2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section. This program is part of the broader Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs appropriation and is designed to extend the long-term impact of U.S. government-funded exchange initiatives. The fund supports alumni of these programs by enabling them to design and implement community-based projects that align with U.S. foreign policy priorities. The initiative is positioned as an annual opportunity, reinforcing ongoing engagement with alumni networks and strengthening bilateral relationships between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The primary purpose of the fund is to empower exchange program alumni to collaborate on initiatives that promote shared values, advance policy objectives, and generate measurable community benefits. For the 2026 cycle, all supported projects must incorporate themes related to Freedom 250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Projects must also align with at least one policy objective such as enhancing security, strengthening economic and societal resilience, celebrating American excellence, or defending freedom of speech. In addition, proposals are required to include activities that foster alumni collaboration, strengthen relationships with the U.S. government, or build leadership capacity among participants. Funding is provided through grants or fixed amount awards, with individual project budgets ranging from 5000 to 35000 dollars. While total program funding is not specified, the program anticipates issuing up to two awards. Projects must be completed within a 12-month performance period, with an anticipated start date within 45 days following award notification. Allowable expenses include transportation within the region, venue rental, communications materials, virtual programming tools, and reasonable equipment or speaker costs. However, the program explicitly prohibits funding for salaries, international travel to the United States, construction, scholarships, entertainment, political activities, and other restricted uses. Eligibility is limited to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Applications must involve at least two alumni, with one designated as the team lead. Alumni associations may also apply, provided they identify a lead alumnus. Teams of three or more may include U.S. citizen alumni, but at least two members must be non-U.S. citizens, and U.S. citizens are not permitted to serve as team leads. Organizations applying for funding must maintain a valid Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov, though individuals are exempt from this requirement. These criteria ensure that funded projects are alumni-driven and maintain a clear connection to U.S. exchange program objectives. The application process requires submission via email to the designated embassy grants inbox. Applicants must use official program forms, including federal assistance forms and specific proposal and budget templates provided by the embassy. Required components include a detailed proposal narrative, budget justification, CVs of key personnel, and letters of support from partners. Applications must be submitted in English and adhere to strict formatting guidelines. Failure to follow these requirements or submit all required materials may result in disqualification. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on alignment with embassy priorities, clarity and feasibility of the implementation plan, level of alumni engagement, strength of local partnerships, and quality of monitoring and evaluation strategies. Additional consideration is given to the communication and outreach plan, as well as the realism and appropriateness of the proposed budget. Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainable community impact. Unsuccessful applicants are expected to be notified by late August 2026, and selected projects must comply with federal reporting and financial management requirements throughout the grant period.

Ensure strong alignment with embassy priorities; clearly define measurable outcomes; demonstrate active alumni leadership; include strong local partnerships; provide detailed and realistic budget justification