U.S.-Argentina Alumni Summit

The U.S. Department of State, through the Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, has issued a funding opportunity titled U.S.-Argentina Alumni Summit: Cross-Sector Innovation for Civic Leadership and Democratic Resilience. This initiative is designed to strengthen democratic institutions, civic leadership, and governance capacity across Argentina by leveraging the country’s network of alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. The program reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities focused on democratic resilience, transparency, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. The primary purpose of the grant is to organize a national, cross-sector Alumni Summit that brings together leaders from the public sector, academia, civil society, and the private sector. The summit will provide participants with practical tools, strategic insights, and ethical frameworks related to innovation and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. The program aims to equip at least fifty alumni participants with enhanced skills in governance and responsible technology use, while also fostering collaboration and long-term partnerships across sectors. Funding for this opportunity is provided through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy funds, with approximately one award anticipated. The funding range is from fifty thousand dollars to one hundred thousand dollars, with total program funding capped at one hundred thousand dollars, pending availability. The award will be administered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Embassy will have substantial involvement in program implementation, including approving participant selection, program themes, and outreach strategies. Projects are expected to begin in September and run for a performance period of approximately eighteen to twenty-four months. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage federal funds and execute a complex, multi-stakeholder program. All organizations must have a valid Unique Entity Identifier and an active registration in SAM.gov. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Applicants are limited to submitting one proposal per organization, and proposals must clearly define any subcontracting relationships. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a comprehensive proposal narrative of up to ten pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, key personnel, partnerships, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Additional required materials include a detailed budget and justification, resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status. All submissions must be in English and budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars. Applications must be submitted via email no later than August 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM Argentine time. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Successful applicants will be required to submit regular financial and programmatic reports and comply with all federal regulations and branding requirements. The expected outcomes of the program include increased capacity among participants to apply responsible technology solutions, the creation of at least three cross-sector partnerships, and measurable improvements in commitment to freedom of expression in digital environments. The initiative ultimately seeks to strengthen democratic institutions in Argentina by building a network of informed, connected, and ethically grounded leaders aligned with open information principles.

Align proposal clearly with US foreign policy priorities include measurable outcomes and strong monitoring evaluation plan ensure detailed budget justification and demonstrate organizational capacity