SUDAN Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund - FY26

The Sudan Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Sudan Affairs (OSA) within the Bureau of African Affairs, is a targeted grant opportunity that supports alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. This fund, part of the broader Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (Assistance Listing 19.022), aims to empower alumni to apply the skills and knowledge they gained during their exchange experience toward initiatives that promote U.S. foreign policy goals. For the fiscal year 2026, the initiative is tied to the 250th anniversary of America’s independence and seeks to amplify projects that reflect American values and foster peace, security, and prosperity. The FY26 round specifically encourages innovative, public service-oriented project proposals that fall under three themes: promoting and celebrating American leadership and culture (including through music, literature, sports), building media capacity with a focus on truth and freedom of speech, and showcasing U.S. leadership in energy, technology, science, and cybersecurity. Projects must clearly align with one or more of these thematic goals and demonstrate tangible community impact through structured activities and measurable outcomes. Proposals must be led by teams comprising at least two alumni from eligible exchange programs. While U.S. citizen alumni may not be lead applicants, they may participate as team members. Funding for the FY26 cycle includes a total program allocation of $35,000, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. Two awards are anticipated, and the duration of funded projects must fall within 3 to 12 months. Grant funds are issued either directly to alumni or to partnering not-for-profit or academic organizations, although no for-profit entities may apply or serve as lead applicants. Allowable costs include those directly tied to project implementation, including travel, equipment, venue logistics, and honoraria. Pre-award costs and expenditures related to political activity, construction, religious activities, lobbying, and commercial ventures are explicitly disallowed. Matching contributions are optional but not required. Applications must be submitted by April 20, 2026, via email to [email protected] and must use the official AEIF proposal and budget forms provided. Required documents include a detailed proposal narrative, budget spreadsheet, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plan, résumés or position descriptions for key personnel, and letters of support from any partners. The proposal must clearly articulate the project’s problem statement, methodology, timeline, roles of team members, expected deliverables, and strategies for sustainability. Proposals must also comply with branding requirements, including use of the Freedom 250 logos in program materials. Projects will be evaluated on criteria such as feasibility and originality of the program idea, organizational capacity and prior grant performance, clarity of the planning and timeline, budget quality, the strength of the monitoring and evaluation strategy, and the likelihood of project sustainability. Final selections will be made by a review panel and are subject to funding availability. Applicants can expect notification within 120 days of the application deadline, and project start dates are anticipated between August and October 2026. The award will be administered through a grant or fixed amount agreement and will require financial reporting and quarterly progress updates. No costs may be incurred prior to the start date shown on the grant award. Additional administrative requirements include compliance with all applicable federal anti-discrimination, trafficking, and procurement laws, as well as audit and reporting obligations outlined in the Department of State’s Standard Terms and Conditions. Further guidance and documentation requirements are detailed in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Use official AEIF Proposal Form for M&E; avoid project duplication; ensure sustainability planning.