The CSC’s 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.
This year, the CSC will be offering ACEF opportunities which will address two different themes:
- Clean energy, air and oceans
- Sport for development: equality, diversity and representation
Applications are now open and you can find out more about the themes and how to apply below
Clean energy, air and oceans 
One of the most significant outcomes of the COP26 conference was the Glasgow Climate Pact, which sought agreement from 197 participating countries to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. During World Oceans Day (5th November), the UK government also announced a significant amount of funding to support ocean projects, highlighting the importance of oceans in regulating the climate and the role oceans play in responding to climate change.
Activities developed and delivered under this theme will seek to support these goals as well as the aims of SDG 14: ‘Life Below Water’ and SDG 7: ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’, which link to the UK Government’s Commonwealth Blue Charter and ‘Clean Green Initiative’ respectively.
Sport for development: equality, diversity and representation
The United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) was introduced by Kofi Annan in 2001 to coordinate UN efforts in promoting sport as a means to achieving development and peace. Sport can play a critical role in achieving international development and is used across a range of interventions, from education and health to peacebuilding and gender equality, and it cuts across the SDGs.
In 2022, the UK will host the Commonwealth Games, which underpin the core values of humanity, equality and destiny. The 2022 Games are set to feature more para sports than ever before and have the largest integrated Para sport programme in history. It will also be the first time a multisport event has more medal events for women than men.
Activities developed and delivered under this theme will seek to highlight the ways in which inclusive sport can raise awareness of development challenges across a range of issues.
Why take part?
This is an exciting opportunity for you to develop and deliver a community-focussed activity designed to raise awareness on a range of challenges related to one of the above-mentioned themes. Activities may include skills development opportunities; lectures, seminars, workshops; public service projects; and events which invite discussion and problem-solving.
How to apply
Alumni may apply as individuals, as a CSC Alumni Association, or as a group of Commonwealth Alumni (not part of an existing association).
To apply, you must read the Alumni Community Engagement Fund 2022-23 Terms and Conditions and complete the online application form. To view application questions before completing the online form, you can see a PDF copy first.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 (BST) on Tuesday 24 May 2022. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Please note that the CSC is not able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
Looking for inspiration?
Looking for inspiration?Get inspired by previous ACEF activities organised by Commonwealth Alumni by visiting the ACEF webpage to read articles and stories on the impact ACEF helped them achieve.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email the CSC Alumni Team at alumni@cscuk.org.uk.
