Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia. This program is part of the Department’s broader Educational and Cultural Exchanges initiatives, designed to extend the long-term value of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. By empowering alumni of these programs to lead community-based projects, the fund reinforces U.S. foreign policy objectives and strengthens diplomatic relationships, particularly within the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The initiative reflects a strategic effort to sustain engagement with alumni and amplify the return on investment in international exchange programs. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support alumni-led projects that align with U.S. policy priorities and promote shared interests between the United States and partner communities. For this cycle, all projects must commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and demonstrate alignment with goals that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous or defend freedom of speech. Projects must also meet at least one core objective, such as building alumni networks, strengthening alumni-government collaboration, or supporting leadership development and community impact initiatives. Funding under this program supports a wide range of project activities across priority areas including professional development, entrepreneurship, education, civic engagement, and cultural or sports programming. Allowable activities include workshops, training sessions, mentorship programs, community forums, and collaborative initiatives. However, funding cannot be used for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, fundraising, or religious programming. Scientific research and commercial ventures are also excluded. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, and applicants may include in-kind contributions such as volunteer time or donated resources to strengthen their proposals. Eligibility is limited to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, alumni associations, and organizations whose project teams consist of at least two qualified alumni. Teams must include at least two non-U.S. citizen alumni, and U.S. citizens cannot serve as team leads. Nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and think tanks may apply if they meet these criteria, while for-profit entities are not eligible. Applicants must ensure that only one proposal is submitted per organization and must meet all compliance requirements related to federal funding, including registration in SAM.gov if applicable. The application process requires submission of several mandatory components, including federal forms (SF-424 series), a detailed proposal narrative, a line-item budget, and a budget justification narrative. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status must also be included. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated embassy address by the stated deadline. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria such as program quality, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. The application deadline is May 17, 2026, with notifications expected within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Projects are anticipated to begin on September 1, 2026, and must be completed within a 12-month performance period. The program is structured as a grant or fixed amount award, with one to two awards expected. Successful applicants will be required to comply with reporting requirements, branding guidelines, and federal regulations throughout the project lifecycle.

Align proposal clearly with U.S. policy priorities and Freedom 250 theme; demonstrate measurable impact and strong implementation plan; ensure detailed and realistic budget justification