Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Dominican Republic

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) Dominican Republic is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section. This program is part of a broader global initiative that leverages alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to advance U.S. foreign policy goals. The fund is designed to support collaborative, alumni-led projects that strengthen ties between the United States and partner countries while promoting shared values such as educational excellence, innovation, and institutional partnership. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to promote U.S. leadership in higher education and to foster sustained collaboration between U.S. and Dominican academic institutions. The program encourages projects that introduce U.S.-based educational models, including experiential learning, student-centered pedagogy, and research mentorship. It emphasizes long-term institutional linkages and aims to create measurable outcomes such as joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, and increased awareness of U.S. study opportunities. Alumni of U.S. exchange programs are expected to play a central role as project leaders, mentors, and facilitators. Funding is provided through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy funds, with a total available funding pool of 35,000 dollars. Only one award is anticipated, with project budgets ranging from a minimum of 5,000 dollars to a maximum of 35,000 dollars. The performance period for funded projects is between 12 and 24 months, with an anticipated start date of November 2026. Funds may be used for activities such as training workshops, collaborative research, mentorship programs, and partnership-building initiatives. However, there are strict restrictions on funding use, including prohibitions on construction, direct social services, political activities, religious programming, fundraising, and commercial ventures. Eligibility is limited to Dominican not-for-profit organizations, including civil society organizations and think tanks, as well as Dominican public and private educational institutions. While individuals may participate as part of project teams, applications must be submitted by eligible organizations. All applicant organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain an active registration in SAM.gov. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Projects must be led by exchange alumni and include partnerships with U.S. and/or Dominican academic institutions. The application process requires submission of several mandatory federal forms, including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B where applicable, along with a detailed proposal narrative of up to 30 pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, key personnel, partnerships, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Applicants must also submit a detailed budget and budget justification narrative, along with supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. Applications must be submitted via email to SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov by May 13, 2026 at 10:00 PM AST. Late submissions will not be considered. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants are typically notified of results within 120 days after the deadline. Selected recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly program and financial reports, and final reports within 120 days of project completion. This funding opportunity is part of an annual initiative and reflects ongoing U.S. government efforts to strengthen educational and cultural ties globally. The program prioritizes sustainability and long-term impact, encouraging projects that extend beyond the grant period through continued partnerships and follow-on activities. It represents a strategic investment in alumni leadership and cross-border collaboration in higher education.

Ensure strong institutional partnerships and measurable outcomes; align clearly with U.S. foreign policy priorities; include sustainability and follow-on activities