Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund is a grant program administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Indonesia. This initiative is part of the broader Educational and Cultural Exchanges funding stream and is designed to extend the impact of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Since its global launch in 2011, the fund has supported hundreds of alumni-led initiatives worldwide, empowering past participants of U.S. exchange programs to translate their experiences into tangible projects that advance shared interests between the United States and partner countries. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support alumni teams in designing and implementing projects that align with U.S. foreign policy priorities while benefiting local communities in Indonesia. For the current cycle, all proposed projects must celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and contribute to making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate clear benefits to U.S. interests, reinforce bilateral partnerships, and highlight U.S. leadership in areas such as security, technology, and economic growth. Projects must fall within defined thematic areas, including security and protection from transnational threats, artificial intelligence and digital innovation, and entrepreneurship and market-based growth. Activities should focus on practical applications such as workforce development, public awareness campaigns, and innovation skill-building. Eligible audiences include alumni networks, emerging leaders, youth, educators, and professionals engaged in relevant sectors. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes, sustainability beyond the grant period, and continued engagement between alumni and the U.S. government. Funding is provided through grants to individuals rather than organizations, with award amounts ranging from 5000 to 35000 USD and a total program funding pool of approximately 70000 USD. Projects must be completed within a maximum period of 12 months. The funding does not allow for certain costs, including salaries, construction, direct social services, or activities conducted in the United States. Cost sharing is not required but may be included as an optional component and does not influence evaluation. Eligibility is restricted to alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. Applications must be submitted by teams of at least two alumni, and while U.S. citizen alumni cannot serve as primary applicants, they may participate as team members. Organizations such as nonprofits or academic institutions may act as partners but cannot apply directly. Each team is limited to submitting one proposal, and failure to comply with application requirements results in disqualification. The application process requires submission of several components, including mandatory federal forms (SF-424 series), a detailed proposal form outlining project design, goals, and evaluation plans, and a comprehensive budget with justification. Applications must be submitted via email to IndonesiaAlumni@state.gov by May 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. WIB. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria such as program quality, team capacity, feasibility, alignment with U.S. priorities, and sustainability. Applicants are typically notified within 120 days after the deadline, and successful projects are expected to begin around late August 2026 with structured reporting requirements throughout the grant period.

Align project clearly with U.S. policy priorities and the 250th anniversary theme; demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability; ensure strong alumni leadership and partner engagement