumni of U.S. government-funded and sponsored exchange programs. The embassy invites proposals from teams consisting of at least two alumni or an alumni association. Projects should focus on themes such as economic prosperity, global security, youth exchange programs, and Arctic collaboration.
Proposals are expected to be submitted by February 28, 2025, with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. "Pending availability of funds, the AEIF will consider proposals between $5,000 and $25,000," according to the announcement. Successful projects must be completed within a year and must occur outside the United States.
Eligible applicants include non-U.S. citizen alumni who can lead projects, while U.S. citizen alumni may participate but not lead. The program encourages collaboration across different countries and exchange programs.
The embassy emphasizes that all project activities must take place outside U.S. territories and involve no airfare to or from these regions. Budget restrictions exclude certain costs such as staff salaries or entertainment expenses.
Applications should adhere strictly to AEIF 2025 forms available upon request via USHelsinkiAlumni@state.gov.
For more information on previous successful projects under AEIF 2024, interested parties can visit https://alumni.state.gov/aeif/congrats-2024-alumni-engagement-innovation-fund-winners.