U.S. Embassy Bratislava PAS, AEIF 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 is a grant initiative administered by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia. This opportunity, titled simply as the "Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund," is part of the broader U.S. Department of State mission to support the continued impact of participants in U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. AEIF enhances the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy by empowering exchange alumni to implement projects that support strategic U.S. interests while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, civil society, and democratic values. AEIF 2026 specifically aims to support collaborative projects initiated by teams of at least two alumni. Eligible applicants include non-U.S. citizens who have participated in U.S.-sponsored exchange programs. U.S. citizen alumni may participate in the team but are not allowed to lead projects. Applicants can also represent alumni associations, provided they specify a non-U.S. citizen team leader. The program focuses on projects that celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence—“Freedom 250”—and must address at least one of the following themes: promoting freedom of speech and/or religious liberty, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, or celebrating American excellence. Activities must take place outside the United States and its territories, with a particular focus on benefitting communities in Slovakia. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application package, which includes the AEIF 2026 Proposal Form, Budget Form, and standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B. Key personnel resumes and letters of support from partners are required attachments. The application and all documentation must be in English and submitted via email to [email protected] no later than May 4, 2026, at 12 PM CET. Projects should be proposed for a duration of no more than 12 months, with anticipated start dates in September 2026. Submissions are evaluated based on several criteria: relevance to the specified themes, clarity and feasibility of the project plan, involvement of alumni, support from local partners, a defined monitoring and evaluation plan, communication and outreach strategies, and a realistic and detailed budget. Ineligible projects include those involving political activity, direct social services, religious promotion, construction, lobbying, commercial ventures, and scientific research. AEIF also prohibits use of funds for unmanned aerial systems sourced from certain foreign manufacturers and disallows pre-award costs. Award administration is subject to federal guidelines and policies, including compliance with anti-discrimination and anti-trafficking provisions. The grant is structured as a Fixed Amount Award (FAA), and recipients are expected to adhere to quarterly reporting requirements. The award agreement, issued by the Grants Officer, is the sole authorizing document, and expenses may only be incurred after its signing. Payment requests must use the SF-270 form and justify fund usage. Organizations applying must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov unless exempted. The fund expects to award one project with a funding range between $5,000 and $35,000, contingent on the availability of funds. Indirect costs are not eligible under this funding opportunity. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. The Department of State may adjust the amount awarded based on merit and budget justification. Successful projects will not only advance U.S. public diplomacy but also foster enduring partnerships and community-level change in alignment with U.S. strategic values.

Ensure proposals align with Freedom 250 themes and demonstrate alumni leadership, partner support, and a SMART evaluation plan.