California Services to Science Academy (CSSA) Cohort 2.0: Technical Support and Assistance for Promising and Innovative Prevention Programs

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Amman, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section. This funding opportunity is part of a broader effort to strengthen the long-term impact of U.S. government-funded exchange programs by empowering alumni to design and implement projects that align with U.S. policy priorities. The program reflects the Department of State’s ongoing investment in international educational and cultural exchange initiatives and aims to leverage alumni networks to foster innovation, collaboration, and public engagement. The funding for this opportunity is provided under the Fulbright-Hays authority and supports small-scale, high-impact projects led by exchange alumni. The purpose of this grant is to support alumni-led initiatives that promote American excellence, innovation, and leadership globally, particularly in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Projects must be public-facing, time-bound, and capable of delivering measurable outcomes within a defined performance period. The program emphasizes storytelling and engagement through digital media, dialogue, and community-based activities. Applicants are required to align their proposals with one of three thematic focus areas: American economic opportunity and global commerce, technological and space leadership, or sports and entertainment leadership. Each focus area includes suggested activities such as media campaigns, public dialogues, virtual exchanges, and educational programming. Funding for this opportunity ranges from approximately 5000 to 35000 dollars per award, with a total program funding pool of 35000 dollars, subject to availability. One or two awards are anticipated. Projects must be completed within a performance period of one to twelve months, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. Allowable costs include program-related expenses such as venue rental, in-country transportation, communication materials, and reasonable honoraria. However, the grant strictly prohibits funding for construction, direct social services, political activities, fundraising campaigns, academic research, and other non-aligned activities. Cost sharing is not required. Eligibility is limited to individuals who are alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs, including those under BridgeUSA. Applicants must form teams of at least two alumni, with one designated as the lead applicant. Organizations such as nonprofits, academic institutions, and for-profit entities are not eligible to apply as primary recipients, although they may participate as project partners. Individuals must demonstrate the capacity to manage and implement the proposed activities and are encouraged to involve additional alumni in roles such as mentors or trainers to enhance project impact. The application process requires submission of mandatory federal forms, including SF-424I, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal of no more than ten pages. The proposal must include a summary, applicant background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel details, partner roles, alumni involvement, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. A detailed budget and justification narrative must also be provided, outlining all projected costs across specified categories. Additional attachments include resumes of key personnel and letters of support from partners. All materials must be submitted in English and in U.S. dollars. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated program inbox by May 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Amman time. The subject line must follow a specific naming convention. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the program email address. Applications are reviewed based on criteria such as alignment with U.S. policy priorities, clarity of implementation plan, level of alumni involvement, community support, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and budget justification. Successful applicants will be notified by approximately October 1, 2026, and projects are expected to begin shortly thereafter. The review process includes technical eligibility screening followed by evaluation by a review panel. Selected applicants may be subject to risk assessment and additional reporting requirements. Awardees must comply with federal regulations and submit periodic financial and programmatic reports. The program is expected to recur annually, offering future opportunities for alumni engagement and project development aligned with evolving diplomatic priorities.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. policy priorities and the Freedom 250 theme; clearly demonstrate measurable impact and public-facing outcomes; include robust monitoring and evaluation plan with SMART indicators; emphasize alumni collaboration and community engagement; provide detailed and realistic budget justification