Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section. This funding opportunity is part of the Department’s broader Educational and Cultural Exchanges programming and is designed to strengthen relationships between the United States and partner countries through alumni engagement. The program leverages the experience and networks of individuals who have participated in U.S. government-funded exchange programs, positioning them as leaders in advancing mutual priorities and addressing local challenges within their communities. The primary purpose of AEIF is to support innovative, alumni-led projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Gabon while promoting shared diplomatic, economic, and social goals. Projects are expected to demonstrate clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and strong alumni leadership. Priority areas include entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, education, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship. The program also encourages proposals that align with Freedom 250, a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, emphasizing democratic values and civic participation. Funding for this opportunity ranges from a minimum of 5000 USD to a maximum of 35000 USD per award, with a total funding pool of up to 70000 USD and approximately two awards anticipated. The period of performance is up to 12 months, and projects are expected to begin around October 2026. Funds must be used for allowable programmatic costs, including personnel, travel, supplies, and contracted services. However, funding cannot be used for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, religious activities, or commercial ventures. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Eligibility is limited to alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, Fulbright Program, and Young African Leaders Initiative, among others. Applicants must form teams of at least two alumni, and projects must be alumni-led. Eligible applicants may apply as individuals or through registered organizations, including nonprofits, educational institutions, governmental entities, and international organizations. While partnerships are allowed, alumni must retain primary responsibility for project design and implementation. The application process requires submission of several mandatory forms, including SF-424 series documents, along with a detailed proposal of no more than three pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel, partnerships, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Applicants must also submit a detailed budget and justification narrative, along with supporting documents such as resumes and letters of support. Applications may be submitted via email or through Grants.gov. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Proposals are reviewed by a technical panel, and applicants are typically notified within 120 days after the application deadline. Successful applicants must comply with federal reporting requirements, including quarterly progress and financial reports, and adhere to branding and data reporting guidelines established by the Department of State. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is May 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM Libreville time. The program is part of an ongoing annual initiative, and future cycles are expected. For questions regarding the application process, applicants may contact the Public Diplomacy Section via email at LibrevillePAS@state.gov. Additional details and full application requirements are outlined in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity document.

Ensure strong alumni leadership; align with U.S. foreign policy priorities; include measurable outcomes and detailed M&E plan; provide clear and feasible project design