Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), administered through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy Abidjan, represents an annual opportunity for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to secure funding for community-driven initiatives. Established by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the AEIF seeks to strengthen diplomatic relationships and extend the impact of U.S. exchange programs by empowering alumni to develop and implement projects aligned with key policy objectives of the United States. This includes bolstering prosperity and safety for both American and Ivoirian communities, defending democratic values such as freedom of speech, and promoting shared global interests. The fund is specifically designed to encourage innovation and collaboration among alumni communities, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States as part of the 2026 program cycle. Eligible applicants must be alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. Proposals must include the participation of at least two alumni or be submitted by an alumni association, and should focus on building alumni networks, fostering alumni-government collaboration, or developing community-level leadership initiatives. Organizations acting as the prime applicant must be non-profit and non-governmental, and while individuals may apply, for-profit organizations are excluded. Subcontracting is allowed, provided responsibilities between the parties are clearly defined. All applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov; this is not required for individuals at the time of application but will be necessary before any award is issued to a sub-recipient. Applicants may request funding between $5,000 and $35,000, with projects expected to be completed within a 12-month period. The funding is contingent upon the availability of fiscal year 2025/2026 public diplomacy or economic support funds. Though matching funds are encouraged, they are not required. Allowable expenses include personnel, travel, equipment under $10,000 per unit, and monitoring and evaluation activities. The fund excludes support for partisan activities, direct charitable services, construction, religious activities, scientific research, commercial ventures, or duplicative programs. Additionally, expenditures for pre-award costs, direct social services, and unmanned aircraft from restricted foreign entities are prohibited. Applications must include several required components, including SF-424, SF-424A, and (when applicable) SF-424B forms; a proposal narrative of no more than ten pages; a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan that includes a narrative, datasheet, and a theory of change diagram or statement; a detailed line-item budget with justification; resumes or position descriptions for key personnel; and letters of support from project partners. Optional but potentially requested materials include audit reports, HR and financial policies, or documentation on safeguarding personally identifiable information. The application must be submitted in English with all budgets denominated in U.S. dollars. All proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov by April 30, 2026, close of business GMT. Each proposal will be evaluated based on several criteria including the originality and feasibility of the program idea, the applicant's organizational capacity, the clarity and effectiveness of the program design, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plan, and plans for sustainability. Points are assigned to each section, with priority given to innovative, policy-aligned projects that demonstrate measurable impact. In the case of a tie, preference will be given to applicants with lower indirect cost rates. Applications missing required documents will be deemed ineligible. Award announcements are expected within 120 days of the deadline. Projects must commence after formal award notification and cannot incur pre-award costs. Awardees will be required to submit quarterly programmatic and financial reports, including updates on performance monitoring plans, as well as an annual inventory of equipment purchased with U.S. government funds. All award materials must follow Department of State branding guidelines, including specific references to the Freedom250 initiative. The opportunity is non-renewable and carries compliance obligations under various federal laws and regulations, including anti-trafficking, anti-discrimination, and financial accountability provisions.

Emphasize measurable impact, theory of change, and alignment with policy goals; avoid ineligible costs like political activity or construction.