We are delighted to announce that applications for the ÌÇÐĹÙÍø’s Alumni Community Engagement Fund (ACEF) are now open!
The Alumni Community Engagement Fund (ACEF) is an annual fund which seeks to support Commonwealth Alumni in raising awareness of key development issues at the community level through the organisation of an engagement activity.
Small changes for big impact
Small changes implemented at the community level can lead to big impact over time. ACEF supports Commonwealth Alumni in delivering engaging activities designed to raise awareness and support individuals in implementing small changes at the community level with the aim of achieving long-term positive impact.
Each year the ÌÇÐĹÙÍø selects for ACEF activities to address. This year’s themes:
- Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Together We Thrive – a Commonwealth for the next generation
- Towards zero hunger
To find out more about the themes and how to apply, keep reading.
Themes for 2025-26
Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem
In the last three decades participation in higher education has seen unprecedented growth around the globe. Whilst the number of skilled graduates has grown, huge population growth in parts of the Commonwealth has meant many of these young graduates can’t access well-paid jobs. With over sixty percent of the population being under 30, youth unemployment is a growing issue in several member countries.   Ìý
Entrepreneurship and innovation are vital to drive economic growth, social development, climate action, effective healthcare, and gender equality. Entrepreneurship and innovation can be leveraged to build capacity of young people, foster a culture of creativity and empower them to become change agents to address development challenges.ÌýÌý
Activities developed and delivered under this theme may address a wide range of topics such as, promoting entrepreneurship as a viable path to address unemployment; barriers and challenges to becoming an entrepreneur; inclusion and sustainability; empowering marginalised communities; and tackling challenges within sectors such as agriculture, public health and education through entrepreneurship and innovation.ÌýÌý
Proposed activities may include:ÌýÌý
- Training workshops and masterclasses aimed at building entrepreneurial and leadership skillsÌý
- Fostering partnerships with youth groups and organisations to widen youth participation in entrepreneurshipÌý
- Raising awareness of national policies and programmes supporting entrepreneurship and innovationÌý
- Sharing and problem-solving trends, barriers and challenges to becoming an entrepreneur, such as opportunities for women and girlsÌý
- Ideathons on the role of entrepreneurship in tackling critical development challenges, such as climate change and food securityÌýÌý
Together We Thrive – a Commonwealth for the next generation
10 March 2025 marked Commonwealth Day, an annual occasion highlighting the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth. This year’s Commonwealth Day theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, celebrates the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family – 56 independent member countries united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.Ìý
Rooted in the principles of family, unity and peace, the theme is a call to action, emphasising the importance of cooperation, partnership and the need for intergenerational collaboration to achieve a prosperous future.ÌýÌý
Activities developed and delivered under this theme should support the aims of the 2025 Commonwealth Day theme. Activities will recognise and value the importance of bringing together youth and older adults to share knowledge and experiences, sharing mutual learnings to address a wide range of topics such as climate action, governance, health, technology and innovation, and culture and traditions.ÌýÌý
Proposed activities may include:ÌýÌý
- Fostering partnerships between youth and community organisations for intergenerational community activitiesÌý
- Developing youth leadership skills to initiative projects for improved social cohesionÌý
- Reducing stereotypes and misconceptions about different age groupsÌý
- Organising events for intergenerational dialogues, stories, such as indigenous knowledge and practices for sustainabilityÌý
- Enhance skills and technology transfer, such as digital skills training and mentoringÌýÌý
Towards zero hunger
Food security is one of the biggest threats affecting not only the Commonwealth, but millions of people around the world. Contributing factors to global food insecurity include climate change, economic instability, conflicts and global health crises, resulting in severe impacts on public health and social and economic development.ÌýÌý
Across the Commonwealth, agriculture and fishing sectors are vital to the economy, crucial for eradicating hunger and reducing inequalities. By leveraging innovation, collaboration and evidence-based practice to increase food production and availability, agriculture and fishing sectors can help in addressing food insecurity and nutrition challenges.ÌýÌý
Activities developed and delivered under this theme should seek to address a wide range of concerns around food security, such as malnutrition, poverty, physical and mental health implications, the impact of climate change on agriculture and fishing sectors, and unsustainable food production practices.ÌýÌý
Proposed activities may include:ÌýÌý
- Raising awareness on sustainable fisheries and aquacultureÌý
- Promoting technologies, policies and programmes supporting farmers in sustainable food practicesÌý
- Upskilling farmers, small holders and agricultural workers to utilise technology-based solutions to protect cropsÌý
- Training and workshops on the importance of food in reducing malnutrition and povertyÌý
Why take part?
This is an exciting opportunity for Commonwealth Alumni to develop and deliver a community-focused activity designed to raise awareness on a range of challenges related to one of the above themes. Activities may include skills-based training, lectures, seminars, workshops, public service projects, and events which invite discussion and problem-solving.ÌýÌý
How to apply
- Alumni may apply as individuals, as a ÌÇÐĹÙÍø Alumni Association, or as a group of Commonwealth Alumni not part of an existing association.Ìý
- You should only submit one application.ÌýÌý
- To apply, you must read the 2025-26 ÌÇÐĹÙÍø Alumni Community Engagement Fund- Terms and conditions and complete the .
- To view application questions before completing the online form, you can view a PDF copy here.Ìý
- The deadline for applications is 23:59 (BST) on Sunday 22 June 2025. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
- Please note that the ÌÇÐĹÙÍø is not able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.Ìý
Looking for inspiration?Ìý
Get inspired by previous ACEF activities organised by Commonwealth Alumni by visiting the ACEF webpage to read articles and stories on the impact they have achieved (and continue to grow) through ACEF.Ìý
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email the ÌÇÐĹÙÍø Alumni Team at alumni@cscuk.org.ukÌýÌý