Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a funding initiative administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Belarus. Rooted in the authority of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, the program is designed to extend the long-term impact of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs by enabling alumni to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. The 2026 funding cycle emphasizes the Freedom 250 milestone, positioning the United States as a global leader in innovation and democratic values, while reinforcing alumni networks as key partners in advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities. The primary purpose of AEIF is to support alumni-led initiatives that address local and regional challenges, particularly those related to freedom of expression, economic opportunity, digital resilience, and regional security. Projects must demonstrate alignment with U.S. policy goals and showcase collaborative, cross-cohort engagement among alumni from different exchange programs. The program prioritizes sustainable and locally driven solutions that create long-term community impact, particularly within Belarusian communities both in-country and in exile. Funding is provided through grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, with anticipated award amounts ranging from 5000 to 35000 dollars and a total program funding pool of approximately 70000 dollars, subject to availability. Projects must be completed within a performance period of four to twelve months, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. Allowable costs include project-related travel, supplies, contractual services, and programmatic expenses, while restrictions prohibit construction, direct social services, partisan political activity, fundraising, and commercial ventures. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Eligibility is limited to alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. Applications must be submitted by teams of at least two alumni, with non-U.S. citizens serving as primary applicants. U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members but cannot serve as lead applicants. Eligible applicants may collaborate with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and other partners; however, for-profit entities are not eligible to apply as primary recipients. Organizations must meet registration requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining active registration in SAM.gov when applicable. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal and budget. The proposal must include a project summary, goals and objectives, implementation plan, timeline, monitoring and evaluation framework, communication strategy, and detailed team information. Additional required materials include resumes for key personnel, letters of support from partners, and proof of nonprofit status where applicable. Applications must be submitted in English and all budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including alignment with U.S. policy priorities, clarity of project design, level of alumni involvement, strength of partnerships, quality of monitoring and evaluation plans, effectiveness of communication strategies, and the realism of the proposed budget. The review process includes technical eligibility screening followed by evaluation by a review panel. Applicants are typically notified within approximately 120 days after the application deadline. The submission deadline for the 2026 cycle is May 4, 2026. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated program inbox with the funding opportunity title and number included in the subject line. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to BelarusProgram@state.gov. Selected applicants will enter into formal grant agreements and must comply with reporting, financial management, and branding requirements throughout the project period. Recipients are required to submit periodic programmatic and financial reports, with final reports due after project completion.