1. What is the Alumni Project Fund?

The Alumni Project Fund is an initiative of the Leading Well Network to support projects led by alumni of the IREX Community Solutions Program (CSP). It provides financial and technical assistance to pilot new ideas, expand proven initiatives, strengthen sustainability, and share knowledge within the global alumni network.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Active CSP Alumni who:

• Are members of a Community of Practice and have attended at least 70% of its meetings for at least one hour each time

• Have participated in other CSP alumni activities, such as serving as an Alumni Activator or Mentor

In future cycles, active alumni may refer others who demonstrate commitment to CSP values and guiding principles.

3. What types of projects will be funded?

The Fund supports projects that:

• Pilot and test innovative solutions to community challenges

• Expand or scale existing initiatives

• Conduct research or data collection to inform practice

• Foster alumni collaboration

• Develop pitches and cases for donor funding

4. How much funding is available?

In the first cycle, five grants will be awarded, each ranging from USD 3,000 to USD 8,000.

5. How is the Fund financed?

The first cycle of the Fund is privately funded.

6. What kind of support will grantees receive besides funding?

Grantees will receive:

• Technical guidance and mentorship from the Leading Well Network

• Support to refine project design, measure impact, and strengthen sustainability

• Opportunities to connect with other alumni through Communities of Practice

7. How do I apply?

Applicants will complete an application form detailing their project’s feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with leadership values. A panel of CSP alumni, representing different regions and thematic areas, will review all submissions.

8. What is the selection process?

The review panel will assess applications based on:

• Project feasibility

• Potential for measurable impact

• Alignment with CSP leadership values and guiding principles

• Potential for scalability and knowledge sharing

9. What are the reporting requirements?

Grantees must submit three progress reports over nine months. Reports will document activities, results, challenges, and lessons learned.

10. How will project impact be evaluated?

The Fund uses an evaluation framework to assess project effectiveness, sustainability, and contribution to broader community and network impact. Data will also contribute to the Digital Knowledge Hub for shared learning.

11. Can funding be used for operational costs?

Yes. The Fund is unrestricted because we want to empower alumni to utilise the funding in the way that will best advance their initiative and impact.

12. What are the long-term goals of the Fund?

The Fund aims to:

• Empower CSP alumni to lead impactful community initiatives

• Strengthen collaboration and mentorship within the alumni network

• Enhance the sustainability and scalability of alumni projects

• Build a strong body of knowledge and evidence for future donor engagement

13. When will applications open and close?

Application opens on 5th September 2025 and closes on 26th September 2025.

14. Who can I contact for more information?

Kindly contact Andrea or Chen for more information.