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. Embassy Muscat. The program is part of a broader global initiative launched in 2011 to support alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. It is designed to empower alumni to apply the skills, knowledge, and networks gained during their exchange experiences to address challenges within their communities. The 2026 cycle is aligned with the “Freedom 250” initiative, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, and all funded projects must incorporate this theme into their activities. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support innovative, alumni-led projects that promote collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared values. Competitive proposals are expected to align with one or more priority areas, including commercial ties, sports diplomacy, cultural heritage, creative industries, emerging technologies, and space cooperation. The program emphasizes cross-cultural engagement and encourages initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, sustainability, and strong alumni leadership. Projects must be implemented within a period not exceeding 12 months. Funding is provided through various mechanisms, including grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, depending on the level of involvement by the U.S. Embassy. Cooperative agreements may include substantial embassy participation in program implementation, such as assisting with participant selection, coordinating activities, and reviewing outreach materials. Award amounts range from 5,000 to 35,000 dollars, with a total program funding pool of 75,000 dollars, subject to availability. Funds must be used exclusively for program-related activities and cannot be used for personal gain or restricted uses such as prohibited equipment or disallowed entities. Eligibility is limited to alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. Applications must be submitted by teams of at least two eligible alumni. While U.S. citizen alumni cannot serve as primary applicants, they may participate as team members. Teams may include members from different countries and exchange programs. Organizations applying for funding must have a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov, while individuals are exempt from this requirement. Cost sharing is not required but may be included voluntarily and, if proposed, becomes a binding commitment. Applications must be submitted electronically using the official AEIF application form, which includes both proposal and budget components. Required materials include a completed proposal form, detailed budget, and optional supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and indirect cost agreements if applicable. All documents must be submitted in English, formatted according to specified guidelines, and comply with formatting and submission standards outlined in the notice. The application deadline is June 14, 2026. Proposals are evaluated based on several criteria, including program quality and feasibility, level 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 receiving the highest emphasis. Applications are reviewed by an Embassy Grants Review Committee, and successful applicants are expected to be notified by September 30, 2026. Projects are anticipated to begin in September 2026. Post-award requirements include financial and program reporting, compliance with federal regulations, and adherence to branding and marking guidelines. Recipients must submit quarterly reports and a final report within 120 days of project completion. Additional administrative requirements include compliance with federal policies related to nondiscrimination, procurement, and program monitoring. This funding opportunity represents a structured and competitive process aimed at leveraging alumni expertise to foster meaningful international collaboration and community impact.

Align proposal with Freedom 250 theme; demonstrate strong alumni involvement; provide clear implementation timeline; include measurable outcomes and sustainability plan