We are delighted to announce that applications for the CSC’s Alumni Community Engagement Fund (ACEF) are opening soon!
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 CSC 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.
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.
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.
Proposed activities may include:
- Training workshops and masterclasses aimed at building entrepreneurial and leadership skills
- Fostering partnerships with youth groups and organisations to widen youth participation in entrepreneurship
- Raising awareness of national policies and programmes supporting entrepreneurship and innovation
- Sharing and problem-solving trends, barriers and challenges to becoming an entrepreneur, such as opportunities for women and girls
- Ideathons on the role of entrepreneurship in tackling critical development challenges, such as climate change and food security
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.
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.
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.
Proposed activities may include:
- Fostering partnerships between youth and community organisations for intergenerational community activities
- Developing youth leadership skills to initiative projects for improved social cohesion
- Reducing stereotypes and misconceptions about different age groups
- Organising events for intergenerational dialogues, stories, such as indigenous knowledge and practices for sustainability
- Enhance skills and technology transfer, such as digital skills training and mentoring
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.
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.
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.
Proposed activities may include:
- Raising awareness on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
- Promoting technologies, policies and programmes supporting farmers in sustainable food practices
- Upskilling farmers, small holders and agricultural workers to utilise technology-based solutions to protect crops
- Training and workshops on the importance of food in reducing malnutrition and poverty
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.
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).
You should only submit one application.
Applications will open on 4 June 2025 and close at 23:59 (BST) on Sunday 22 June 2025. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Alumni will receive full details via email when applications open.
Please note that the CSC is not able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
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 they have achieved (and continue to grow) through ACEF.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email the CSC Alumni Team at alumni@cscuk.org.uk
