Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund is a grant program administered by the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique through its Public Diplomacy Section under the U.S. Department of State. This funding opportunity is part of the Educational and Cultural Exchanges program and is designed to support alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. The initiative seeks to strengthen the impact of past exchange participants by enabling them to design and implement projects that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives and promote collaboration between the United States and Mozambique. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, referred to as Freedom 250, while advancing shared economic and social priorities. Projects must highlight American excellence and demonstrate a commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future. Applicants are required to propose initiatives that support economic growth, mutual trade, and shared interests in sectors such as business, technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, agriculture, critical minerals, education, and arts and culture. Funding is provided through grants ranging from 5000 to 35000 dollars, with a total program funding pool of 70000 dollars, pending availability of funds. The program anticipates awarding two grants, each with a performance period of 12 to 18 months. Allowable costs include travel essential to project implementation, venue rentals, reasonable equipment and materials, communications and publicity, and costs related to virtual programming. However, the grant does not support construction, fundraising, partisan political activities, charitable services, or projects focused on institutional development or commercial profit. 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, although additional partners such as nonprofits, academic institutions, and NGOs may participate in implementation. U.S. citizen alumni are not permitted to submit proposals but may participate as team members. Applicants may be individuals or alumni associations, and projects must be led by alumni. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, and organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier and active SAM.gov registration if applicable. The application process requires submission of several mandatory components, including a proposal form, budget form, and federal assistance forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel details, partner information, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. A detailed line-item budget and justification narrative are also required, along with supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status where applicable. Applications must be submitted either via email or through Grants.gov by April 30, 2026 at 17:30 GMT+2. Questions regarding the application must be submitted by April 10, 2026. Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with U.S. policy priorities, quality of implementation plan, level of alumni involvement, community engagement, monitoring and evaluation approach, communication strategy, and budget justification. Applicants are typically notified within 120 days after the deadline, and selected projects are expected to begin around September 2026.

Ensure strong alignment with Freedom 250 and U.S. policy priorities; demonstrate clear alumni collaboration; include measurable M&E plan with SMART indicators; provide detailed and justified budget; show community support through partners