Freedom 250: Innovating Together

LEAD (the Alumni Association), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Kigali, invites U.S. exchange alumni to submit project pitches for micro-project funding as part of the March 6, 2026 "Freedom 250: Innovating Together" Alumni Symposium.

This competition aims to support innovative, alumni-led initiatives that strengthen U.S.–Rwanda partnerships and create lasting community impact.

Up to 1,000,000 Rwandan francs will be awarded to 3–4 winning projects. Selected finalists will pitch their projects during the Symposium before a joint panel of Embassy representatives and LEAD leadership.

All U.S. exchange program alumni are eligible to apply. Projects may be submitted individually or as a team.

The submission deadline will be on 26-02-2026

Section 1: Eligibility & Applicant Information

Full Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Exchange Program Participated In *

Year of Participation *

Are you submitting this proposal as: *

IndividualTeam

Section 2: Project Overview

Project Title *

Project Theme * (Select at least one)

Commercial Diplomacy & Strategic PartnershipsInnovation & TechnologyWorkforce Development & Market StrengtheningOther

Project Description * (Maximum 250 words)

Word count: 0 / 250

Section 3: Budget & Implementation

Total Amount Requested (RWF) *

Maximum allowed: 1,000,000 RWF

Budget Breakdown *

Implementation Timeline *

Section 4: Impact & Sustainability

Expected Impact *

How does your project reflect skills or knowledge gained through your U.S. exchange program? *

Does your project include collaboration with other alumni or partnership with the U.S. Embassy? (Optional)

Section 5: Final Confirmation

I am a U.S. exchange program alumnus/alumna *The information provided is accurate *I understand selected finalists will pitch at the March 6, 2026 Symposium *