Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a grant program administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and implemented by the U.S. Embassy in Honduras. The program is designed to strengthen the long-term impact of U.S. government-funded exchange programs by supporting alumni-led initiatives. Specifically, AEIF provides funding to teams of alumni to design and implement projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities while fostering collaboration and sustained engagement among alumni networks. The initiative emphasizes strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Honduras and enhancing the leadership capacity of alumni participants. The primary purpose of the AEIF 2026 competition is to fund innovative, community-based projects that align with U.S. strategic priorities and commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Projects must address at least one priority area such as regional security cooperation, economic prosperity, science and technology advancement, or freedom of expression and digital rights. In addition, all proposals must include activities that celebrate shared democratic values and highlight the U.S.-Honduras partnership. The program targets Honduran alumni of U.S. exchange programs, including professionals, youth, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, with the goal of generating meaningful and measurable community impact. Funding is provided through a grant mechanism, with individual awards ranging from 5000 to 35000 USD. A maximum of two awards is anticipated, though total available funding has not been specified and remains subject to availability. The performance period for funded projects is limited to 12 months, with anticipated implementation from September 2026 through August 2027. Allowable costs include programmatic expenses such as personnel, travel, supplies, and contracted services, while restrictions prohibit use of funds for construction, direct social services, partisan political activity, fundraising, or religious programming. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Eligibility is strictly limited to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Honduras. Applications must be submitted by teams of at least two alumni or by alumni associations. While U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members, they are not eligible to serve as primary applicants. Eligible applicants may partner with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, or other entities to implement project activities, but only a single nonprofit or non-governmental entity may serve as the prime recipient. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Organizations must also obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain an active registration in SAM.gov unless exempted. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal package in English, including a proposal narrative, budget template, budget justification, and required federal forms such as SF-424 series documents. The proposal must clearly outline objectives, implementation methods, timeline, personnel, partnerships, and a monitoring and evaluation plan with measurable indicators. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status are also required. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated embassy address, with all materials completed by the stated deadline. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Proposals are scored and reviewed by a technical panel, and final decisions are made by the U.S. Department of State. Applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days after the submission deadline. Selected recipients must comply with federal grant regulations, reporting requirements, and branding guidelines, including those associated with Freedom 250 initiatives. The deadline for submission is May 12, 2026, at 23:59 CST, and the funding opportunity is not rolling. The program is part of a recurring annual initiative, suggesting future funding cycles may occur. For questions, applicants may contact the Embassy’s Exchange Alumni Coordinator via email. Overall, AEIF represents a targeted funding opportunity aimed at leveraging alumni expertise to address shared challenges and advance diplomatic and development goals in Honduras.

Align proposals tightly with U.S. foreign policy priorities; ensure measurable outcomes and strong M&E plan; demonstrate alumni collaboration and feasibility