Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026: Strengthen U.S.Kazakhstan Partnerships Through Alumni-Led Innovation

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 is a grant initiative managed by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Kazakhstan under the U.S. Department of State's Public Diplomacy Section. This program builds on a long-standing commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation between the United States and Kazakhstan by funding community-based initiatives led by alumni of U.S. government-funded and -sponsored exchange programs. AEIF has operated globally since 2011 and has supported nearly 600 projects worldwide. The 2026 round specifically targets digital transformation, workforce development, and U.S.-Kazakhstan collaboration as a part of the broader Freedom250 initiative celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary. The AEIF 2026 grant opportunity invites teams of at least two eligible alumni to submit proposals for innovative projects that apply U.S. expertise, values, and networks to address economic and technological challenges in Kazakhstan. These projects are expected to demonstrate American excellence in areas like leadership, entrepreneurship, and responsible digital innovation. The focus is on initiatives that promote economic growth through the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), while also strengthening institutional and human capacity. Proposals must reflect a strong community engagement component and yield measurable, sustainable outcomes within a 3–12-month performance period, starting from August 2026. The program is structured around two primary objectives: first, to advance digital technologies and AI solutions, and second, to demonstrate U.S. innovation and best practices. Objective one targets entrepreneurs, small business owners, and STEM/IT students by enhancing their ability to apply digital tools to local challenges. Specific outcomes include increased adoption of U.S.-based platforms and tools, and the formation of partnerships with U.S. tech firms. Objective two focuses on engaging emerging community leaders and professionals in applying American leadership and innovation models to real-world problems, with expected improvements in perceptions of the U.S. as a leader in innovation and problem-solving. Projects must align with the themes of Freedom250 and are required to take place outside the U.S. or its territories. Funding awards range between $5,000 and $35,000, with three awards expected. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Projects cannot fund operating costs, scholarships, social services, travel to the U.S., or for-profit activities. Only nonprofit or academic organizations—or alumni as individuals—are eligible to receive funding, and all applicants must be alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. U.S. citizen alumni may participate but not apply as primary applicants. The application process requires submission of mandatory federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B for individuals), a detailed proposal (up to 12 pages), a budget and narrative, and supporting documents such as résumés, letters of support, and evidence of nonprofit status. Proposals must clearly articulate the problem, project design, implementation plan, beneficiaries, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and communications approach. All applications must be submitted by March 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Astana Time, via email to [email protected] or through Grants.gov. No pre-application documents such as letters of intent are required, and submissions that are incomplete or late will not be reviewed. Applications will be evaluated on the quality and feasibility of the project idea, alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities, detailed planning, budget appropriateness, monitoring and evaluation rigor, and sustainability. Notification of results is expected within 120 days of the deadline. Awards may be issued as grants or cooperative agreements, with varying degrees of embassy involvement. Recipients will be required to submit quarterly reports and inventory U.S.-funded equipment. Compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and trafficking prevention is also mandated. The grant does not allow pre-award costs, construction, or use of prohibited drone equipment.

Clearly align with U.S. foreign policy priorities; ensure sustainability and measurable outcomes; include strong monitoring and evaluation plan with realistic outputs and impacts.