Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, administered by the U.S. Embassy Senegal and U.S. Mission Guinea-Bissau under the Department of State's Public Diplomacy Section, is a grant initiative that invites proposals from alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. The opportunity is centrally managed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and supports innovative alumni-led projects that reinforce U.S. policy priorities and strengthen connections between the United States and its global alumni community. This year’s AEIF theme honors the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and calls for projects that align with goals such as advancing freedom of speech, promoting prosperity, and enhancing national and international safety. Eligible projects may request funding between $5,000 and $35,000, subject to the availability of funds. Proposed initiatives must be completed within 12 months, with project implementation anticipated between September 2026 and August 2027. Projects must support and amplify alumni networks, encourage collaboration across U.S. exchange programs, and employ U.S. technology, expertise, or best practices. Additional emphasis is placed on celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, advancing AI capabilities in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, mitigating migration drivers through skill development, and preparing for major upcoming international sports events such as the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Eligibility is strictly limited to alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. Proposals must include at least two alumni or involvement of an alumni association. For-profit organizations are not eligible, though non-profit entities may sub-contract with others as long as the prime recipient is a qualified nonprofit or non-governmental organization. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov, although individuals do not need a UEI. Matching contributions are encouraged but not mandatory. Proposals that relate to political, charitable, or religious activities, construction, lobbying, commercial ventures, or scientific research will not be considered. The application must be submitted by April 24, 2026. All documents must be completed in English and budgets must be denominated in U.S. dollars. Required materials include the SF-424 series forms, a 10-page proposal following a provided template, resumes or position descriptions for key personnel, letters of support from partners, a budget justification narrative, and documentation verifying nonprofit status and registration. Proposals must include a monitoring and evaluation plan, a theory of change or “if-then” diagram, and data sheets linking activities to objectives and measurable outcomes. Communications plans and sustainability strategies are also required components of the proposal. Applications will be reviewed based on clear criteria including quality and feasibility of the idea, organizational capacity, ability to meet objectives, detailed budgeting, communication plans, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and sustainability post-funding. Preference may be given to applicants with lower indirect costs in the event of a tie in review scores. Final award notices are expected within 120 days after the application deadline. Applicants should direct any questions to PASmallgrant@state.gov by the date indicated on the NOFO. Awardees will enter into a formal grant agreement with the Department of State and must follow strict reporting and compliance requirements. This includes quarterly programmatic and financial reports, safeguarding personally identifiable information, and maintaining compliance with applicable federal anti-discrimination and anti-trafficking laws. All materials produced under the award must adhere to Department of State branding guidelines and incorporate the "Freedom 250" campaign logos. Recipients must also comply with intellectual property rules and procurement standards outlined in the award agreement.

Emphasize alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals; include sustainability plans; ensure clarity in objectives and timeline; strong M&E plan is essential; lower indirect cost rate may serve as tiebreaker.