U.S. Embassy Libya ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT INNOVATION FUND (AEIF) 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a grant program administered by the U.S. Department of State through U.S. embassies worldwide, including the U.S. Embassy in Libya. The program is designed to support alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs by providing funding to implement innovative, community-based projects. Since its inception in 2011, AEIF has funded hundreds of alumni-led initiatives globally, enabling participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained during their exchange experiences to address local and global challenges. The 2026 cycle continues this mission with a focus on strengthening U.S.–Libya partnerships and advancing shared priorities. The purpose of AEIF 2026 is to promote economic growth, stability, and bilateral collaboration between the United States and Libya. The program emphasizes initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, innovation, workforce development, and commercial diplomacy. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that build business networks, support small and medium enterprises, and promote trade and investment. Additional thematic priorities include youth and workforce innovation, STEM education and technology exchange, and English language and cultural exchange. All funded projects must also incorporate elements that celebrate and promote America’s 250th anniversary, aligning program activities with broader diplomatic and cultural goals. Funding for this opportunity is provided under the Educational and Cultural Exchanges appropriation. The total available funding is $70,000, with approximately two awards anticipated. Individual awards range from $5,000 to $35,000. Projects must be completed within a 12-month period, with an anticipated start date of September 2026. Funds must be used exclusively for program implementation and may not be used for personal gain or prohibited activities such as alcoholic beverages or restricted entities. While cost sharing is not required, applicants may propose voluntary contributions, which become binding if included in the approved budget. Eligibility is limited to alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. Applicants may apply individually or as part of a team; however, proposals must include at least two eligible alumni. Teams may consist of alumni from different programs or countries but cannot include non-alumni members as part of the applicant team. Alumni associations may also apply. While U.S. citizen alumni cannot serve as primary applicants, they may participate as team members. Applicants may partner with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, or other entities to implement project activities, and the grant may be awarded either to the alumni or a partner organization. The application process requires submission of a completed proposal form and budget form, both in English and denominated in U.S. dollars. Optional attachments include resumes of key personnel and letters of support from partners. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to the designated program inbox. Organizations applying must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain active registration in SAM.gov, while individuals are exempt from this requirement. The deadline for submission is May 9, 2026, at 23:59 local time in Libya. Applications are evaluated by an Embassy Grants Review Committee based on specific criteria, including program quality and feasibility, degree of alumni involvement, ability to achieve objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. Each criterion is assigned a weighted score, with program quality carrying the highest value. Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate strong planning, measurable outcomes, and long-term impact beyond the grant period. Risk factors such as financial stability and management capacity are also considered during the review process. Selected applicants will be notified following the review process, with unsuccessful applicants informed by May 30, 2026. Awards are administered by a Grants Officer, and recipients must comply with all reporting requirements, including quarterly financial and program reports. Projects must adhere to federal regulations and policies, including branding requirements and compliance with applicable laws. The AEIF program operates on an annual cycle, making it a recurring funding opportunity for eligible alumni seeking to implement impactful projects in their communities.

Focus on clear program feasibility and measurable outcomes; demonstrate strong alumni involvement and capacity to manage funds; ensure sustainability beyond the grant period