2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund administered by the U.S. Embassy in Amman under the U.S. Department of State is a competitive grant program designed to support alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. The fund is part of the Department of State’s broader public diplomacy efforts to extend the long-term impact of exchange initiatives by enabling alumni to design and implement projects that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives. The program emphasizes collaboration among alumni and requires applicants to form teams of at least two eligible individuals, with one serving as the lead applicant responsible for submission and project oversight. The purpose of the program is to amplify the influence of exchange alumni by supporting innovative, community-focused projects in Jordan that highlight American values, leadership, and global engagement. For this funding cycle, the program aligns with the 250th anniversary of the United States and prioritizes projects that promote American excellence, innovation, and leadership through public-facing activities. Proposed projects must fall within one of several thematic focus areas, including economic opportunity and global commerce, technological and space leadership, and sports and entertainment. Each project must demonstrate measurable outcomes, align with program goals, and target audiences such as youth, entrepreneurs, academics, or community leaders aged 20 to 40 across Jordan. Funding is provided as a grant with a total program allocation of 35,000 dollars, supporting one award ranging from 5,000 to 35,000 dollars. The performance period for funded projects is between one and twelve months, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. Funds may be used for allowable costs such as in-country travel, venue rental, communication materials, modest equipment, and reasonable honoraria. However, the program imposes strict funding restrictions, disallowing expenses such as construction, direct social services, fundraising, partisan political activities, international travel to the United States, and large equipment purchases. Eligibility is limited exclusively 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, and organizations are explicitly excluded from applying as primary recipients. While nonprofits, academic institutions, and other entities may participate as partners, they cannot serve as the lead applicant or receive direct funding as primary implementers. Additionally, applicants must avoid conflicts of interest, including the use of privately owned businesses as project partners. The application process requires submission via email rather than through Grants.gov, and applicants must send their complete proposals to the designated program inbox by the stated deadline. Required application components include standard federal forms, a detailed proposal narrative of up to ten pages, a comprehensive budget and justification, resumes of key personnel, and letters of support from partners if applicable. The proposal must clearly outline project objectives, methods, timeline, personnel roles, evaluation strategy, and sustainability plans. All materials must be submitted in English and in U.S. dollars. Applications are evaluated through a structured review process that assesses alignment with U.S. policy priorities, clarity and feasibility of the implementation plan, degree of alumni involvement, community support, and the strength of monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Additional consideration is given to the communication and outreach strategy as well as the reasonableness and justification of the proposed budget. Applicants are typically notified of funding decisions by October 1, 2026, and selected recipients must comply with federal grant regulations, reporting requirements, and branding guidelines throughout the project period. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is May 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Amman time, and submissions received after this deadline will not be considered. Interested applicants may direct inquiries to the program’s official email address. The program operates as an annual initiative, offering alumni recurring opportunities to propose projects that strengthen bilateral engagement and highlight the ongoing impact of U.S. exchange programs worldwide.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S policy priorities clearly define measurable outcomes demonstrate high alumni involvement and provide a detailed monitoring and evaluation plan with realistic budget justification