Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026

1. Eligibility 

1. Eligible Applicants 

The following are eligible to apply:  

• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs ) or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program (https://j1visa.state.gov/ ). 
• Projects teams must include teams of at least two (2) alumni. 
• Alumni who are U.S. citizen alumni cannot submit proposals, but may participate as team members in a project. 
• Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries. 
• Applicants must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations of USG exchange alumni. No other organizations are eligible to apply. Exchange alumni can partner with not-for-profit or non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions to implement project activities. The grant can be issued to the individual alumni or partner organization. 

1. Cost Sharing or Matching 

Cost sharing or matching is not mandatory. However, if an applicant proposes cost sharing, they are expected to contribute the specified amount outlined in their application, which will subsequently be incorporated into the approved agreement.  

1. Other Eligibility Requirements 

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. 

1. Program Description 

1. Goals and Objectives 

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is an annual grant program of the U.S. Department of State that supports projects led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs. The program enables alumni to apply the knowledge and skills gained during their exchange experiences to design and implement innovative solutions to global challenges facing their communities. Since its launch in 2011, AEIF has funded more than 500 alumni-led projects worldwide through a competitive global competition. 

1. Substantial Involvement  

If the award is issued as a cooperative agreement, the U.S. Embassy will have substantial involvement in the project. This may include participating in the selection of participants, coordinating and scheduling activities, reviewing and approving messaging and outreach materials, facilitating U.S. Embassy participation in events, and supporting the integration of administrative and cultural components of the program. 

1. Application Contents and Format 

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. 

Content of Application 

Please ensure: 

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity 
• All documents are in English 
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars 
• All pages are numbered 
• All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper, and 

The following documents are required:   

1. Mandatory application forms 

• 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Application Form including the following: 
• 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal Form  
• 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Budget Form  

1.  Attachments (optional) 

• 1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program 
• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner  
• If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.   
• Official permission letters, if required for program activities.