The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 – Brazil is a funding initiative administered by the U.S. Department of State, under the auspices of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil. This program is part of a larger global effort that began in 2011 to support past participants of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs in leveraging their acquired skills to benefit their communities. AEIF has supported over 1,100 alumni-led projects globally and aims to build stronger global networks, reinforce democratic values, and promote cross-cultural collaboration.
The 2026 cycle of AEIF in Brazil emphasizes celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, aligning project goals with major U.S. policy priorities such as enhancing safety, prosperity, freedom of expression, and promoting U.S. innovation. Projects must directly incorporate these themes while also fulfilling at least one of three key objectives: building or expanding an alumni network, strengthening alumni relationships with the U.S. government, or developing alumni leadership capacity to maximize community impact.
Applicants must be alumni of U.S. exchange programs, with project teams comprising at least two alumni, including one from Brazil. U.S. citizen alumni cannot be team leads or primary applicants but may participate in the team. Proposals may be submitted either by individual alumni or alumni associations, with partnerships allowed with NGOs, academic institutions, or think tanks. All proposed activities must occur outside the United States and its territories.
The application process includes three distinct stages. Stage 1 requires a simplified online form, including a problem statement, goals, team details, and basic project information. If shortlisted, applicants move to Stage 2, where they must submit comprehensive materials including a full project design, budget narrative, outreach strategy, and evaluation plan. Stage 3 involves submitting mandatory federal forms (e.g., SF-424, SF-424A) only if the proposal is selected for funding. All applications must be submitted in English via the designated Google Form by February 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Brasilia Time).
Funding amounts for selected projects range between $5,000 and $35,000, contingent on availability. Awards may be issued as grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, depending on project requirements. The performance period for funded projects is limited to 12 months. The fund does not cover expenses such as U.S. travel, staff salaries, large infrastructure, political activities, or for-profit ventures. Applicants must ensure compliance with all Department of State policies, including branding guidelines for Freedom250-related outreach.
Projects are evaluated based on alignment with program themes, clarity of goals, alumni involvement, local partnerships, measurable impact, communication strategies, and realistic budgeting. The award notification process is led by committees at both the U.S. Embassy in Brazil and the Department of State's Office of Alumni Affairs. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Brazil Grants Committee at [email protected] for additional information or assistance during the application process.
Align projects with Freedom250, include measurable outcomes and strong alumni collaboration; adhere to branding and funding rules.
