Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Summit Dominican Republic

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Summit Dominican Republic is a funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section. The program is funded under the Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is designed to strengthen international partnerships and promote U.S. foreign policy priorities. The initiative focuses on alumni of U.S. government exchange programs and leverages their expertise, leadership, and networks to advance collaboration across the Americas. The program aligns with the broader Freedom 250 initiative, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States and emphasizing democratic values, economic freedom, and innovation. The primary purpose of this grant is to support the design and implementation of high-impact, alumni-led summits in the Dominican Republic. These summits are intended to convene entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean alongside U.S. experts to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration. The program specifically targets gaps in investment readiness, intellectual property protection, and access to U.S. business frameworks. It aims to foster cross-border partnerships and strengthen regional entrepreneurial ecosystems by integrating U.S. business practices and democratic economic principles. Funding under this opportunity ranges from 40000 to 90000 dollars, with a total available funding pool of 90000 dollars and one anticipated award. The period of performance ranges from four to twelve months, with project implementation expected between August and December 2026. Funds may be used for programmatic expenses such as personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, and contractual services, but cannot be used for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, or fundraising. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. The funding instrument may be structured as a grant or cooperative agreement, with the latter involving substantial participation from the U.S. Embassy in planning and execution. Eligibility is limited to Dominican-based entities and individuals connected to U.S. Department of State exchange programs. Eligible applicants include alumni of programs such as YLAI, IVLP, and Fulbright; Dominican nonprofit organizations including civil society groups and think tanks; and educational institutions that are led by or partnered with exchange alumni. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov unless exempted. Only one proposal per organization is allowed, and projects must align with the program’s thematic and policy priorities. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed narrative proposal not exceeding 30 pages. Applicants must also submit a budget spreadsheet and a budget justification narrative. The proposal must include sections such as a project summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, key personnel, partner roles, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Supporting documents include resumes, letters of support, proof of nonprofit status, and registration documentation. Applications must be submitted via email to SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov with the funding opportunity title and number included in the subject line. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria including the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and sustainability. Proposals are also assessed for alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and their potential to enhance the reputation of the United States abroad. The review process includes technical eligibility screening followed by evaluation by a review panel. Applicants are typically notified of results within 120 days after the application deadline. The deadline for applications is May 18, 2026 at 11:00 PM Dominican Republic time. The anticipated start date for funded projects is August 2026. The program is not explicitly recurring, and no pre-application or concept paper stage is required. For questions, applicants may contact the program via email at SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov or by phone at 809-368-7279.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities; provide detailed and feasible implementation plan; include measurable outcomes and robust M&E framework; justify budget clearly and tie costs to activities