Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Harare, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section. This program is part of the broader Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs portfolio and is designed to strengthen the long-term impact of U.S. government-funded exchange initiatives. The fund targets alumni of these exchange programs, leveraging their expertise, leadership, and networks to advance shared U.S. foreign policy goals and foster community-level impact in Zimbabwe. The initiative reflects a continued investment in alumni as catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. The primary purpose of the program is to support alumni-led projects that address local and national challenges while aligning with U.S. policy priorities. For this funding cycle, particular emphasis is placed on projects that support the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence by promoting themes such as digital freedom, innovation, peace, and prosperity. Projects are expected to highlight American excellence, strengthen trade and commercial ties between the United States and Zimbabwe, and deepen partnerships between alumni and U.S. government entities. The program encourages cross-program collaboration among alumni and seeks to maximize the long-term benefits of exchange programs through measurable community outcomes. Funding for the program is provided through cooperative agreements, with anticipated awards ranging from 5000 to 35000 USD and a total funding pool of approximately 70000 USD. Projects must be completed within a 12-month performance period. Allowable expenses include essential travel, venue rentals, speaker honoraria, communications materials, and reasonable equipment. However, strict restrictions apply, including prohibitions on construction, direct social services, fundraising, political activities, scholarships, and large capital expenditures. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, providing flexibility for applicants while still promoting leveraged support. Eligibility is limited to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Applications must be submitted by teams of at least two alumni, with one designated as the team lead. Alumni associations may also apply, provided they identify a team lead. While U.S. citizen alumni may participate in teams, they cannot serve as the lead and teams must include at least two non-U.S. citizen alumni. Organizations such as NGOs or academic institutions may not apply independently but can serve as implementing partners. Applicants must meet administrative requirements such as obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining registration in SAM.gov where applicable. The application process requires submission of specific forms including the proposal template, SF-424 series forms, and a detailed budget. Applicants must provide a comprehensive proposal that includes a problem statement, project design, timeline, personnel details, partnerships, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. Supporting materials such as resumes and letters of support are also required. Applications must be submitted in English and budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria including program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation rigor, and sustainability. The submission deadline for applications is May 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM Central African Time. Questions must be submitted by April 23, 2026, after which responses will be compiled and shared publicly. Applicants are notified of funding decisions within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Projects are expected to begin within 45 days of award notification. The program is offered annually, providing recurring opportunities for eligible alumni to apply and contribute to ongoing U.S.-Zimbabwe collaboration. The U.S. Embassy plays an active role throughout the project lifecycle under the cooperative agreement model, including providing strategic guidance, approving key deliverables, and monitoring implementation progress. Recipients are responsible for day-to-day management, compliance with federal regulations, and reporting requirements. Quarterly reporting is typically required, with final reports due within 120 days of project completion. This structure ensures accountability while fostering collaboration between the U.S. government and alumni-led initiatives.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and Freedom 250 themes; clearly demonstrate measurable impact and feasibility; provide detailed budget justification; include strong monitoring and evaluation framework; emphasize sustainability beyond grant period